8S STABLE SECRETS. 



The commission having been sent out to lay against Sun- 

 shine to an unlimited extent, the two separated. 



Saddled and mounted, the best judges present made no 

 hesitation in declaring that Sunshine "never looked in finer 

 fettle since he was first stripped for a race." 



Job Sweety was among the select number congregated at 

 the starting post, and he was seen to go close to the head of the 

 horse, as he approached, with Puffy Doddles in the saddle, and 

 peer with a searching gaze at the eyes of the favourite. The 

 result seemed anything but satisfactory ; for as he did so his 

 face turned to a creamy white, and the pimples looked like spots 

 of ink. With a brow, lowering with ill-disguised passion, he 

 raised three fingers, bending at the same time a frowning and 

 inquiring look upon the honest and gratified features of Robert 

 Top's best lad, who responded to the signal by also raising 

 three fingers of his whip hand. 



Job Sweety was evidently puzzled. He again fixed a blink- 

 less gaze upon Sunshine's eyes ; but his face became several 

 shades more yellow as he looked, and the pimples of an inkier 



tint. 



" You sanguinary, juvenile appropriator ! " muttered he, 

 between his clenched and grating teeth. " You've done me ! " 

 continued he, in the same savage tone. " But look out ! I'll 

 have my revenge. " 



It was not improbable that Puffy Doddles renrnined ignorant 

 of the threat, from the subdued tone in which it was uttered ; 

 for no effect was visible, as he turned Sunshine to take his posi- 

 tion for the start, that he had heard the intention proclaimed of 

 Job Sweety " having his revenge." 



Mr. James Sloper watched the proceedings from a short 

 distance, with great interest, and appeared never more satisfied 

 with himself or mankind in general, than when he went to 

 Sunshine's side for the purpose of giving Puffy Doddles his 

 final orders. 



" Did that thief speak to you 1 " inquired he. 



