Some of the accounts that appeared in the papers from time to time relating to Lord William’s achievements were very funny. The _Sporting Times_ some years ago referred to this in one of their issues I am told, as follows: “Does Lord William Beresford read the _Hornet_? Probably not, but if he does he must be surprised to find that he is the third son of John, fourth Marquis of Waterloo. Why not also first cousin of Viscount Vauxhall, and distantly related to the Countess of Charing Cross?” Lord William’s health about now was causing some anxiety, and he was persuaded to try Homburg where he had been benefited several times before, but on this occasion he came back looking worse than when he went. [Illustration: LORD WILLIAM AND LORD MARCUS BERESFORD] The last time I saw his lordship at Homburg, the Prince of Wales, Sir George Wombwell and Colonel Stanley Clarke were being greatly amused at some of his jokes, and the stories he was telling against himself. Shall we ever see his like again? CHAPTER XVI LAST YEARS “1900 ... and Feels It”--Affection for the 9th Lancers--Help for a Brother Mason--Those Who Loved Him--Friends, not Sight-Seers--A Treasured Gift--Sale of Horses at Newmarket--Purchasers and Prices--Fate of Democrat--Volodyovski Wins the Derby--Too Late--Fierce Ownership Dispute--The Law Settles It--Broken Head of a small Beresford During most of 1900 Lord William suffered at intervals from his old complaint contracted in India, namely dysentery, and it was taking all his strength away; that he was feeling very sadly I know, and on a photograph he was signing for a friend he wrote “W. B., 1900, ... and feels it.” At times he was observed sitting resting before dinner, a most unusual thing for him to do. Unfortunately in December he ate some game that was too high for his delicate state of health, this set up peritonitis, and, in spite of the best advice and most tender nursing, he passed away on the 28th December with a smile for those around him, to the inexpressible grief of all who knew him well, and the sincere regret of all who were lucky enough to have met him. The specialist, Sir Thomas Lauder Brunton, came down from town several times to see the invalid, and at one time there seemed to be a ray of hope, only to be dashed to the ground again, for the poor, gallant, brave heart for the first time in his life failed him and refused to work any longer. His last race was run, and surely the prize must be his for his many acts of charity not only in kind, but goodness and mercy.