BILL'S CHANGE. 87 



had been mortgaged by his grandfather, and bad times had 

 compelled his father to sell it and his racehorses, and to 

 break up the well-known Barnetby Paddocks from which so 

 many classic winners had been turned out. His taste for 

 racing increased as years went on, but not till his uncle's 

 death, by which time he had risen to the head of his depart- 

 ment, was he enabled to indulge in his hobby to the extent 

 that he longed and hoped for. 



By his side, likewise riding a " clean bred 'un," for Dalton 

 would have scarcely anything else for riding purposes in his 

 stables, was his friend and some time school chum. Major 

 Coveney, a smart light cavalry officer, but to whom, as he 

 has little to do with our story, further reference is un- 

 necessary. 



Two of Dalton's horses were taking part in this " rough- 

 up," one a two-year-old of which great things were expected, 

 and the other a four-year-old called Blue Rock, and Dalton, 

 who lived some eight miles away, had ridden over, as was 

 his custom occasionally, to see how the horses were going on. 



" What's that leading, Jim ? " said Coveney, as the 

 quartette drew near. 



"That old thief, Blue Rock," replied Dalton, "and the 

 Letty Lind filly is lying second. I suppose you don't know 

 anything about the Aveights, Fielding, do you ? " he added to 

 the trainer. 



"No, sir. I should guess that Blue Rock is giving your 

 youngster a stone, at least ; the same to Corisande, and a few 

 pounds to Monkswell. But I told the lads on the old horses 

 to bring them along at a good pace, and that the youngsters 

 were to keep as near them as possible." 



" What a racehorse that is ! " said Coveney, as the four 

 swept by. " How is it you can't win races with him ? " 



" Blue Rock, do you mean ? " For he it was who sailed in 

 well in front of the other three, with his head in his chest. 



