108 THE DEAD HEAT 



had not been known for years — " a thousand 

 pounds ! " What could the English soldier have been 

 thinking of ! The nags went on well in their train- 

 ing, closely guarded by their respective admirers. 

 The English horse took to wall-jumping beautifully ; 

 but it was doubted whether, even with his great turn 

 of speed, he had the foot of the Irish mare — a 

 clipper. Then again, though Fortescue was a cool 

 and daring horseman, he had not the experience 

 of the Captain, who had ridden many a hard-con- 

 tested race before, across country and over the flat. 



The stakes had been made good and deposited 

 according to agreement with the Colonel. The 

 Captain had found friends to share in the bet, for 

 though he was generally disliked, yet they had con- 

 fidence in his horse and his horsemanship. For- 

 tescue, too, had friends, nor had his commanding 

 officer been idle. Men from his own regiment had 

 come forward, so all he stood to lose was two hun- 

 dred and fifty ; this and other matters made him 

 sanguine and light-hearted. In addition to all, he 

 had received a beautiful cap and jacket from Miss 

 Gwynne. 



The sporting papers, English and Irish, teemed 

 with the forthcoming match. " Lieut. Charles 

 Fortescue's bay horse Screwdriver, aged, against 

 Capt. O'Eooney's chestnut mare Mad Moll, six 



