lOG EACECOURSE AND COVERT SIDE. 



At tlie mess dinner at Coltsford Sir Thomas 

 appeared that evening as the guest of Crossley, 

 and at the moment when at least a couple of 

 those at table were wondering how to introduce 

 the subject best, trouble was saved them by a 

 sudden utterance of young Purleigh. 



" Do you know whether it's true, Sii" Thomas, 

 that they're going to give us a cup to run for? " 

 he asked, as the table was cleared and the claret 

 began to circulate. 



Crossley and Banks slightly glanced at each 

 other, as Sir Thomas replied, " Quite true. The 

 Hunt are going to offer a cup value sixty guineas 

 for a steeplechase for horses belonging to the 

 regiment." 



•' The worst of it is Eisenham, or some of 

 you rich fellows, will be buying up Grand 

 National winners, and won't give us a chance," 

 Purleigh complained. 



'' The meaning of the thing is lost, then," 

 Banks answered. " I should be incHned to 

 propose that the race be confined to chargers 

 that were in the stables at twelve o'clock this 

 morning, before we knew anything about it." 



'' That's it. Banks ; and the sooner the entries 

 are made the better. Let's see where we are, 

 Raughton. Have you a pencil and paper?" 

 the Colonel said. 



