THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



that was the name of the artist who brought Nameless to the 

 post 'Tlic Prince's man declines, as his horse has a heavy 

 match over his head ; but Bliss says, he doubts not but that 

 Mr Portn.orc will accept your challenge, and that you shall 

 have his answer in the morning. But, sir,' continued Lilly, 

 ' had you not better consider further before ' 



' No time for considering now/ said our hero ; ' I must return 

 to my porty, and will see you in the morning.' 



As our hero sat at his breakfast, in company with his friends 

 Inkleton, Hargrave, and Goodall, the following note was brought 

 him : — 



< gjj^ 



'My trainer informs me that you propose a match between 

 Nameless and Antonio, same weight and distance, as likewise 

 riders as for the Welter yesterday, for 500 guineas, P. P. I 

 admii^ your spirit in making this offer, after the event of yester- 

 day, but, being an older man than yourself, and somewhat 

 more experienced, perhaps, in racing ailairs, I think it only 

 fair to say that I ought to give you three pounds. On these 

 conditions, my horse shall be at the post on Thursday, after the 

 last race of the day. Your early answer will oblige, 



' Yours faithfully, etc., 



' A. PORTMORE. 



'To Franfis Raby, Esq.' 



' Well,' exclaimed Sir John Inkleton, ' Portmore acts, as he 

 always acts, the part of an honourable man.' 



' The three pounds may give you the race,' exclaimed Har- 

 grave ; ' but don't forget the pull.' 



' I will back you for a pound or two,' said Goodall, although 

 I know so little of racing as to be almost incredulous as to three 

 pounds being an advantage worth speaking about in such a 

 weight as you propose to carry.' 



' My good fellow,' said Fairfax, who entered the room at that 

 moment T' the key of the stable-door once lost the trial between 

 two of the first race-horses of the day.' 



' An old woman's story/ exclaimed our hero ; ' but (pulling 

 the bell hastily at the moment) I'll have none of his three 

 pounds. I'll run the match at evens, and lay another £500 



I win it.' 



827 



