He generally made a point of being present on these occasions, sometimes riding over the course himself.

If a horse, bought as a hunter, failed to justify its character by its performance it was invariably returned.
Sometimes Ramon gave us an exhibition of his skill as a gaucho.

One of the wildest of the horses would be let loose in the park, and the old soldier, armed with a lasso and mounted on an animal trained by himself, and equipped with a South American saddle, would follow and try to "rope" the runaway, Mr.Fortescue, Rawlings, and myself riding after him.

It was "good fun," but I fancy Mr.Fortescue regarded this sport, as he regarded hunting, less as an amusement than as a means of keeping him in good health and condition.
Regina (a recent purchase) was tried and, I think, found wanting.

I recall the instance merely because it is associated in my mind with an event which, besides affecting a momentous change in my relations with Mr.
Fortescue and greatly influencing my own fortune, rendered possible the writing of this book.
The trial over, Mr.Fortescue told me, somewhat abruptly, that he intended to leave home in an hour, and should be away for several days.