io8 THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER 



out, a bunch of flowers is stuck in the horse's bridle, 

 and he is led away. 



"Now, Debenham," said I, taking my friend's 

 arm, " it is our turn. There will be a jolly row over 

 our affair, and, true to his word, here comes Captain 

 Willum. Now, Captain, are you coming with us ? " 



"I rather guess I air a-corning with you," he 

 replied ; " this old hoss ain't a-going to leave you. 

 I can explain all matters for you. Look at them low 

 cusses a-larfing and giggling. I guess, my coons, 

 you don't know your little game is up a tree. Don't 

 try to play 'possum with me." 



' On mentioning we had something to say to the 

 stewards, we were politely invited to step up on the 

 stand. Our friend came out well, and explained 

 all to them. They seemed rather astonished, and 

 ordered the saddles to be brought up. The horses 

 were walked up, and the saddles taken off. They 

 were soon satisfied as to the truth of our statement, 

 and the culprits, being pointed out by our American 

 friend, were immediately taken into custody by a 

 couple of gendarmes. Fresh leathers were put in, 

 and all in readiness. There were nine starters for 

 this, and some five or six were ridden by Englishmen. 



" Gentlemen," said one of the stewards, "we are 

 watching you ; mind there is no foul riding : I warn 

 you." 



"Never mind that old buffer," said one of the 

 helpers to a jockey, who was leaning over his saddle, 



