404 
FOREST AND STREAM 
admit was caused bv one of those optical delusions whcu 
wo see things only as we would have them appear. 
“Mr. Spots tells me, Mr. Tickson, that you are the ‘horsey 
man’ of the establishment, to quote his own words; if so, 
I can sympathize with you, as I am devotedly fond of riding. 
Poor little Timor, my pony, I fear will miss ns much as his 
mistress our morning gallops around Ku-lan-su.” 
“Take all that Spots tells you with an allowance, Miss 
Time; his imagination sometimes runs away with him, as 
Tambour did the other day. Has he told you of that? I 
fancy not. I am really glad to know that you ride, and I 
am sure there is at least oue horse in the stable that, will 
carry a lady, at all events we will have him out to-morrow 
aud try him with a blanket. You are just in time for the 
races." 
“Yes,” put in Spots, “and to sec Tickson and Safety 
Valve carry off the Autumn Cup. If you bet, Miss Time, 
back him for all the gloves you can venture. The odds 
are all Lombard street to a China orange that they win; 
and when you wear those gloves, think of the giver of 
the tip.” 
Spots was progressing pretty rapidly, but Miss Nellie 
scented to enjoy his attentions and nonsense. In fact, he 
was getting along so fast that it was a relief when the cloth 
was removed, aud after the conventional toast of, “absent 
friends,” the young lady left us, pleading fatigue as an ex- 
cuse for not appearing in the drawingroom during the even- 
ing. No billiards for us that night. If ever three men 
were hopelessly aud unmistakably spooney they were my 
three compancrox. Goggles wandered back to the piano 
aud made night hideous' with his plaintive chords, while 
the others aided and abetted. After one cheroot I sought 
my “downy” and dreamed I was riding a race, with Miss 
Nellie attired in jockey costume just beating me at the 
post by a head. 
"Six o'clock hab got, sir,” yelled my boy at what seemed 
an unearthly Lour in the morning. But there was no help 
for it, the nags had to be trained, even if I gave up myself; 
and in ten minutes I was at the door. where4he trap and a 
mafoo were in attendance. Away we spin up to the Maloo, 
a long wide street stretching and spreading out from t he 
foreign settlement of Shanghae, like the tail of a comet, 
aud lined on either side with native houses. In the morn- 
ing the general market place where inside and outside 
barbarians are alike provided with the necessities of life. 
Hucksters, with pieces of soft sickly looking pork hanging 
on poles. Fish dealears with baskets of fat and slimy 
carp and abominations in the shape of snails and perri- 
winkies. Piles of mud-covered duck eggs, which have been 
buried in the earth until they have attained the degree of 
putridity required by your celestial gourmet; and 'all the 
other villianous and nameless articles which go to make up 
the native cuisine. 
“Muou li!" shouts the mafoo; and the crowd of coolies 
enjoying the matutinal cup of tea, retailed by traveling 
venders, scatter right aud left at our approach. Men are 
poshing before them in the direction of the villages, large 
wheelbarrows, bearing on one side their househord goods, 
balanced by a pig or a passenger on the other. Itinerant 
dealers in bamboo shoots and Shantung cabbage shout 
their wares, and their cries follow us until we reach the 
opcu country, and the road lined with the neat bungalows 
of the foreign brokers. The race course is reached at last, 
and the grand stand found to be half filled with men in 
flannel enjoying their coffee, and looking eagerly for “tips" 
wherewith to be guided in their evening investments at the 
Club sweepstakes. Our “string” is carefully scrutinized 
as they file into the stable enclosure, but hoods and blauk- 
ets defy curiosity. 
“Off with the clothing, Ahim, and let’s see the beauties. 
Look out for Safety Valve’s heels, he’ll break a rib for you 
without the slightest compunction.” These Tartars have 
a perfect mania for kicking. One more pull at the girths, a 
“leg up,” and away we go for a mild breather around the 
course, coming back after two circuits without having 
turned a hair. 
