102 THE LIFE OP A RACEHORSE. 



plans of Jemmy Clever and Company. I was to start for a 

 sweepstakes at tlie Bath and Somerset meeting, and it was 

 meant that I should win; but to the inexpressible mortifi- 

 cation of my backers, I refused to stir from the post, and upon 

 an attempt being made to force me to answer the starter's signal, 

 through the agency of the whip and spur, I deliberately kicked 

 Jack Swiggle from the saddle, and stretched him upon the turf 

 stunned and bleeding. 



"Ha, the old blood I" exclaimed a well-remembered voice, 

 "the old blood !" and there was Eobert Top, as if time had 

 stood still Avith him. 



I instantly neighed a recognition, and coming to my head, 

 he stroked my neck, and rubbed his cheeks against my nose ; but 

 after throwing a searching glance over me, and looking earnestly in 

 my face, I thought the expression of his features became very sad. 



" A better was never foaled," said the old stud-groom, and 

 his voice sounded unsteady as he spoke ; " but they'r a-butcherin* 

 of yer, lad, as fast as they can ; yes, they'r a-butcherin' of yer," 

 and the bright gold horseshoe moved as I had seen it at Tatter- 

 sail's when I was first ofiered for public competition. 



Amid the brutal execrations of the legs whom I had so 

 efiectually foiled, I was led from the spot towards my temporary 

 quarters, and as I walked along the course, I saw Robert Top 

 standing as motionless as a statue, with his gaze riveted upon me. 

 And thus we parted — I know for long, and it may be for ever. 



CHAPTER XX. 



THE PAINTED BIT. 



In consequence of my habitual restiveness at the post, I was 

 no longer to be depended upon either as a certain loser or 

 probable winner. Occasionally, when intended to run in the 

 rear, down I bored my head between my knees, and throwing 

 the entire weight of my body into my jockey's hands, away I 

 rushed with him, and won from end to end in revengeful 

 triumph. Sometimes when Jemmy Clever considered the 



