Page:Early Reminiscences.djvu/200

156 The late John Perry had several tales of him. The Perrys lived at Staverton at the time. John Perry of Priestaford said: "Edward Gould lived at Pridhamsleigh with an old housekeeper. He was a bachelor, and in his younger days had served with distinction in a cavalry regiment in the wars against the French. He was subject to fits of ungovernable passion, which at times took the form of foolhardy bravery. As an instance, in one of the battles in the Low Countries he dashed suddenly into the enemy's lines, seized the regimental colours, cutting down the ensign who bore them. He then cut his way through the astonished enemy, and brought the trophy back in safety, to receive high commendation from his General."

I have heard another version of the incident. According to this he put his glove under the collar of his favourite dog and swore to follow it whither it led. The dog dashed into the enemy's lines and was killed at the feet of the ensign. Edward cut down the man, recovered his glove and returned with the flag.

John Perry continued:

"When he retired from the army, he had the shoes removed from his famous white charger, and allowed it to end its days in peace and plenty, roaming at large in the Pridhamsleigh meadows. It is reported that on one occasion a gipsy passing in the road saw the old horse, and called at the house, where he found the master sitting by the kitchen fire.

"'What's your business, my man?' asked Edward Gould.

"'Oh,' replied the gipsy, 'I've zeed an old 'ors in the mead down there. If 'tis yours, I'll give ee a pound a leg for un. 'Tis as much as 'tis worth, I assure you.'

"'Susan!' shouted Edward Gould to his housekeeper, 'Bring me my horse-pistol at once. I'll load it to three fingers, and shoot the rascal; he has insulted me by offering a pound a leg for my charger.'

"The gipsy saw the passion rising in Gould's eyes, and took to his heels, chased by Edward Gould, pistol in hand, through the meadows. He was in one of his tantrums, and would certainly have shot the gipsy if he had got up with him."

This was taken down from John Perry by the Rev. J. B. Hughes, Vicar of Staverton.