56 STABLE SECRETS. 



found out too soon. A tight bandage 1 " Mr. James Sioper 

 shook his head. ^ 



Shaking the head of Mr. James Sioper might possibly 

 possess a corresponding effect to that of shaking a pepper-castor; 

 for what was desired seemed to be produced at once through 

 the agency of the action. 

 * " I have it," said he, with a chuckle ; and his laugh was so 



subdued, that it must have been a quick ear to have caught the 

 faintest effect of it, placed, as it might have been, close to the 

 keyhole of the door. " I have it," repeated he ; " and some of 

 'em shall get a hot un this time." 



A few more hours had passed since Mr. James Sioper formed 

 the scheme of preparing a warm presentation for the undefined 

 noun of multitude, when he might have been seen entering a 

 box, on the door of which was now nailed a plate encircled 

 with the words, in a garter, " Sunshine, winner of the Derby, 

 18—." 



As usual, Puffy Doddles was at the post of duty at that 

 precise moment of the world's history when he was expected 

 to be. 



As usual, Robert Top's best lad, upon the advent of his 

 master, made his best bow ; and if not combined with the ease 

 and elegance of that of a courtier, was intended, at least, to be 

 quite as respectful towards a superior. 



Mr. James Sioper coughed in a manner which denoted that, 

 after clearing his voice, he was about to speak. 



Puffy Doddles, ever obedient, from the moment he learned 

 his first lesson, upon entering a training stable, "to keep his 

 hands down, and hold his tongue," felt that his superior was 

 about to confer upon him the honour of addressing him, and 

 made known his readiness to listen by a deferential pull at the 

 piece of straight hair sprouting in the centre of his forehead in 

 the form of a duck's tail. 



Mr. James Sioper coughed a second time. 



Robert Top's best lad again signified his prepared condition 



