A SPORTING TRIP TO FRANCE. 183 



were immediately taken into custody by a couple 

 of gendarmes. Fresh leathers were put in, 

 and all in readiness. There were nine starters 

 for this, and some five or six were ridden by 

 Englishmen. 



" Gentlemen," said one of the stewards, " we 

 are watching you ; mind there is no foul riding, 

 I warn you." 



" Never mind that old buffer," said one of the 

 helpers to a jockey, who was leaning over his 

 saddle, listening to some instructions. " There's 

 four on ye all right, ride 'em out, and bust' em." 



I heard no more, for we were off. 



