The Harkaway Hunt Steeplechases, 167 



fessor, whose hat had never even been displaced, and 

 who had not even troubled himself to remove the flower 

 that adorned his mouth, kept hitting away right and left 

 at the faces of the angry mob until at last they turned and 

 fled, the garrison sallying forth after them, just as the 

 police, collected from all parts of the course, arrived to 

 their assistance. Billy, indeed, made a capital morning's 

 work of it, as a subscription was got up for him on the 

 spot, and forthwith presented to him. 



The disreputable Mr. Jack Tomkins bided his time, and 

 whilst the next race was being run, took advantage of it 

 to make his exit, and, getting into a fly, made the best of 

 his way back to Bullerton. 



The Farmers' Race is over, and then comes the impor- 

 tant race of the day, the Hunt Cup. There is tremendous 

 excitement amongst the ladies, of course, and as the 

 twelve competitors emerge on to the course, and trot and 

 canter past the fair occupants of the carriages, many are 

 the conjectures as to what will win. Little Miss Blue- 

 bell declares for the blue and white sleeves and black cap 

 of Lord Daisyfield, worn by Charles Wildoats, and backs 

 that gentleman accordingly for all the gloves she can get 

 on. She will receive half the contents of Givry's shop if 

 Charlie wins. 



Our sporting friend, Mrs. Tom Chirpington, again, is 

 backing her husband through thick and thin, and Tom, 

 though considerably larger and heavier than in the old 

 'Varsity days, when he was wont to take his own part so 

 well over the Aylesbury fences, looks like business all 

 over, as he puts his horse, Jack o' Lantern, at the gorse- 

 topped hurdles in front of the Stand. Lots of the yokels 

 put their crown-pieces on the Squire, as they call him, foi 



