OLD MATCHES, AND NEW DODGES 83 



caught her ; a dreadfully severe struggle then ensued. 

 Matilda, who was ridden without spurs, by James 

 Kobinson, was next the ditch, and Mameluke on her 

 right. He tried to pass her in so determined a 

 manner that every muscle in his splendid frame was 

 visible. On reaching the end of the white rails it 

 was evident that he was in difficulty. " He can't do 

 it ! He's defeated ! He can't do it ! " was heard all 

 around ; and " Matilda ! Matilda ! " was roared from 

 the top of the grand stand. At the distance-post 

 another strong effort was made to pass the marc, 

 but she won the race by about a length, leaving the 

 impression that, had Mameluke got off in the first 

 instance, he would have been the victor easily.' 



G 2 



