CHAPTER XIII 



Custance and Fordham — Dr. Shorthouse's frank criticism — 

 *' Driving Jack out of Town" — Archer's opinion of Fordham 

 — Macaroni's Derby — Lord Clifden beaten a head — Mr. 

 Oldaker's unfortunate statement — The serious result to him- 

 self — Fordham heart-broken — Mr. William Day " carpeted." 



Ample, and entertaining, as are the " Reminiscences " 

 of my old friend, Harry Custance, he has, I venture 

 to gently remind him, neglected to mention a comical 

 incident that occurred at Carshalton when I lived 

 there close on forty years ago. Custance and Ford- 

 ham came down one day to ride in a trial the next 

 morning on Epsom Downs. In the evening we 

 three went to a little hostelry, known as " The 

 Greyhound," kept by an old gentleman of the name 

 of Denby. While we were seated in the cosy smoke- 

 room. Dr. Shorthouse dropped in ; and here I must 

 mention that I had instructed Mr. Denby and his 

 family not to call Fordham and Custance by their 

 names — the one was to be " Simpson " and the 

 other " Wilson." After sitting talking I, knowing 

 the Doctor's prejudice against both Fordham and 

 Custance, said, thinking there would be some fun, 



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