SIXTY YEAKS ON THE TURF 



Plate. You had better put me a couple of hundred 

 on. But, my lord, on no consideration must you 

 touch it yourself. It's not worth your while." 



Fordham, whom I should like to have had riding, 

 was engaged for Mr. Drewitt's Claret ; so I put up 

 Parry. 



pil " Now, Parry," I said, " don't go down to the post 

 too early. I've seen Fordham. Join him. Canter 

 past the stands, and then walk. It will be all right 

 with the starter if you are a trifle late." 



I then went to his lordship. " I will see you 

 just before the race, by the steps of the Stewards' 

 Stand. There is one I may wish to save on ; and it 

 will be at a good price." 



As Vestminster was walking to the post I met 

 Lord Westmorland at the spot mentioned. 



" Have you put that two hundred on, my lord ? " 

 I asked. 



"Yes." 



" What price ? " 



" Twenty- four hundred to two." Then he added, 

 " Which is the one you wish to cover on ? " 



"Vestminster! Put me five hundred more on 

 on him. And mind, my lord, you must help your- 

 self." 



" But what does all this mean ? I can't under- 

 stand it." 



145 



