322 THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



Prince's man first, and, if he decline, make the same 

 proposal to the trainer of the second horse." 



" I must obey your orders, of course, sir," replied the 

 trainer, " but allow me first to ask you how you mean to 

 ride your horse, should your offer be accepted ? " 



" I mean to make running from end to end, and not to 

 wait, as I did before," answered our young sportsman ; 

 " I am convinced that my horse was the stoutest in the 

 race yesterday, and that, if I had made strong running 

 with him from the post, I should have cut down my 

 competitors." 



" Well, sir," replied the trainer, " I will go and see 

 what I can do to forward your wishes, but I think it my 

 duty to tell you that, for a young jockey, you are about 

 to undertake " 



" We will talk about your duty, &c., at another time," 

 said Raby ; " go directly and see the trainers, as they soon 

 will be in bed. Send for me out of the club-room, and 

 tell me what they say." 



In less than half an hour, the following result was 

 conveyed to him : 



" I have seen both trainers, Mr. Raby," said Mr. Lilly, 

 for that was the name of the artist who brought Xameless 

 to the post. "The Prince's man declines, as his horse 

 has a heavy match over his head ; but Bliss says, he 

 doubts not but that Mr. Portmore will accept your 

 challenge, and that you shall have his answer in the 

 morning. But, sir," continued Lilly, " had you not 

 better consider further before " 



" No time for considering now," said our hero ; " I must 

 return to my party, and will see you in the morning." 



As our hero sat at his breakfast, in company with his 

 friends Inkleton, Hargrave, and Goodall, the following 

 note was brought him : 



" SIR, My trainer informs me that you propose a 

 match bet\veen Xameless and Antonio, same weights and 

 distance, as likewise riders, as for the Welter yesterday, 

 for 500 guineas, p. p. I admire your spirit in making 

 this offer, after the event of yesterday, but, being an older 

 man than yourself, and somewhat more experienced, 

 perhaps, in racing affairs, I think it only fair to say that 

 I ought to give you three pounds. On these conditions, 

 my horse shall be at the post on Thursday, after the last 



