102 SPORTING ADVENTURES OF 



too. Soapy Sponge will be here with Hercules and 

 Multum in Parvo ; old Jawleyford, and a host of 

 others of that lot. Then there's Lord Wildrace, Sir 

 Harry Clearall, and God knows who besides. There's 

 more than forty horses in Craneford now — every 

 stall and stable engaged ; and there will be twice as 

 many in the morning. 



" Ah ! sir, it's the breakfast as brings 'em — at 

 least, a great many of 'em." 



" Well, I daresay that has something to do with 

 it," replied the Captain ; " but a great many come 

 to have a laugh at us. The fact is, most of our 



men can't ride a d . Then look at Head and 



Over, they are always coming to grief and falling 

 off. No wonder they get laughed at. And most 

 of the others, too. There will be no end of ladies 

 out, too, and all to have a grin at us. Oh ! by- 

 the-way, Slowman, here is your tip. I may just as 

 well give it to you to-night as later. I've made it 

 ten instead of five this year, because you've shewn 

 us such prime sport." 



" Very much obliged to you, Captain, indeed," 

 thrusting the note into his pocket ; " and for your 

 kind opinion too. I try to show what sport I can, 

 and always will. So they're coming to have a 

 laugh at us, are they ! I wish we may find a good 

 stout fox, and choke all the jealous beggars off. 



