298 THE HIVE OF THE BEE-HUNTER. 

, who, now that his horse was distanced, would 
’s nag done the same 
Dr. B 
give his left hand to see J. H 
by, declared openly for the pony; and the judges “being 
sufficiently advised,” decided that way. This was the 
most reasonable, as well as the most popular judgment ; 
for one half of those who betted on “ Blan,” being, in 
sporting terms, “ fielders,” and who, consequently, could 

not lose, were vociferous for the continuance of the sport. 
This question settled, betters were puzzled how to 
lay out their money. Blannerhassett had yet friends 
who would not hedge. They could not realize the pos- 
sibility of his being beat by a scrub like “ Boots,” and 
J. H 
at the end of the last heat, vaunted his nag’s prowess 
anew, as well to assure his friends, as to brag off the 

taking courage from the pony’s strange freak 
‘ Boots’”’ people. 
Strange rumors were circulated respecting the con- 
dition of each horse. The trainer of “ Blan” kept the 
people, as far as possible, from inspecting the state of 
his charge, whilst every man, woman and child in the 
field, that chose to do so, was allowed to look on “ Boots,”’ 
and get upon his back too, as to that matter. 
The old pony looked none the worse for wear, and 
how to account for his fantastic behavior, was perplex- 
ing enough. Some said he sulked, others that he had 
given way internally,—one or two insinuated foul deal- 
ings. None, however, divined the real cause, except 
Jesse, who kept it to himself, not even venturing to in- 
