HIS COUP WITH 'CHANTICLEER' 1^3 



Swindell himself, on the other hand, dressed always in 

 a funereal suit of black, as though in mourning for some 

 animal whose death-blow had been administered by his 

 skilful hands. Like Mr. Padwick, in his frock-coat, black 

 satin stock, and tall hat, he could be easily distinguished 

 from all other members of the ring. 



The first great ' coup ' that Mr. Swindell brought off 

 was for Mr. Merry with Chanticleer. His shrewdness in 

 this case was remarkable, and to it Mr. Merry probably 

 owed his success. He executed the commission, which 

 was a large one, to his own satisfaction, and to that of 

 his employer. A second was given with a like result ; 

 but, strange to say, the horse became no better favourite. 

 This strongly excited Swindell's suspicion, and he said to 

 Mr. Merry : 



' There is something wrong. What it is I don't know, 

 but we must find it out somehow.' 



Bumby was to ride the horse, and it was suspected 

 that the bookmakers knew more than the commissioner, 

 and indeed the upshot of the matter can lead to no other 

 conclusion. Swindell, therefore, suggested that Mr. 

 Merry, on his return from Edinburgh to attend the race 

 at Goodwood, should bring with him a spare cap and 

 jacket. This was done, and they were handed by Mr. 

 Swindell to another jockey, C. Marlow, on the morning 

 of the race. Bumby was then informed that he was not 

 wanted to ride Chanticleer that day, and the murder was 

 out. Chanticleer in a few minutes returned to favouritism, 

 backed by his detractors for anything they could get; 

 but even so, they lost a large stake through his 

 winning. 



After this, as was only natural, Mr. Swindell's services 

 were eagerly sought by those who thought they knew 

 what they were about ; and he gained a position that 



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