A STRAIGHT RIDER. 45 



the meeting, and took the new-comers to show them 

 the way ; seeming greatly amused at Wynnerly's ap- 

 parent dismay when they came to the brook. 



" Over this river ? " Wynnerly inquired with seeming 

 anxiety and apprehension. 



*' Oh, yes ! over here, sir. We call it the brook, 

 though," Downing replied, with a rather contemptuous 

 smile. 



" Horrid great place ! Isn't there a bridge or a way 

 round?" he inquired, with an aspect of perfect sincerity, 

 so far as could be seen, devoid of the faintest symptom 

 of chaff. At all times it was undoubtedly a big jump, 

 and rain had lately filled it and overflowed the banks. 



"No, sir. Must go over between the flags — or in," 

 the guide explained. 



" Yes. I shall have to take it in two, I expect. Is it 

 very deep ? " Wynnerly asked. 



" We'll see that you are not drowned, sir," Downing 

 responded as they crossed the plank footbridge, to go 

 and look at the posts and rails which, as Downing plea- 

 santly anticipated, inspired fresh terrors in the infantile 

 jockey's bosom ; or so, at least. Downing imagined. 



Downing had entered a horse for the steeplechase, 

 and though I am certain Wynnerly never dreamed of 

 influencing the betting by his demeanour while inspect- 

 ing the course, the steward had satisfied himself that, 

 with such a rider. Fireworks must be out of the hunt ; 

 and he not only laid the odds against that ill-disposed 

 animal, but backed his own beast freely. 



