148 



RACING. 



again.' He is followed by the three-cornered beggar. From 

 him, too, the sweat is pouring, but never a spur mark shows on 

 his side, and he looks round him with a half-bewildered, half- 

 satisfied air, as who should say, ' What does it all mean ? and 

 why does the " old one " look so astonished ? Does he think 

 no horse can gallop but himself? ' 



The other youngsters lag behind, leg-weary and blown. 

 They seem, now that my imagination is aroused, almost to realise 

 their defeat and its consequences, to look forward with dread 



Slouches sulkily along. 



to their own too probable fate of slavery in the cab-rank, and 

 with envy to the more brilliant future of their unprepossessing 

 comrade. 



Gradually they disappear down the hill-side, and for an 

 hour or more I wander alone, drinking in the fresh pure air for 

 this is what the doctor orders and feasting my eyes on what 

 to me is the loveliest scenery in the world. Strange how my 

 mind keeps reverting to that lop-eared colt. I fancy I should 

 know him again anywhere, and as I step into the pony-carriage 

 which awaits me under the chestnut-trees at the foot of the 