“Now, Ahim, put Safety Valve's clothing on that other 
pony and open the back gate." Dodging behind the stand 
and jumping one or two ditches, a clump of bamboo soon 
hides us from prying eyes, and now the real work of the 
morning commences. Away we spin over the flat country, 
jumping ditches, walls and everything that conies in our 
way • All around us are the round topped tombs of defunct 
Chinamen, no elevation worthy the name of bill being 
within twenty miles. In this part of the Empire the earth 
is so shallow that only a few feet of soil intervene before 
water is reached. It is the custom of the natives to de- 
posit the coffins containing their dead on the surface of the 
ground, the wealthier people covering them with a mau- 
soleum of brick and mortar, and the poorer classes con- 
tenting themselves with a simple covering of mats, which 
for a short time, i9 an imperfect protection against the 
weather. The coffins are immensely heavy, the boards 
comprising them being several inches in thickness, with 
the crevices tightly closed with cement, and, moreover, as 
the body is always placed on a layer of quick lime, the 
after effects are not as disagreeable, to one of the senses i>t 
least, as might be imagined. When an unfortunate 
foreigner dies of cholera, fever, sun apoplexy, or what the 
Irishman called “beautiful hard drinking," his remains are 
deposited in a shallow grave lined with brick so as to ex- 
clude the water. The foreign community were granted 
permission to build the only drive they possess, on condi- 
tion that the bones of deceased celestials that would be dis- 
turbed by it, 9hould be carefully gathered aud preserved. 
This was done, and the earthen jars containing them de- 
posited by the road side, where, as nobody claimed them 
lor aught I know they still remain . The Bight of the jars' 
with here and there a leg or an arm bone protruding, or 
sometimes capped with a bleaching skull, became so fumil- 
iur that they were fondly and fucetiously dubbed, “our 
[ lotted ancestors.” Having accomplished a circuit of at 
east five miles of good cross country work, I returned to 
the settlement by a road which brought me past the Baby 
lower, that hideous, Bquare sided structure, worthy of 
a heathen nation. Through the apertures in its sides the 
wretched half starved coolies were in the habit of deposit- 
i'j their surplus female iufanls, aa often alive as dead, leav- 
ing litem to perish by slow starvation, if they were not sooner 
choked to death by the fumes of quick lime, with which 
the place wiu» partly filled for the purpose of consuming 
their little bodies uud making room lor more. Beaching 
the stable without attracting attention, after Baaing my pet 
well rubbed aud scraped, 1 jumped into my bath, and was 
*oou ready for the duties of the day. Miss Nellie ap- 
peared ai breakfast most charmingly attired, in one of those 
marvellous muslins of Indlun manufacture, which, when 
properly constructed, convey the idea that the wearer lias 
only to open her arms and float gently through the air. 
And Nellie possessed both taste in dressing ami that won- 
derful grace of movement which served to carry out the 
illusion. If she looked lovely the night, before she was 
simply angelic now, and with a half despairing sigh, I 
gave up the ghost of resistance and joined the nohle army 
of martyrs. And after all, there’s nothing like an honest 
capitulation. Even the dread of Spots’ chaff was lost sight 
of, and I think at that moment l could have sacrificed 
both Safety Valve, my pet meerschaum, and new breech- 
loader, on the altar of my new horn affection. 
“Been training this morning?” said Spots. “How do 
the ponies go?" 
“All right," I replied. “We’re safe to land the cup. 
No one appears to suspect. Safely Valve, and I think there 
will be some fun at. the finish." 
“Do you feel quite sure you will win?" said Miss Nellie. 
“There's many a slip between the cup and the lip, you 
know.” 
“Yes. T know there is, but barring accident I think we 
cannot lose. I have the gauge of every animal in the race, 
ami our candidate lias speed and staying power to heal them 
all; of course, there is a good deal of uncertainty in racing, 
hut I think this time we have everything quite safe." 
“Well, yon know I belong to the hong now, and shall 
feel as much interested as any one, so I do hope you will 
do your best.” 
