SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF 



and noticing that the Doctor (who did not then 

 get a deal about) had not recognised either, 

 "Doctor, what do you think of Custance's riding 

 now ? " 



" Custance ! " returned the peppery old gentleman, 



" He be d d ! He can't ride a bit. He hanofs 



on. That's all he does." 



Custance, at first, was inclined to take the affair 

 seriously, till I winked at him. 



"Well," I said, "perhaps there is some truth in 

 what you say. But surely you will allow Fordham 

 is better." 



" Oh, yes ! He's a bit better. But, mind you, 

 not much. Tom Chaloner can beat his head off ! " 



The fun was a little bit too real for Fordham, sa 

 I suggested the three of them should take a hand 

 at cards, I looking on. They set to work on some 

 simple-seeming game, called, unless I am mistaken^ 

 " Driving Jack out of Town." The stakes were 

 nominal, but Fordham and Custance between them 

 won from the old Doctor five shillings. Both were 

 as pleased as if they had netted a big sum. They 

 might not be able to ride, but they were too clever 

 for him at cards. 



" Now," I said, " I must be off. Doctor, in the 

 morning I am going with these two gentlemen up 

 to The Warren to have an hour's shooting and a 



167 



