70 STABLE SECRETS. 



post, he resolved that no temptation should prevail upon his 

 doing otherwise than riding strictly to the orders he had 

 received. 



"I wonder if I shall ever have a mount for a Great St. 

 Leger?" 



Who asked that question, just as Robert Top's best lad was 

 going to join the field of horses at the post ? 



Even at that important moment Puffy Doddles glanced both 

 right and left to solve the mystery ; but perceiving no one near 

 who could have made such an inquiry, came to the correct con- 

 clusion that he was merely repeating a question which he had 

 propounded to himself at an earlier period of his biography. 



Itobert Top's best lad now cast all thoughts aside but one — 

 to ride to orders, and do his best. 



The start was delayed for some time in consequence of 

 several breaking in anticipation of the signal ; but it was re- 

 marked that Sunshine displayed no single symptom of fractious- 

 ness. The colt by Glitter, dam Comet, by Falling Star, ap- 

 peared to have taken upon himself, without the smallest prepara- 

 tion, the nature of a turtle dove, in so far as quietness was con- 

 cerned. "Go!" the flag dropped; and "They're off!" were the 

 several notifications that the race had begun. 



With the character of a good beginner, Catch-me-who-can 

 rushed to the front, and cut out the work at a pace which the 

 "official report" announced as "terrific." Away he streaked, 

 like a meteor, cutting clown the field, and producing those 

 " tailing " effects which quickly extinguished the fervent hopes 

 of many a sanguine supporter of an " off chance." 



" They'll never catch him," cried a voice, the proprietor of 

 which was minutely scanning every inch of the race through a 

 powerful glass. 



" Who leads 1 " inquired a by-stander, not so well prepared 

 for bringing a wide range within closer limits of vision. 



" Catch-me-who-can," rejoined ho with the glass. " What 

 against Catch-me-who-can 1 " 



