THE TURF. 
first careful to make myself look as much like a stable- 
boy as I could, I came at the hour of four (the summer 
hour for opening the afternoon stables, giving a slight 
feed of oats, and going out to evening exercise), and 
ventured to ask if I could see John Watson. The 
immediate answer was in the affirmative. John Watson 
came, looked at me with a serious but good-natured 
countenance, and accosted me with, * Well, my lad, what 
is your business ? I suppose I can guess ; you want a 
place?' 'Yes, Sir.' 'Who have you lived with?' 
' Mr. Woodcock, on the forest. One of your boys, Jack 
Clarke, brought me with him from Nottingham.' ' How 
came you to leave Mr. Woodcock ? ' 'I had a sad fall 
from an iron-grey filly, that almost killed me.' ' That 's 
bad, indeed ; and so you left him ? ' ' He turned me 
away, sir.' l That 's honest. I like your speaking the 
truth. So you are come from him to me?' At this 
question I cast my eyes down, and hesitated, then 
fearfully answered, 'No, sir.' 'No! what, change 
masters twice in so short a time ? ' 'I can't help it, sir, 
if I am turned away.' This last answer made him smile. 
' Where are you now, then ? ' ' Mr. Johnstone gave me 
leave to stay with the boys a few days.' ' That 's a good 
sign. I suppose you mean little Mr. Johnstone at the 
other end of the town?' 'Yes, sir.' 'Well, as you 
have been so short a time in the stables, I am not 
surprised he should turn you away ; he would have 
everybody about him as clever as himself; they must 
all know their business thoroughly ; however, they must 
161 
