198 EACECOUESE AND COVEET SIDE. 



old race. I might win the Handicap, but mine's 

 very uncertain. I can't recommend you to 

 bet, though I've got a bit on, and fancy it a 

 little." 



" Just as likely to put his ears back and 

 refuse to try a yard as to win in a canter, I 

 suppose ? " Atherton said. 



" That's just it. Sir Henry. You never know 

 what he means to do. Well," Tom continued, 

 looking down the card, " anything might win 

 these two selling races. They're a dreadfully 

 uncertain lot, and I'm afraid we are pretty sure 

 to be beaten for the Cup." 



The "we" in question had special reference 

 to a mare named Osprey, the property of Lord 

 Tourneymeade, who had gone to the States to 

 shoot big game, and left his little stud — which 

 were trained by Tom Ball — under the direction 

 of his friend, Wynnerly. She was a good mare, 

 not harshly handicapped, but she had been a 

 little "off" all the year, and was only just 

 returning to her form. 



" How is she?" Atherton asked. "And do 

 you know what is going for the race ? " 



" She is getting on well enough. Sir Henry ; 

 but, of course, she isn't at her best yet. She 

 might win, but I think Eed Konald's sure to beat 

 her. He's a very improving horse — gets better 



