MB. SPONGE'S SFOBTING TOUR. 433 



promising than having a steeple-chase run over it. Scourgefiekl, 

 therefore, readily agreed to let Viney and AVatchorn do whatever 

 they liked, on condition that he received entrance-money at the 

 gate. 



The name occupied their attention some time, for it did not 

 begin as the " Aristocratic." The " Great National," the " Grand 

 Naval and Military," the "Sportsman," the " Talli-ho," the "Out- 

 and-Outer," the " Swell," were all considered and canvassed, and 

 its being called the "Aristocratic" at length turned upon whether 

 they got Lord Scamperdale to subscribe or not. This was accom- 

 plished by a differential call by Mr. Yiney upon Mr. Spraggon, 

 with a little bill for three pound odd, which he presented, with the 

 most urgent request that Jack wouldn't think of it then — any 

 time that was most convenient to Mr. Spraggon — and then the 

 introduction of the neatly-headed sheet-list. It was lucky that 

 Viney was so easily satisfied, for poor Jack had only thirty shillings, 

 of which he owed his washerwoman eight, and he was very glad to 

 stuff Viney's bill into his stunner jacket-pocket, and apply himself 

 exclusively to the contemplated steeple-chase. 



Like most of us, Jack had no objection to make a little money ; 

 and as he squinted his frightful eyes inside out at the paper, he 

 thought over what horses they had in the stable that were like the 

 thing ; and then he sounded Viney as to whether he would put him 

 one up for nothing, if he could induce his lordship to send. This, 

 of course, Viney readily assented to, and again requesting Jack 

 not to ihinlc of his little bill till it was perfectly convenient to him 

 — a favour that Jack was pretty sure to accord him — Mr. Viney 

 took his departure, Jack undertaking to write him the result. The 

 next day's post brought Viney the document — unpaid, of course — 

 with a great " Scamperdale " scrawled across the top; and forth- 

 with it was decided that the steeple-chase should be called the 

 " Grand Aristocratic." Other names quickly followed, and it soon 

 assumed an importance. Advertisements appeared in all the sport- 

 ing and would-be sporting papers, headed with the imposing names 

 of the stewards, secretary, and clerk of the course, Mr. Viney. The 

 " Grand Aristocratic Stakes," of 20 sovs. each, half-forfeit, and 51. 

 only if declared, &c. The winner to give two dozen of champagne 

 to the ordinary, and the second horse to save his stake. Gentle- 

 men riders (titled ones to be allowed 3 lbs.). Over about three 

 miles of fine hunting country, under the usual steeple-chase 

 conditions. 



Then the game of the " Peeping Toms," and " Sly Sams," and 

 "Infallible Joes," and " AVide-awake Jems," with their tips and 

 distribution of prints began ; Tom counselling his numerous and 

 daily increasing clients to get well on to No. 9, Sardanapalus (the 

 Bart., as Watchorn called him), while "Infallible Joe" recom- 



