112 THE DEAD HEAT 



The gallop is over, and Screwdriver has been 

 tried at even weights against a good one. George 

 Bradon had thought it better that Fortescue should 

 ride his own horse in the trial, which he did. " By 

 Jove, you've got a clipper, Fortescue ! " said the 

 former, as they pulled up ; " you don't know how 

 good. I deceived you all when I told you I had 

 borrowed this nag to try you. Keep your mouth 

 shut, hermetically sealed, old fellow, and I'll tell you 

 something you will care to know. It is no com- 

 moner you have galloped against to-day. Mind, on 

 your life, not a word to your dearest friend. It's my 

 own horse, Guardsman, you have had a spin with 

 — the winner of the Cheltenham Grand Annual ! " 



The young man thus addressed sat like one in 

 a dream, at this revelation. 



" It's all old Mason's doing, Fortescue," said he. 

 " He advised me to bring him over. I'm off now. 

 Look at that knot of people coming over the hill ; 

 there are some who crossed tlie Channel yesterday 

 with me who would know my old pet, and I would 

 not have it blown upon for a trifle — the horse has 

 been in Ireland for a week on the quiet. I'm now 

 off, across country to Athenry, where Mason is, and 

 has a stable for him. The horse will leave by the 

 late train to-night for England with a lad ; so no one 

 will be a bit the wiser. My old stud-groom will 



