SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF 



that was at her mercy. But he could not run her 

 that or the next day, or the ensuing, or the fourth. 

 I begged of him several times to start her, but he 

 curtly told me he knew his business best. On the 

 Friday I had a filly named Vexatious, in the 

 Nursery Plate at 6 st. 4 lb., and Valentine was 

 handicapped at 7 st. 1 lb. 



" I mean to run mine, Captain," I said. " You've 

 had every chance ; and as it's the last day I must 

 have a cut in." 



" Do as you like," he returned. " I'm going to 

 back mine. Do you want your hundred on ? " 



" Certainly. That was part of the deal. But I 

 shall have two hundred on mine, and, Captain, 

 mark my word, I am sure to beat you." 



The answer was a laugh of ridicule. '' I am not 

 afraid of yours. I shall put you the hundred on." 



What with the trial and the waiting policy 

 everybody was on the look out for Valentine, and, 

 as Captain Hawkesley put his money down freely, 

 she soon stood at 5 to 4, while I obtained 600 to 200 

 about my Vexatious. One of the firmest friends of 

 the Captain was Mr. Pryor, who, as the present 

 bearer of the name, raced in the Mexican bluejacket. 

 He was of a different type to his friend, and on his 

 asking me what I thought, I related all that had 

 passed between the Captain and myself. 



274. 



