310 WHO IS TO RIDE HIM? 



up in nearly every tree in the park if they knew 

 the game I was flying at. I have found out good 

 ground here, and have permission to use it. Now, 

 Tim, I am going to astonish your weak nerves. I 

 need not caution you of the necessity of being 

 silent. All the races, I find, are over in France for 

 the year ; but, Tim, what do you think ? I have 

 entered both the horses for the Grand Silverpool 

 Steeple-chase. I did it when I was in town the 

 other day." 



" What ! " said the astonished old man, " the 

 Grand Silverpool ? — my horses going to run for the 

 Grand Silverpool ? Oh, Master George, this is a 

 joyful day. Guardsman will win it ; he has never 

 run, and if there is any justice he must be put in 

 light. But who is to ride him ? " 



" Who ? " returned his master. " For your life, 

 Tim, not a word." And pulling him closer by the 

 arm, whispered : " Myself ! " 



" You, sir ? — but your weight, sir ? Twelve stun 

 five and your saddle. Oh, no, Master George, that 

 won't do." 



" Now, Tim, you are a clever fellow, but others 

 are as knowing as you. Look here. You see this 

 weighing-chair ; well, I bought that in London. 

 Now weigh me." 



The old man did as he was bid. " Why, sir," he 



