An Over-reach 337 



it was pleasant to see perseverance rewarded ; a few 

 others had made comparatively civil remarks, and the 

 result of the whole was to make him doubly anxious to 

 win again. 



' There go the numbers, six runners, and very, very 

 bad indeed, bar Hamlet. Now, do just tell me what 

 you really think, Willie,' Montague said. ' Have I a 

 chance ? ' 



' Well, my boy, you must have, of course, on form ; 

 and if you won't mind my saying so, I'm sure you'd have 

 won easier, much easier, last time if you'd sat still ; so 

 you've got a bit in hand that way if you have a little 

 more patience,' Skene replied. 



' I think the old horse is better, too. He was short 

 of a gallop before — they are rather afraid of that leg, you 

 know — so that's another trifle the right way, and every 

 little helps. Look at poor old Jerry ; he's dreadfully lame 

 to-day. Thank you, Jerry,' he continued, when the old 

 man had come up and expressed his good wishes. 

 ' You're on three sovereigns towards the bird-shop if we 

 win.' 



Montague was, in fact, rather hopeful than sanguine ; 

 but quite a different tone prevailed in a little group of 

 three — Payne, Tomkins, and Craik's friend and partner — 

 who were discussing the situation together, awaiting the 

 instruction to ' Mount, gentlemen, please.' Craik had 

 sent word that every arrangement had been made for 

 the starting-price dash on Hamlet. 



' It's simply the best thing I ever knew racing,' 

 Tomkins replied to the inquiry of the friend as to 

 whether there was no way in which it could ' come un- 

 done.' ' Why, 21 lb. wouldn't bring them together if 

 Montague could ride. You'll see what will happen. 



z 



