Edward Knight's Family
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Walter Brook Rice [3] continued.
... suit him, and he went to live in Aviemore, a village in Inverness. He delighted in his neighbours, and soon became their adviser and helper in all manner of ways. He visited them, gave them substantial help in illness or poverty, cheered them with his wit and petted and spoiled their children. Old or young, all adored ' the General.'
On Christmas Night 1892, he had been attending the funeral of a Highlander, and, on his way home, decided to skate on Loch-an-Eilau. The Loch was said to be dangerous, but he thought that a Highland superstition and sent his servant to a cottage to borrow a chair. But the woman refused, she said the General must not skate on the Loch, and she would do nothing to abet him.
Walter took no notice however, and went on to the Loch, his servant watching from the bank. Almost at once the ice broke under him and he was plunged into the icy water, dragged down by the heavy clothing he was wearing. He called to his servant, 'Goodbye, Donald, in one minute I shall be drowned.' The man raced to the cottage, and though all was done that could be done, it was of no avail.
The shock and grief, not only to his family, but ...
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