328 WHO IS TO RIDE HIM? 



stand, amidst such shouts as are seldom heard. 

 Cheer after cheer rent the air. 



" God bless you, old fellow ! * said his lordship, 

 as his friend passed him in the enclosure ; " there 

 never was, and never will be, such a Silverpool 

 again. I will never bet another farthing ! I'm 

 square again." 



George is now dismounted. Taking the saddle 

 off his noble favourite, as he has it on one arm, he 

 fondly and proudly pats his neck. Tim is standing 

 at the horse's head, with a rein in each hand ; tears 

 are coursing clown the old man's cheek. " God 

 spare you many years, sir ! " said he to his master, 

 who looked kindly at him ; " but never ride another 

 race whilst I am alive ; I can't bear it ; one more 

 day such as this would be my last." 



George entered the weighing-room. " Guards- 

 man, ten twelve," said he, seating himself in the 

 chair. 



The clerk of the scales approached with book in 

 hand and pencil in mouth, looking up to the dial 

 for an instant said, " Eight ! " 



Cheer after cheer rent the air again as he came 

 out in his top-coat. 



" For God's sake, Geome, come to the drag and 

 have some champagne ; I'm ready to faint," said 

 Lord Plunger, as he seized his arm. 



