ONLY THE MARE. 231 



Blankney was sitting on the regimental drag, arrayed 

 in immaculate boots and breeches, and after the neces- 

 sary weighing ceremony had been gone through, he 

 mounted the great Jibboom, which Phil Kelly had been 

 leading about : the latter gentleman had a rather 

 anxious look on his face, but Blankney evidently 

 thought he was on a good one, and nodded confidently 

 to his friends on the drag as he lurched down the 

 course. 



Little Lady was brought up to me, Smithers being in 

 close attendance. 



" I sJiall be so glad if you win," Nellie found oppor- 

 tunity to whisper. 



"What will you give me ? " I greedily inquire. 



^' Anything yoM ask me," is the reply; and my heart 

 beats high as, having thrown off my overcoat, weighed 

 and mounted, Little Lady bounds down the course, and 

 glides easily over the hurdle in front of the stand. 



Bertie and Smithers were waiting at the starting- 

 place ; and, having shaken hands with Blankney, to 

 whom Bertie introduced me, I went apart to exchange 

 the last few sentences with my friends. 



Bertie is a trifle pale, but has confidence ; and 

 Smithers seems to possess a large supply of the latter 

 quality. In however high esteem we hold our own 

 opinions, we are glad of professional advice when it 

 comes to the push ; and I seek instructions. 



"No, sir, don't you wait on him. Go away as hard 

 as you can directly the flag drops. I don't like the look 



