52 STABLE SECKETS. 



Smoothy, niight, probably, have given an answer. That saga- 

 cious individual knew, from experience, the business, combined 

 with pleasure, which may be done effectually when the public 

 fall into a little mistake of this kind. As the means to the end 

 of filling certain pockets, he deemed it, among the many, " one 

 of the best games out ! " 



But what were the sentiments of Puffy Doddles upon this 

 momentous occasion ? From the moment the bell began to ring 

 for saddling, to that when Sunshine's number was hoisted first 

 on the telegraph as the winner of the Derby, Robert Top's 

 best lad felt that he was not exactly master of his own sayings 

 or doings. He knew just sufficient, however, to be aware that 

 he maintained his perpendicular, and that his heels did not 

 occupy the ordinary position of his head. 



"I think it's all right," said he, in that silent language 

 when man communes with his inward man, as he led Sunshine, 

 followed by Catch-me-who-can, in the paddock, just previous to 

 the signal being made for saddling. " I think it's all right," 

 repeated he to himself; "but until the jock's weighed in, and 

 the clerk o' the scales gives the office of ' all right,' I'll be 

 blessed if a race is won. A backer of bosses " — and Puffy 

 Doddles referred particularly to himself — "should think o' 

 this." 



Whether this train of thought, suggestive of self-preserva- 

 tion to "backers of bosses" would have been continued, or 

 otherwise, had not the shrill sound of a bell caused a visible 

 sensation in the crowd around, and in not one of that crowd 

 more than in Puffy Doddles, it is needless to inquire ; but no 

 sooner was it heard, than Robert Top's best lad cut short the 

 thread of his meditation, and devoted his energies, both mental 

 and physical, to action. 



"Now, then," said George Spindles, with two large hectic 

 spots upon his cheeks, and flashing eyes, " look alive." 



Nothing, and no one, could look more lively than Puffy 

 Doddles appeared upon receiving these brief but expressive 



