ONLY THE MARE 151 



3*15 Match, £120 a side, over the Steeple-chase Course, about 

 three miles and a half. 



1. Mr Blankney, 14th Dragoons, ch. h. Jibboom, 5 years, 

 11 St. 7 lb., rose, black and gold cap. 



2. Mr Peyton, b. m. Little Lady, 6 years, 11 st, sky-blue, 

 white cap. 



Blankney was sitting on the regimental drag, 

 arrayed in immaculate boots and breeches, and, 

 after the necessary weighing ceremony had been gone 

 through he mounted the great Jibboom, which Phil 

 Kelly had been leading about : the latter gentleman 

 had a rather anxious look on his face ; but Blankney 

 evidently thought he was on a good one, and nodded 

 confidently to his friends on the drag as he lurched 

 down the course. 



Little Lady was brought up to me, Smithers 

 beinej in close attendance. 



" I shall be so glad, if you win," Nellie found 

 opportunity to whisper. 



" What will you give me ? " I greedily inquire. 



*' Anything you ask me," is the reply ; and my 

 heart beats high as, having thrown off my light 

 wrapper and mounted, Little Lady bounds down the 

 course, and glides easily over the hurdle in front of 

 the stand. 



Bertie and Smithers were waiting at the starting- 

 post ; and, having shaken hands with Blankney, 

 to whom Bertie introduced me, I went apart to 



