THE DEAD HEAT 125 



men discussing the merits of the different 

 horses. 



" Here comes your nag, Fortescue," said a young 

 sub, running up to the carriage. 



" Oh, what a beauty he is ! " said Miss Gwynne. 

 " Who is the little fat man leading him ? " 



" That/' said Bradon, who had joined them, " is my 

 old stud-groom, one of the best men in Europe ; he 

 says Screwdriver's trained to the hour. Here, Mason, 

 turn the horse round and show him to the lady." 



The old man touched his hat as he did so. 



" He's a good 'un, miss," he said, " and nothing 

 but a good 'un ; and if Mr Fortescue rides him 

 patiently, I think that no Mad Moll will have a 

 chance with him." And touching his hat again 

 he turned and walked the horse away. 



The regimental champion was then immediately 

 surrounded by the men of the Stiffshire Eegi- 

 ment. 



The weighing is over, and Screwdriver mounted. 

 Fortescue's colours are crimson, with gold braiding. 

 Capt. O'Rooney's are all green. Both gentlemen 

 look thorough jocks, and sit their horses easily and 

 well ; but there is a look of the older hand about 

 the Captain. 



" Who will lay me two to one against Screw- 

 driver ? " cried out a sly-looking little man in a 



