ADVENTURES OF TOM OLLIVER 93 



Tom, however, rode splendidly, but, agitated and anxious, 

 he was beaten, though only by half a length. He kept 

 his word, however, and was marched off to Northampton 

 Gaol, where he stayed for a month, and the officers of the 

 19th Lancers stationed in the town softened the severity 

 of the punishment by supplying him with food from their 

 mess. Tom offered his creditors two shillings in the 

 pound ; they refused, and got nothing, for Tom spent all 

 the money between the time of the offer and his discharge 

 from the Court of Bankruptcy. 



As soon as he was free, Tom took the " Star " at 

 Leamington, upon a capital of seven and sixpence, the 

 whole of which he spent in whitewash and a brush to 

 furbish up his premises ; the brewer, baker, and others 

 standing tick. He started riding again, won some big 

 victories, received large presents, and, if he had been a 

 little prudent, might have been comfortable ; but he went 

 the pace, and in a little time the good people of Leamington 

 knew him no more, though his memory was cherished by 

 his numerous creditors. The Greyling episode was repeated 

 at Newport Pagnell steeplechases. He was arrested 

 before the race, but allowed to ride; and this time he won, 

 and was able to discharge the myrmidon of the law. 



During an examination in the Bankruptcy Court at 

 Bristol, finding things were going against him, he made a 

 sudden bolt, mounted his pony, and never drew bridle till 

 he had crossed the river and found himself in the adjoining 

 county. 



Of his exploits in the saddle I have only space to say 

 here that he won three Grand Nationals, of which more 

 anon, and that he was the tutor of that splendid gentleman- 

 rider Captain Little, who rode Chandler to victory, and 

 who was on that famous horse's back when he made his 

 world-renowned record jump of 39 ft. over water at 

 Warwick in 1848. 



