146 MY FIRST AND LAST STEEPLE-CHASE 



those flat sinewy legs. So, setting the horse's 

 head straight for the lodge, I went up to Dick's 

 room. He was in bed, but awake ; and though his 

 face slightly lengthened when I told him I was 

 certain the priest's horse had arrived, he answered 

 coolly enough — 



" You need not look so serious, Frank ; at the 

 worst, it is only a case of selling Madman, and I 

 have had a good offer for him. It is too bad of 

 the priest, though, to spoil our little game. They 

 told me the bishop had sat on him ; but of course 

 he will run in another name. I should have known 

 an old fox like that would have more than one 

 earth. He won't be able to go in for the double 

 event, that is certain. His horse can't jump. 

 The steeplechase is ours ; so come and have a 

 swim. After breakfast we will see what can be 

 done." 



Unfortunately there was no help for it. The 

 priest's horse had carried off a Queen's Plate at the 

 Curragh, and, safe and well at the post, could win 

 as he pleased. It was too late for us to draw back, 

 however, even if we were disposed that way. The 

 invitations for the ball (which was to come off the 

 night of the races) were out. So, consoling our- 

 selves as well as it was possible under the circum- 

 stances, we continued our preparations, looking well 



