THE BALLYHILLY STEEPLECHASE 153 



former casually remarked that " he had ridden over 

 stiffer leps barebacked when he was a bit iv a gossoon, 

 no higher than that," (holding his hand about two feet 

 above the ground). Young Egan invited the competitors 

 up to the Hall to toast each other's health in a glass of 

 the " wine of the country." His cousin and Daly led 

 the way, Denis and himself following a few paces behind, 

 discussing the forthcoming match. 



" Now, mind," said the Squire to Denis, " the old 

 mare won't stand the spurs, and the shghtest touch 

 with them will make her bolt to the deuce with you." 



" Sure 'twas the grand pair iv ' props ' your father 

 used to wear, wid the threepenny bits for rowls, and 

 maybe your honour'd 'av' them by ye still," repUed 

 Denis suggestively. " But sure, there's just one thing 

 more, your honour, that's throublin' me an' makin' me 

 feel onaisy," added 0' Grady, as they approached the 

 Hall. 



" And what might that be, Denis ? " ''' 



" Well, ye see, sir, it's not much iv the jockey I'd 

 cut in my week-day sleeve waistcoat and corduroys, and 

 'twould be the divil's own disgrace to ride ould Kitty in 

 them, an' more by the same token when your father 

 and her used to be the smartest iv them all at covert- 

 side. An' the brats'd come yappin' afther us Hke a pack 

 iv cur dogs, an' make the ould mare as ugly-tempered 

 as a bag iv weasels." 



" You needn't worry on that score," answered Egan. 

 " I think we shall be able to rig you out from my father's 



