62 TALES AND TRAITS OF SPORTIKG LIFE. 



at Epsom in the summer of 1843. John Day felt ^' the 

 leggy brute '' could not win, and gradually " went on '^ 

 until he was full forty thousand against him. My Lord,, 

 on the other hand resolutely brought his horse to a 

 shorter and shorter price, till there was no " getting out." 

 Often, though, as the story has been told, and much as 

 has been made of it, no one ever told it like poor 

 ^^Sylvanus." 



^' jN"ow let us take a peep at the Corner on the 

 Sunday. 



^'* What's Gaper's price?' said a very distinguished 

 handsome-looking fellow of the true English countrified 

 cut of a gentleman — a cut, let me tell you, it is in vain 

 to look for in any other part of the world that I ever saw. 

 Consummate cleanliness, joined to exquisite taste in dress, 

 is the peculiar feature that strikes you j the gentle voice, 

 quiet composed manner, and harmonious natural look, 

 add a charm and a finish to the beauty of cotrntenance 

 that is certainly only found in the higher classes in 

 England. 



^* However, ^What's Gaper's price?' inquired the tali 

 man in leather trovv'sers, a maroon double-breasted coat, 

 with Club buttons, and large fawn- coloured cravat ; ' I've 

 not quite done yet, and can take the odds to a thousand.' 



"'Beggar my looks,' said a little very anxiously 

 smiling elderly man, in long gaiters, and black frock coat 

 of the old chaise-driver or Sir Tatton's length of flap ; 

 ' this is coming it too strongs to be pleasant. I'm clear 

 forty "thousand agin him !' 



" ' What'll you take, my Lord ?' asked Sunflower j ' I'll 

 lay you five thousand to two that Cotherstone beats him." 



*** Thank ye j it will not suit my purpose. I'll take 

 six thousand to one outright.' 



