318 WHO IS TO RIDE HIM? 



off, it will be one of the grandest coups that has 

 been made on the Turf for many a day. We will 

 go in half an hour, if you like, to look at your nags. 

 They are only three miles from this, at a quiet 

 farmhouse ; then we will return here, dress, and 

 start at twelve in the drag." 



The horses were inspected, and nothing could 

 look more beautiful. Tim was in his glory. 



" Yes, my lord," said he, in answer to a question put 

 to him by that gentleman. " I am glad to be back in 

 the old land, not but what the Moossoos was very jolly 

 and haffable. Still, France ain't up to my notions 

 of a sporting country ; but we was in quiet there — 

 no touts, no interlopers, or anything. Now, if I'd 

 a-brought the horses down here by rail, every one 

 would have knowed it; so they came in a van. 

 It's a little more expensive, but by far the best and 

 safest way. Not a soul knows they are here, and 

 no one will be aware of it till I takes them to the 

 saddling-post. I'm just going to start with them 

 now. I've got a couple of boxes close by the course, 

 so you must excuse me, my lord." And, touching 

 his hat, the old man disappeared. 



/Jc y£ v|c ^c 3fr 



" Whose yellow drag and grays is that coming up 

 the course ? " said one of the occupants of the lawn 

 in front of the Grand Stand. " I do not know it." 



