290 THE HIVE OF THE BEE-HUNTER. 



horse looked better for his exertion, was inclined to see 

 the day out, just for the fun of the thing. 



If the extra exercise of the race improved "^oo^s,"' 

 it had quite a contrary effect upon the others. They 

 were sadly blown, and manifested growing symptoms of 

 distress. In those days, the business of training a horse 

 for a four-mile race was beyond the skill of Western 

 jockeys, or at least of many of them, and the art of 

 riding in a manner to keep a horse together, and husband 

 him for after heats, w^as known to but few. In the 

 present case, the horses were both over-trained, and 

 over-worked in the race. 



As soon as the heat was done, innumerable boys and 

 grown-up men were rubbing them down, scraping the 

 foam off of them with great industry and perseverance. 

 Covers of brightest colors were put over them, and such 

 pains as few invalids get, were bestowed upon them ; 

 whilst his rider hitched ''Boots'' to a post,^nd quietly 

 sauntered off to a booth, to comfort himself with ginger- 

 bread and a glass of cider. 



When the time allowed for rest had elapsed, the three 

 horses were again brought to the post — but this time 

 the thorough-breds had become quite subdued, either 

 through fatigue, or from an admiration of the sober de- 

 portment of the strange competitor who stood beside 

 them. At the word ''go,-' they all three "got off" 

 cleverly together for the 



Second Heat. — " Boots '' took a position close up, 



