The Great Dowxshire Handicap 63 



exclaims, as they canter after the others, who are now 

 pulhng up. 



' I don't suppose you ever did, and I don't know 

 where there's one to be seen,' repKed Cecil. 



* Well, Dick ? ' he says as they reach the trainer, who 

 is now on the ground, patting the chesnut's neck, while 

 the good horse does not blow^ enough to put a candle out, 

 a contrast to two of the others, w^ho show that the pace 

 has been good by their drooping heads and heaving 

 sides. ' If he doesn't win on Thursday, it won't be your 

 fault.' 



' No, Mr. Auburn. He's as fit as I can make him, 

 and if he runs up to his trial — and there's always an '' if," 

 you know^, sir,' he parenthetically adds with a shake 

 of the head — ' I don't really see what's got an outside 

 chance of beating him.' 



' You know that Mr. Auburn's been plunging, Dick ? ' 

 Howard says as they trot towards the house, the trainer's 

 hack having been brought to him. 



' Yes, sir, so he tells me,' Dick answers, shaking his 

 head again. ' He would do it ! I tell him not to, but 

 he won't hsten to me ! I think the horse is sure to win, 

 and I shall have a pony on myself, but— what's that they 

 say? '' Nothing happens but the unexpected," isn't that 

 it ? And it's as true in racing as in anything else. But 

 we'll get on, gentlemen, if you don't mind. Lunch will 

 be ready, and I've got to catch the 3.50 train.' 



' We're going up to town with you, and we should like 

 to have a look round the stables first,' Cecil answered, 

 putting his horse to a canter. 



' Yes, gentlemen, and there'll just be time for a peep 

 at the mares and foals,' Dick said, and in a few minutes 

 they were dismounting before the trainer's hospitable 



