OWNERS AND OWNING 69 



him much better," was the reply, and by this time 

 we had reached the quartet. 



" He went well for close on half a mile," the 

 Treasure's jockey told us. " Oh, yes, it was a 

 very good start. He does not stay." 



I looked at him, and certainly he blew very 

 little. I could not delude myself into the idea that 

 he was too backward to show his capacity ; but 

 though I could not guess what was wrong, I felt 

 there must be something — at least I tried so to 

 persuade myself. 



My friend made the excuse that he had to go 

 and find his own horses, and left us together. It 

 was not a moment for cheery conversation. 



" What do you think ? " I feebly inquired. 



" Well, sir," my trainer replied, " it looks 

 as if he does not get the course " — perhaps I 

 should have said that it was five furlongs, but 

 I suppose this will have been understood. " He's 

 been doing well, and I don't see any real ex- 

 cuse ! 



There was none, I knew in my heart ; but, 

 reluct nt to believe the worst, I suggested try- 

 ing him again ten days or so hence, and we 

 did so. The plater gave him twenty-one pounds 

 this time and beat him very nearly as far, one 

 of my friend C. H.'s lot, just bought after 



