124 TALES OF PINK AND SILK. 



" ' Oh, that's all very well/ I said testily. ' But I shall find 

 the way soon enough/ 



" ' Not you/ he replied. ' Now, you get yourself as fit as 

 you can, and get as much practice at racing at your fences as 

 possible before the event, and a Aveek here, with a few gallops 

 on the Caroel, will put the finishing touches.' 



" The eventful day arrived, and our match was the last item 

 on the two days' programme. I had got myself as fit as I 

 could according to my own methods, and had done a course of 

 racing at made-up fences, and tumbled off more often than 

 not ; but I found it was easier to sit a racehorse who caught 

 hold a bit, and went fast at his lences, than my sticky-jumping 

 hunters. Having gone the round of my nicing friends for 

 my lessons, I had gained no little experience. A week's 

 schooling on The Camel had, as Hartopp said it would, put 

 the finishing touches, and if I did nothing else, I had provided 

 my old friend with no end of amusement by my acrobatic 

 performance in the saddle. Certain!}^ The Camel did 'jump 

 like oil,' and I never in my life rode an easier or sa-fer con- 

 veyance. 



" We Aveighed out, and Limerick Avas made a hot favourite 

 at 4 to 1 on. Evidently the public did not value my chance 

 very highly. Both horses Avere to carry 12st 3lbs., and the 

 distance Avas three miles. Hodgson, in his light blue, dark 

 blue sleeves and cap, looked as though the race Avas already 

 over ; he had offered to bet me that I fell at the Avater, but I 

 thanked him and declined. I had enough money at stake. 

 My colours Avere black and Avhite hoops, black cap — Hartopp's 

 colours. He superintended the saddling, but just at the last 

 minute sent my groom to the Aveighing room for another Avhip, 

 as the one he had brought Avas broken. 



" ' Just let me shift the saddle cloth,' he said. ' I see it's 

 a bit too forAvard. Noav, up you go. And mind this : let The 

 Camel go at his fences just as he likes, and you sit back and 



