WHO IS TO RIDE HIM ? 325 



as Guardsman hopped over the formidable eighteen 

 feet like a bird. 



George turned slightly in his saddle to take stock. 

 " All safe but three/' he uttered ; " well, that is 

 more than I thought would get over. Now, old 

 man, I must take a pull at you. You have only 

 done part of the journey. I can't afford to pump 

 you yet," 



" Guardsman has cut it," shouted a hundred 

 voices as the gallant horse was pulled back. 



" The cowardly brute ! " bawled another. 



" Don't you believe it," cried the sly-looking little 

 man, in a shrill voice that was heard all over the 

 place. " I'll take three to one in thous, and do it 

 twice, that Guardsman wins, or is placed." 



" Done," said the pale delicate youth ; " I'm on 

 for twice." And the pencils went to work. 



There was but one opinion amongst the count- 

 less thousands that Guardsman was the best horse 

 in the race, and that, bar accidents, he must win. 



The field has become very select now ; still what 

 do remain in the chase go well. 



The excitement is intense ; men are gnawing 

 their lips and nails ; ladies are quivering with emo- 

 tion and biting the tips of their delicate-coloured 

 gloves. 



Wild and staring eyes are everywhere. Men 



