SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF 



and water, he emptying his glass at one gulp. You 

 gained more flavour so, he asserted, than by sipping. 

 The real reason was that the poisons he conveyed to 

 the liquors of his victims should be sure of effect. 

 When he and Swindell had their "toddy" on the 

 Saturday night — the races began on Monday — he 

 persuaded Fred to adopt the gulping fashion. Next 

 day Swindell was very unwell — so queer that he 

 spoke of going home. But Palmer persuaded him to 

 stay on. 



" Well, get some fresh advice," said Swindell. " I 

 can't make out what is the matter with me." 



A doctor was called in by Palmer, and he, 

 naturally instructed by the poisoner, endorsed the 

 view that Swindell should remain at Wolverhampton 

 rather than journey to London. 



" Mr. Palmer is treating you admirably. You 

 could not be in better hands," were his parting 

 words, as Swindell informed me. 



Monday, the day of the race, brought no improve- 

 ment in Swindell's state, and he was confined to bed 

 while Doubt was running for his life ! There were 

 nine starters, of whom Musician and Pastrycook 

 were most regarded. Neither gained a place, the 

 first falling to Doubt, who, ridden by W. Sharpe, 

 pulled through by half a length from Montagu. The 

 racecourse then was very near the town, and no 



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