"racking up." G3 



the setting-nnizzle. That done, the door of my box creaked-to 

 upon its hinges ; the key grated harshly in the lock ; and I, the 

 fragile web of many a man's fate — tlie pampered favourite for 

 the hour — dropped gently upon my bed ; and so the preliminary- 

 scene was closed. 



The morning, dusky and gray, had scarcely broken, when 

 John Sellusall, Spanky, and Harry Dale again made their 

 appearance. Our trainer at once came to my head, and again 

 looked closely at my. eyes, and pressed a hand upon my heart. 

 Not a syllable escaped his lips, but the expression of his features 

 conveyed the utmost satisfaction at the state in which he found 

 me. I had now just enough water to wash my mouth out 

 before receiving my full feed of corn, which I ate with an 

 unusual appetite, from the curtailment of my allowance of hay 

 the night before. Harry Dale was then ordered to put on my 

 hood and bridle, and, in company v/ith the rest, I was led 

 for an hour's walk. Upon my return, I was permitted to drink 

 exactly six go-downs of water, and then a quick but perfect 

 dressing took place through the combined exertions of Harry 

 Dale and two assistants. The plaiting of my mane engaged 

 Spanky's artistic talent, and my plates, adjusted by a trustworthy 

 disciple of Yulcan, almost completed the preparation for the 

 post. Another liberal feed of com was now thrown into my 

 crib, which I disposed of with a hearty zest ; the setting-muzzle 

 was again buckled on, and all left me, that I might enjoy a few 

 more quiet hours undisturbed. 



Some three hours before the time appointed for the race, oiir 

 trainer, accompanied by Sir Digby, Robert Top, and Harry 

 Dale, visited me. The face of tlie head of the family of the 

 Tops was a picture to behold, as he strode to my side, and, 

 caressing me fondly, v/hispered — " I said how it would be, yer 

 know. Bobert Top's a jolly old profSt, an' no mistake. He 

 can see a thing or two, Uq can, afore it makes his eyes smart. 

 Some don't possess the bless-ed gift; but" — and he tapped 

 below the gold horse-shoe as in other days — " here's a chicken 

 of another hatch." 



" Rack up," briefly ordered our trainer. 



