278 THE DERBY OF 1848. 



traordinary talents. Everybody was aware that 

 Mr Villiers had given a never-ceasing commission 

 to lay against Surplice, and, with few exceptions, 

 little backers had staked their money on Loadstone. 

 In an instant Surplice's great trial shattered all 

 their hopes, and he became such a favourite that it 

 was almost impossible to back him. All this tended 

 to make Surplice more disliked than great favour- 

 ites usually are. This was shown by the hootings 

 and hisses with which I was more than once as- 

 sailed as I walked or rode by the horse's side, or 

 when, accompanied by boys to carry the bucket, I 

 proceeded to the spring on " Oyster Hill " to bring 

 Surplice his water. I invariably repaired to some 

 cottage for a little hot water to take off the chill, 

 always going to a different cottage. The fee which 

 I gave for any small service rendered to me was 

 more than the poor cottagers expected, and I was 

 pressingly urged by them to come again for any- 

 thing that I wanted. Although betting men great 

 and small would have rejoiced almost without ex- 

 ception to hear that Surplice had broken his leg, I 

 feel assured that the humble residents in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Headley sincerely wished him well. 



I have entered into all these minute details at 

 the risk of being wearisome, because Surplice's 

 Derby happened at a time when it was more com- 

 mon to poison or lame horses than is now the case, 

 and because the circumstances preceding his attain- 

 ment of the position of first favourite were of a 



