AT NEW ORLEANS 



quite like the idea of riding on a track which, although 

 not exactly " outlawed," was liable to be barred. 

 Such were the conditions of affairs in New Orleans ; 

 and I did not think for a moment they would allow 

 me to get in the saddle at the rival track whose dates 

 were about the same as where I was to figure. It 

 turned out just as I had anticipated, and I had no heart 

 at all in the work which was before me. 



It proved a terrible place : the horses were up to 

 their bellies in mud and their temperament changed 

 just as my own had done. I felt exiled and I never 

 took any interest in the work at all. I played bridge 

 at night and was so disgruntled that I lost heart in the 

 whole business. I won five races out of fourteen 

 mounts, but that was no good to anyone and I gave 

 it up. 



237 



