222 rate's day with the old horse 



" Well, I don't agree with you, and for the sake 

 of example I will back my young chestnut against 

 your veteran in the field to-day," quoth Polly. 



" Oh, come, Miss Preece, that's hardly fair," 

 broke in George ; six against twenty-six, isn't 

 it, Kate ? " 



" It may be, Cousin George, but the old horse 

 can quite take care of himself, thank you. Yes, I'll 

 match my old one against your chestnut, owners up ; 

 who is to be judge ? " 



" Would you mind, Captain Vernon ? " pleaded 

 Polly. 



" No, certainly. What are the stakes ? " 



" Oh, say a pair of gloves ; I am too much of a 

 pauper to make the bet in dozens," replied Kate, 

 and so the bet was made. 



The morning was a bright one, with a touch of 

 hoar frost on the grass, which none but the early 

 risers saw. 



At 11.15 the rime had all gone, and the air 

 was as " balmy as May," the sun shone brightly, 

 and men's spirits were as brilliant as the 

 weather. 



But the first draw was a long one, and a blank. 

 The second was like it, and again no noisy note 



