Mackinlay was in for the 'High Jump,' which he won easily, clearing 5 feet 7 inches. He also won the 'Steeple-chase' by two yards.

After this came the Marching Order' race, always an interesting event.

The competitors were in full uniform, carrying rifle, sword - bayonet, and sixty rounds of ball-cartridge, and wearing packs with full 'kits' in them, these being supplied by the Royal Engineers stationed at Sandhurst. There were ten of us altogether, and we fell in line whilst our 'kits' were inspected, to see there was nothing missing.

The distance to be covered was 450 yards.

Seven of those running were third-term cadets, who had entered for the same race the previous year; two others were second-termers; so I had the honour of representing the 'Johns.' I had practised regularly, Jack and Bankes coaching me, for three weeks, and felt pretty confident of being 'placed,' even if I did not win. It, however, proved an easy victory for me, for, getting away at the first, I kept a good lead throughout, and won easily by three yards.

And now the more serious events of the day were over, the spectators flocked down to the spot where the twenty-seven donkeys were picketed, all ready for the fray.

Loud laughter greeted the cadets who were to ride, as they made their appearance in every description of attire. Several were got up as jockeys, in more or less correct

racing costume; others were content to appear in ordinary dress; whilst three under-officers of the 'C' Company created great amusement by turning out as for riding-drill, with booted overalls, heel-spurs, and their swords, their donkeys with regulation bridles and military saddles complete. Suddenly loud cheers were heard in the opposite direction, and cries of Tapimibomenos! Tapimibomenos! three cheers for Corporal Hughes!' and, his red face beaming with good-humour, Pat trotted up on the largest donkey I ever saw. Pat was got up regardless of expense, in a very natty racing kit,-blue cap and crimson jacket with blue sleeves,-everything down to his spurs being quite en règle.

6

On the card Pat's steed was entered as Tapimibomenos,'-a name that tickled the fancy of the cadets immensely.

one.

Jack Mackinlay had happened to mention to Diver, of the 'Sun' hotel at A―n, that he and I were anxious to run a donkey at the sports, if we could get hold of a good Diver offered to lend us one, which, if her rider could keep on her back, would be almost certain to beat any animal likely to be entered. I volunteered to ride. this brute, and Diver sent her over two days before the sports, so I had time to get accustomed to my 'Bucephalus.' Jack entered her as Mrs. D.'

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The start for this Asinine Derby' was splendid. It took nearly an hour to marshal and get us off, and then out of the twenty-seven starters, only eleven left the post; of the others, four ran clean away up the Staff-College

road, one lay down and refused to move, and the riders of the rest gave up in despair. Amongst the actual starters were Pat Hughes, the three 'C' Company underofficers, Bankes, Sinclair, and myself.

Pat's donkey was a good one, and, had it been properly ridden, must have won in a canter; but poor Pat was not a horseman.

For the first two hundred yards Tapimibomenos went clean away at a slapping pace, but then came the turn in the course.

Pat, with his legs and arms working like the sails of a windmill, did his best to guide the animal, but without success, for the brute bolted into the crowd of spectators, who fled right and left. Pat hauled at his head without the slightest effect, and the monster donkey bore down straight on a small pony-phaeton, in which were seated a stout old lady and four small boys.

'Out of the way, ma'am! clear the way!' yelled a dozen cadets, whilst Sergeant-major Savager (the noncommissioned officer in charge of the riding - school) seized the pony's head, and tried to draw the phaeton aside. It was too late; down charged poor Pat! then just as he reached the doomed phaeton, the donkey stopped dead, and shot his rider clean over his head into the very midst of the terrified occupants of the carriage. Fortunately nobody was hurt, and the gallant Pat, picking himself up, was making the most ample apologies, when he suddenly became aware that his nether garments had suffered severely.