THE PARSON'S JOCKEY. 47 



when about ten days after the race he received the following 

 letter from his bishop : 



' My dear Dr. Grosesmith, — The enclosed has been brought 

 under my notice. It certainly bears a strange appearance, but 

 from what I know of your character I am sure you will have 

 some satisfactory explanation to offer.' 



The * enclosed' consisted of a cutting from the local paper, 

 containing a report of the races, in which the following line was 

 underscored : 



' The Cup, value 30 guineas, for all ages ; six furlongs. 



The Rev. Dr. Grosesmith's br. m. Mona (R. Miller) . i.' 



The worthy rector stared in amazement at this extraordinary 

 announcement. His name printed as the owner of a winning 

 racehorse ! It was incredible. As soon as his first feeling of 

 astonishment had subsided the rector at once sent for Mister 

 Miller. Now it unfortunately happened that Mister Miller, 

 having lost all his fear of detection after this lapse of time, had 

 been carousing pretty heavily with his boon companions, and was 

 considerably the worse for his potations when, in obedience to 

 the summons for his immediate attendance, he was ushered into 

 his master's presence. One glance at the rector's face as he 

 stood in front of the fireplace was enough to show Mister Miller 

 that he had been found out. The Reverend Dr. Grosesmith was 

 white with rage. His hand shook as he handed the bishop's 

 letter with the cutting to his coachman, and asked sternly, 



* Now, sir, tell me what is the meaning of that — I suppose 

 you know ?' 



Mister Miller was speechless. The rector continued, 



' Do you mean to tell me, sir, that you have had the un- 

 speakable audacity to dare to ride a horse of mine in a race, and 

 bring my name into public scandal ?' 



There was no help for it. Mister Miller had to stammer out 

 a feeble affirmative. 



' Then I discharge you at once, sir. I am not sure that I 

 ought not to prosecute you for defamation of my character. But 

 at any rate you leave my service at once, and you will get no 

 character from me, sir. Go, sir, at once. I see you've been 

 drinking, and I suppose I have to thank your drunkenness for 

 this.' 



So, humbled, crestfallen, and very much sobered, Mister 



