BOOKS AND PIGEONS. 153 



can," Smithers, a man of about Capper's age, 

 rejoined. 



" Aye, Capper, what do you think about it 

 this time ? Star of the West for ever, eh ? " 

 Butters exclaimed. 



*' I'm not quite so sure about Star of the 

 West," Capper answered. "I don't see what 

 he's done that's so wonderful after all. His trial 

 with May Queen wasn't such a startler, even if 

 what they say is true. I'm not so sweet on her 

 myself." 



Swaynton, who had been noting what took 

 place quietly, but with some interest, observed 

 as he lit a fresh cigar, '' May Queen is a very 

 good mare, I fancy." 



" And so's Jupiter a good horse ! Why 

 should not Jupiter win ? Or Primrose ? — not 

 very speedy, but slow and sure. I should say 

 Jupiter myself," Capper said. 



" I almost think that I should be inclined to 

 say Star of the West. Burton rides, and that's 

 in her favour. Jupiter, I should say, was not 

 the horse to travel successfully over that difficult 

 country," Swaynton urged. 



" Well, sir, are you ready to back your 

 opinion ? That's the way to show a man's in 

 earnest. I'm always ready to back mine, and 

 that's Jupiter. Will you do anything about it, 



