CHASING AND RACING 239 



be offered. We all went to the meeting to interview 

 this prodigy, and were introduced to a singularly 

 handsome black colt, whose bearing and manners, 

 plus the whole-hearted recommendation of our astute 

 friend, emboldened us to freely lay odds of n-io on 

 in a small field. If I remember rightly, my one-time 

 -protege^ Walter Bradford, had the mount, and he 

 " doddled it," winning in a canter by a couple of 

 lengths. Here, thought I, is a smasher, and one to 

 follow religiously. So the next time Blackthorn ran 

 I had a packet on him ; but, to my surprise and pain, 

 he was numbered with the " also ran," and, as far as I 

 can remember, never greatly distinguished himself 

 thereafter. 



Now the question arises, how on earth did Capt. 

 Machell gauge the colts' chances in the Gatwick race 

 with such accuracy that he was able to reduce the 

 issue to a gilt-edged certainty, having regard to the 

 fact that the winning card was not an " honour " ? 

 Or was Blackthorn really a top-sawyer when he ran at 

 Gatwick, and did he subsequently lose his form through 

 some untoward circumstance ? I am left guessing ! 

 Anyway, we all got home on him (Glory be !), and 

 departed rejoicing and pouring blessings on the gallant 

 Captain's level head. 



Sometimes a very Great Personage would honour 

 Regal Lodge with his company at luncheon or dinner. 

 On the latter occasions he preferred a homely little 

 gathering consisting of our hostess, her daughter, a 



