Phyllis and Ophella 33 



The excellent chance of the prospective hundred was 

 not the least agreeable matter in Mr. Sharpe's thoughts, 

 as he sped on his return journey to Alder sham on the 

 morning of the race, a couple of days after, especially as 

 the hundred would bring more money with it, both by 

 reason of Dobbin's win and of ' Phyllis's ' inevitable 

 defeat. She was favourite at 2 to 1, Dobbin was at 7 to 1, 

 and he had laid against one and backed the other. Of 

 course he was going to assist Congreve all he could, 

 saddle the horse, and give such advice as seemed likeliest 

 to be of avail. Mr. Sharpe, it will be understood, though 

 a * gentleman rider,' duly elected, was, in plain English, 

 a professional steeplechase jockey, who rode under false 

 pretences ; but that is too common an occurrence to 

 excite surprise. In any case, he had a thorough know- 

 ledge of his business, and Congreve was extremely glad 

 to meet him in the paddock before he went to dress for 

 the Challenge Cup. 



' Halloa ! Here we are ! That's all right ! ' the 

 Major, who was rather a novice at the business, exclaimed 

 as he met Sharpe. ' The horse is third favourite, but 

 they're backing something called Phyllis all over the ring. 

 A man in the regiment — Osborne his name is — got hold 

 of it at Dossie's — you know him, don't you ? Haven't I 

 seen you ride his horses ? Do you know anything about 

 this one ? They say she went in wonderful style over 

 the course yesterday morning. Perhaps you know 

 her ? ' 



' No, I don't think I do. Let's see. Is it a bay mare 

 with a white off heel ? I fancy I've seen something with 

 a name like that down there,' Sharpe answered. 



*Yes, that's the mare— rather good-looking — blaze 

 on her face. Is she any good ? ' 



