THE LIFE OF A SrOllTSINlAN 



' Lininier's Hotel, Bond Street, June 4th, 1804. 



' Mr. Grimes, — 



' I want to borrow £2000 on my bond, for which I will 

 pay the legal interest, and make an insurance on my life, if 

 you think it necessary, for the principal. If you can so far 

 oblige me, do it quicJcly, as I want to purchase some hunters 

 against next season. At all events, say nothing about this 

 application to any one — of all persons in the world, not to 

 Robson. I can have the bond prepared here, which will be 

 better than employing a country attorney. 



' In haste, yours, etc., 



' Francis Raby. 



' To Mr. Grimes.' 



An answer to this effect was returned by tlie first post : — 



' Ashton Mills, June 7tli, 1804. 



' Hon. Sir, — 



' I am sorry to liear you want such a large sum as £2000. 

 Sure you been't agoing to lay it out all in horses, for you liave 

 the finest in the country now, by odds. Howsomever, 3^ou 

 shall have the money by this day month, on the conditions 

 you propose ; and on receiving the papers, it shall be paid 

 through my salesman, in London, so that nobody will know 

 nothing about it. I am glad to oblige you, sir, and don't 

 doubt but you'll be kind to the lads when I am gone. No 

 more at present from, hon. sir, 



' Your dutiful servant, 



'John Grimes. 



' P.S. — As I loves you, Mr. Francis, as the apple of my eye, 

 don't be offended at my saying I hopes you won't get into no 

 mischief among the gambling gentlemen in London. They 

 tells me they are too sharp for us country people.' 



How is it, it may be asked, that we have heard nothing of 

 Sir John Inkleton, the friend and patron of our hero, in the 

 late memorable transactions ? How is it, indeed, that he was 

 not allowed to be privy to them ? The answer is — it was too 

 near home for the grand secret of the racing fillies, as also the 

 transactions with Mr. Sharpe, to be divulged in that (juarter. 

 Sir John, in spite of now and then a hint from Lady Charlotte, 

 that he had ' spoiled Francis for a j^ounger brother,' was a 



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