THE GREAT FOUR-MILE DAY. 287 
fore that time, and consequently he was set down as 
“aged,” a term of scope and verge enough to satisfy the 
most fastidious. But his pedigree! There was the 
rub. 
‘‘ Boots”? was an orphan upon the paternal side 
from birth, and the mother’s too, so far as any one could 
say to the contrary. He was what is called filius nud- 
lus, or nobody’s child, and consequently had a right to 
claim any one for parent he thought fit. His owner 
plead to be allowed to enter him as “a charity scholar,” 
but this could not be granted. At length a compro- 
PP] 
mise was made, and ‘‘ Boots” appeared upon the field 
under the following imposing blazon and protection. 
“The Hon. J. L 
‘ Tar, out of a ‘Cuff’ mare, of unknown extraction.” 

enters bl. h. ‘ Boots,’ aged; by 
These preliminaries settled, the thorough-breds were 
saddled, and the saddle was taken off of ‘ Boots” for 
the contest. A negro lad who had ridden him as far as 
the house where I resided, and who was allowed by his 
master to go to the races, as he had to wait till they 
were over to take him home, was mounted upon him. 
Great was the laughter of the crowd when the horses 
were about starting. The pawing impatience of the 
over-trained racers, attracted little attention. The 
gaze of the multitude was upon the black pony. “ Blan- 
nerhassett” neighed, and “Epaminondas”’ snorted,— 
but all to no purpose. No one cared to look at them. 
‘* Boots” was like a Merry Andrew in a deep tragedy— 
