HIS COUP WITH ' CHANTICLEER: 253 



a puppet in the hands of his friend and patron, was a 

 irentleman and a dandy. Fred Swindell himself, on 

 the other hand, dressed always in a funereal suit of 

 black, as though in mourning for some animal whose 

 death - blow had been administered by his skilful 

 hands. Like Mr. Padwick, in his frock-coat, black 

 satin stock, and tall hat, he could be easily dis- 

 tinguished from all other members of the ring. 



The first great 'coup' that Mr. Swindell brought 

 off was for Mr. Merry with Chanticleer. His shrewd- 

 ness in this case was remarkable ; and to it Mr. Merry 

 probably owed his success. He executed the com- 

 mission, which was a large one, to his own satisfac- 

 tion, and to that of his employer. A second was 

 given with a like result ; but strange to say the horse 

 became no better favourite. This strongly excited 

 Swindell's suspicion, and he said to Mr. Merry : 



' There is something wrong. What it is I don't 

 know, but we must find it out, somehow.' 



Bumby was to ride the horse, and it was suspected 

 that the book-makers knew more than the commis- 

 sioner, and indeed the upshot of the matter can lead 

 to no other conclusion. Swindell, therefore, suggested 

 that Mr. Merry, on his return from Edinburgh to 

 attend the race at Goodwood, should bring with him 

 a spare cap and jacket. This was done, and they 

 were handed by Mr. Swindell to another jockey, 

 C. Marlow, on the morning of the race. Bumby 

 was then informed that he was not wanted to ride 



