50 STABLE SECRETS. 



which was thrown into the crib by George Spindles. Then 

 Puffy Doddles commenced the early rub-down, which being 

 completed by the time that Sunshine had finished his corn, a 

 hood, bridle, and saddle were arranged, and, in conformity to 

 the order given, his attendant led him from the box, immediately 

 in front of which stood " the lot" brought from the Great Stable 

 of the North. 



No sooner had "the lot" made their appearance on the 

 Downs than numerous representatives of that class known as 

 " Touts " arrived from various points of the compass to watch 

 and learn anything that might be turned to advantage by their 

 employers. Like professors of many arts and sciences, and 

 philosophers both ancient and modern, opinions did not agree 

 among the Touts. One thought that Sunshine had " two big 

 ends and a weak middle." A second that "to win a Derby 

 he'd as soon trust a circus 'oss with eight-stun-ten of bull beef 

 in the saddle." A third curtly remarked, " Don't be too sure 

 o' that. Dead uns win sometimes." 



Mr. J ames Sloper might have heard the last observation ; 

 for as it was made, a close observer would have seen a slight 

 drawing back of the angles of his mouth, as if he felt its force 

 rather pleasurable than otherwise. 



At the close of the hours walk, Sunshine returned to his 

 box, and, being regarded as started only to make the running 

 for Catch-me-who-can, escaped, what may be called, general 

 observation. A few, however, a truly select few, watched every 

 muscle as he moved ; and the " good thing " became better, in 

 the sight of this select few, as it waxed older. 



Now it was that the colt by Glitter, dam Comet, by Falling 

 Star, had six go-downs of water — the fish therein being seen to 

 exhibit as lively symptoms of vitality as before ; and then Puffy 

 Doddles stripped to the waist with a smile of perfect confidence, 

 to give him the final dressing previous to — as was supposed — 

 his being started to make the running for his stable companion, 

 Catch-me-who-can. Now it was that the head lad, George 



