64 STABLE SECRETS. 



and county who, Yorkshire bred, had expressed even a doubt 

 that Sunshine would fail to add the St. Leger prise to his 

 Derby victory. 



The colt was well, and fit to run for the ransom of a king- 

 dom. Such was the " official report " of Sunshine's condition 

 on the eventful morning of the race. " The talent " ventured 

 to declare that " nothing could beat him." The favourite had 

 the call of the field at five to four, and " the talent," to a man, 

 declared that " nothing could beat him." 



It is not known whether Puffy Doddles either considered him- 

 self, or was considered by others, as a member of " the talent ; " 

 but whether so or otherwise, he entertained a corresponding 

 balance of confidence in his horse with this distinguished body, 

 and felt inwardly, as he expressed outwardly, that u nothing 

 could beat him." All that could be done to bring the colt by 

 Glitter, dam Comet, by Falling Star, to the post in as fine 

 condition as it was possible for unintermitting care, attention, and 

 watchfulness to accomplish, had been observed with the utmost 

 strictness ; and as he walked in his strength and beauty, with 

 head erect, and proud and dainty tread, ready for saddling, 

 Kobert Top's best lad felt, as he led him as gently as a lamb 

 held by silken thread, that if possessed of the hidden treasure in 

 the vaults of the Bank of England, he would trust him with 

 the last sovereign contained therein. For be it understood 

 that Puffy Doddles knew that he was " meant." 



The tongue of the bell for saddling had scarcely given forth 

 its noisy note for preparation, when George Spindles proceeded 

 to strip Sunshine of his clothing ; and as his light, muscular 

 frame became exposed to view, and his glossy coat shone like 

 burnished copper in the sun, a murmur of admiration broke 

 from the lips of those around, and the most critical had not a 

 fault to find. 



Just at this moment, however, and as George Spindles was 

 passing the rubber over his glistening skin, which varied in 

 the light like shot-silk, Sunshine was seen to lash out his near 



