jerry's ST LEGER. 389 



lated Croft with intense satisfaction, as he re- 

 turned home, and slept the sleep of the just. In 

 the morning he communicated his discovery to Mr 

 Gascoigne, bidding him keep the secret to himself. 

 The result is well known. At the last moment a 

 fresh jockey, Ben Smith, was substituted for Harry 

 Edwards, and in his new pilot's hands Jerry won 

 in a canter. 



The second heat of the above story must now be 

 told in Sir William Gregory's own words : — 



"After Jerry had won the St Leger, Gully took 

 George Payne behind the stand next day, and 

 said, ' I am very sorry, Mr Payne, for what has 

 occurred ; but we were entirely deceived. I heard 

 from what I thought the best authority that Jerry 

 was infirm, and doing no work whatever.' ' But,' 

 rejoined Mr Payne, ' Jerry's owner, and his owner's 

 friends, never ceased backing him, and his trainer 

 gave them the most encouraging reports.' ' That 

 is true,' replied Gully ; ' but I had the fullest 

 reason to believe that Croft was having a race 

 for himself. It was a trap laid for me, into which 

 I fell, and unfortunately led you to follow me. 

 But now mark my words ; if you will be guided by 

 my advice, you will get all your money back this 

 time next year. You saw Mr Watt's Memnon Avin 

 The Champagne the day before yesterday. He is 

 quite certain to win the next St Leger, if well 

 on the day.' ' That was nice consolation,' added 



