396 HISTORY OF THE 



north and south country gentlemen. After Mer- 

 Im had been some Httle time at Newmarket, 

 under the care of one Hesletme, Mr. Frampton's 

 groom endeavoured to bring him over to run the 

 two horses a private trial, at the stated weights and 

 distance agreed upon in the match, — observing that 

 by that means they might both make their fortunes. 

 Hesletine refused, but in such a manner as to give 

 the other hopes of bringing him over. Jn the 

 meanwhile, Hesletine took the opportunity of 

 communicating by letter into Yorkshire, the pro- 

 posed offer to Sir WilUam Strickland, Bart., who 

 was principally concerned in making the match. 

 Sir William returned for answer that he might 

 accept of it ; and instructed Hesletine to be sure 

 to deceive his competitor, by letting Merlin carry 

 seven pounds more weight than that agreed upon, 

 and at the same time laying a particular injunction 

 on secrecy. 



Soon after Hesletine received this hint, he con- 

 sented to the proposal ; but previous thereto Mr. 

 Frampton had given his groom similar instruc- 

 tions. The two horses were prepared, started, and 

 run over the course agreed to m the articles of the 

 match, when Merlin beat his antagonist some- 

 thing more than a length of excellent running. 

 This being communicated to each party by their 

 secret and faithful grooms, who both rode the 

 trial, flattered each with certain success. Merlin's 



