90 TALES OF PINK AND SILK. 



feel sure that I only want a start and then I could get some 

 riding." 



" Well, we'll see. How about Blue Rock, now ? Do you 

 think you could induce him to pull off the Cesarewitch this 

 autumn ? " 



" If he couldn't win with me, I don't think he would with 

 anyone," replied the lad stoutly. " Anyhow, we would make 

 a big bid for it." 



Mr. Dalton smiled. " You have plenty of confidence in 

 yourself and Blue Rock, I see ; but what makes you think 

 that he could win with you on his back ? " 



" Oh ! he and I have become fast friends, now, and I know 

 he'd try to win with me. I've had some experience of bad- 

 tempered animals, as father could not afford to be particular, 

 and some of the worst-tempered were the cheapest to buy 

 and afterwards made most money for us. But Blue Rock 

 can gallop and stay for a week ; he's just splendid. I wish 

 you Avould throw your leg over him some day, sir ; you would 

 be delighted," said the boy, carried away by his enthusiasm. 



"No, thanks," laughed Mr. Dalton, "I'll leave him to 

 you. By the way, how is Mr. Daubeney, and what is he 

 doing now ? " 



" Oh, he was very well, thank you, sir, when I last heard. 

 He has taken a little place near Grantham, and breeds and 

 buys a few horses." 



" Remember me to him when you write, will you? and tell 

 him I shall come and look him up some day. And we will 

 think about you and Blue Rock for the Cesarewitch." So 

 saying he shook hands with Daubeney, and left that young 

 man in the highest state of delight. 



One evening, a week before the Newmarket Second 

 October Meeting, a young couple might have been seen 

 talking at the gate of an avenue leading up to a farmhouse 



