40 STABLE SECRETS. 



even recognise the existence of any retainer in liis establish- 

 ment, excepting George Spindles, who alone enjoyed, and occa- 

 sionally revelled in, the exclusive privilege of his confidence. 

 There were, therefore, no friendly salutations of the morn be- 

 tween Puffy Doddles and his employer upon the advent of the 

 latter ; but Robert Top's best lad acknowledged the presence 

 of his superior by raising a thumb and finger, and giving a sud- 

 den jerk at a lock of hair which fell conveniently, and as if for 

 the purpose, over his forehead. 



Mr. James Sloper, after making a survey of Sunshine by 

 "throwing an eye over him," proceeded to his near side, and, 

 placing a hand over the regions of the heart, appeared, from the 

 movement of his lips, to be counting its pulsations. He then 

 moved a step forwards, and, looking at Sunshine's large, full, 

 lustrous eyes, drew back the lids, and minutely examined the 

 inner and sensitive parts. Being satisfied, it may be inferred 

 from the absence of all demonstration to the contrary, of the 

 general and particular condition of the son of Glitter and Comet, 

 Mr. James Sloper turned slowly upon his heel, and took his 

 departure, with a fixed, reflective look bent upon the ground. 



The head lad of the Great Stable of the North, during these 

 operations, employed the moments as they flew by watching 

 them with a sharp, restless rolling of the eyes, indicative of a 

 large amount of personal interest. Now, as the end of the skirt 

 of Mr. James Sloper's long brown coat was about to vanish 

 through the door of Sunshine's " box," his head, or his hat, or 

 } both, clearly signalised that somebody was to follow. That 

 ' " somebody " was George Spindles. 



Short was the conference held between Mr. James Sloper 

 and his head lad. Little, indeed, was said, within a few feet of 

 the threshold of the door of Sunshine's " box ; " but the few 

 words, muttered in bated breath, were like those spoken by Fate, 

 and contained in full the " something up " of Puffy Doddles' 

 xlream. 



Newmarket's ghosts and spectres, and things of the night 



