204 TIIK HOKSE. 



been overmarked, or having had her pores collapsed ; and I, 

 without hesitation, told a friend who had backed her, that she 

 was wrong ; that whether she won or lost, she would not relieve 

 herself by perspiring freely, either while running or after the 

 heat ; that nothing but an accident or a miracle could give her 

 the race, and advised him to get his money off. On the other 

 hand, the coat of Flirtilla had a satin like-gloss ; the skin when 

 taken hold of, showed nothing like adhesion to the body, and 

 handled like a rich, pliable, yet elastic velvet. She was drawn 

 completely into muscle, yet fresh upon her legs ; while her ani- 

 mated countenance gave assurance that her spirits were un- 

 broken. 



Betting went on briskly — no odds asked or given. 



At length the long and anxiously looked-for day arrived; 

 and, with the excej)tiou of the great match between Eclipse and 

 Henry, the course was never more thronged. Numbers arrived 

 from the South, and the Northern sportsmen were on the ground 

 to a man. 



Betting went on merrily, and some individuals had from 

 $7,000 to $15,000 at stake. 



The hour of 1 was now at hand, and the bugle sounded the 

 call ; the summons was obeyed. ISText were heard the orders, 

 " saddle," " mount," '' come up." The signal tap next re- 

 sounded, and off they flew. Each presently took a hard pull, 

 with intent to wait upon his adversary ; but the light weight 

 was unable to restrain the impetuosity of the gray filly, 

 and necessity compelled him to lead. The bay mare now 

 trailed close in her rear, and thus they proceeded, at a mode- 

 rate rate, to the end of the first round or mile ; run in slow 

 time, 2m. 128. Here stood Mr. Johnson, upon whom the 

 lively Bob Wooden, as he advanced, fixed an eye, which quickly 

 caught the signal to make play. He dashed forward, and 

 as by a single bound, was three lengths ahead, before young 

 Laird, taken by surj^rise, could call out the filly. Away they 

 went, at a killing pace ; and, as they passed round to the termi- 

 nation of the second mile, the bay mare still leading, the cry 

 was, " Hold her steady, and let her go." The stride was ex- 

 cessive, the gather quick, the stroke regular; no floundering, 

 no laboring, no dwelling, no clambering, nothing abroad ; the 



