"the mount." 53 



instructions. To say that he skipped, would poorly convey 

 the action of his legs ; and to add that his arms began a 

 windmill movement in a strong gale, is a feeble description of 

 what they seemed ready to accomplish. 



In the twinkling of something as bright as a diamond or 

 dew-drop, Puffy Doddles stripped the light clothing from Sun- 

 shine's sleek and shining coat ; and as soon as the task could 

 be accomplished through human agency, a saddle was adjusted 

 and securely girthed upon his back, and the colt by Glitter, 

 dam Comet, by Falling Star, stood ready for " the mount." 



Scarcely was the preparation complete, when a small man, 

 with sunken eyes and high cheek bones, standing near, and 

 engaged in what would appear to be a discussion of deep 

 interest with Mr. James Sloper, threw off a silver drab over- 

 coat, decorated with buttons as large as oyster-shells, which 

 hitherto had concealed his under garments, and revealed to 

 view a spare, bony figure, dressed in yellow and black. 



As if fascinated on the spot, Puffy Doddles stared with 

 blinkless eyelids at the spare, bony figure, dressed in yellow and 

 black, as if he desired to learn by a look of inquiry something 

 about what was covered by these wasp-like colours. 



In the professional method of seeking assistance, the figure 

 in the wasp-like colours raised a leg ; and, through the " lift-up" 

 of George Spindles, he threw himself lightly, and with the ease 

 of a bird, into the saddle, and Sunshine stood " mounted for the 

 Derby." 



It was a great moment in the life of Puffy Doddles to 

 behold his horse ready to start for the first time ; and that, too, 

 for a great race. His eyes were riveted upon, and he saw 

 nothing else but his horse. As he walked by the side of his 

 horse from the paddock towards the race course, he heard but 

 one remark in which he took the most finitessimal interest — 

 " That's Sunshine ; " the alloy to his pride and pleasure being 

 that his horse, as yet, played second fiddle ; but — as he said 



