266 CHASING AND RACING 



being of an obstinate and independent disposition, 

 would have none of the " certs " and " cinches " 

 selected for him ; but, in the big event, insisted on 

 having his " suv'rin " on a wretched animal which 

 figured among the " any price you like others " 

 division, just because, if you please, the three- 

 cornered old skin was named " St. Patrick," and its 

 obscure rider was garbed in a green jacket, bearing 

 the Harp of Erin, " back and front ! " 



Well, " the patron saint " walked in with the 

 crowd, some two hundred yards behind the rest of the 

 field. Mickey elbowed his way through the seething 

 throng, until he reached the object of his investment > 

 tapping the jockey on the knee he inquired reproach- 

 fully : 



" Beggin* yer anner's pardon, phwat detained yez ? ' 