Do roy best; as though with Nellie looking on I could 
help straining every nerve, with the additional incentive of 
pleasing her. Already I lmd gone, in imagination, through 
a little scene, wherein I was presenting her with the trophy 
of victory in a pretty little speech about the inspiration of 
such lovely eyes, etc. During the next few days, clmos 
reigned supreme in Ti-cheong. We seemed to take turns in 
sneaking out of the office for a few moments' conversation 
with Nellie. Patient and long suffering tea brokers waited 
in vain to have their muxter s tasted, and dealers in Long 
ells and grey shirtings, opened their eyes with astonish- 
ment at the rapidity with which settlements were made. 
Our dear old taepan must almost have regretted the hospit- 
able impulse winch brought such a disturbing element 
within the hong. Spots, by virtue of being best posted in 
such matters, had t lie honor of accompanying our fair 
guest on her shopping excursions; while to me was giveu 
the happiness of escort ing her lor a ride every evening. 
Fortuuately, at this time, Shanghae was overllowing with 
horses. The war at the north had colminated in the treaty 
of Tcin Tsin, and the British authorities had judged it best 
to dispose of the horses of their two regiments of irregu- 
lar cavalry, Probyus and Faues, instead of incurring the 
expense of shipping them to India. The whole lot, good, 
bad and indifferent, were put up at auction, and every man 
in the settlement became the possessor of an Arab of some 
kind or other. The choicest realized prices as high as 
three hundred taels, or, four hundred Mexican dollars, hut 
the majority were wind broken and spavined, and soon suc- 
cumbed to the climate. Nellie rode remarkably twill; fear- 
lessly, and in perfect form. Her lithe, well shaped figure, 
in a closely fitting habit of dark blue cloth, with high 
crowned hat, and veil, soon became . u familiar object on 
our only road, and Tickson was looked upon as a remark- 
ably lucky fellow. The evening before the races wo had 
ridden rather farther than usual, towards the group of um 
brella shaped trees which, with the temple roofs, formed 
the only break in our lino of western horizon. Leaving 
the road, we had taken a direction across the country where 
there were a few easy jumps, but still around us on every 
side the graves of celestials covered the ground. Such sur- 
roundings in the twilight hour, as we brought otir horses 
to a walk, checked the exhuherance of spirits which the 
rapid motion had excited, and in me, brought to a climax 
the feelings which I had no longer power to resist. Vet I 
dared not speak, fcpots, who 1 knew was far gone, hud 
looked very radiant when they returned from shopping, 
and even bets had been made in the office, that lie hud 
popped and been accepted. I knew she liked him, while 
she appeared interested in my existence only so fur as it 
conduced to the enjoyment of her evening rides. But the 
time was short; to morrow the races were to commence, 
and two days afterwards they were to leave for Japan ami 
home. 
“Your visit is drawing to a close, Miss Nellie, have you 
enjoyed it?” 
iVc had stopped our horses and were looking at the west- 
ern sky. The setting sun had tinged the clouds about it 
with a roseate hue, gilding their edges, and scattering in 
every direction little decks of gold, which were dccpcTting 
and darkening as night rapidly approached. Nellie made 
a lovely picture, sitting motionless on her while Arab, 
himself a beauty, as she gazed rather audly and musingly 
I thought, at the glories of the departing day. 
“Enjoyed it? of course I have; how could I help en- 
joying it, with you all so thoughtful and kind. Do you 
know, I am very glad we had this ride to-night? to morrow 
the races begin, and even if w.e should ride again, it is not 
likely that two such sunsets would occur within one week. 
This is one of those times and scenes which so impress 
themselves on one's memory, that they are constantly re- 
curring, I kuow that, time and again, on the voyage and 
after I have reached home, I shall see these trees and the 
temple roofs, and liie little dragons that I know are under 
the eaves although I can not see them; and 1 shall feel 
again the shudder which I can scarcely now repress when 
I think of all these gruves and the fieshless skeletons which 
inhabit them.” 
“And will you think of nothing else, Miss Nellie? shall 
I be entirely forgotten in your reveries? or only come in 
as an adjunct to the scene?" 
Nellie turned from me and her horse threw his head up 
as though there had been a sudden tightening of the curb.' 
“How foolish for you to talk so, Mr. Tickson , could I 
forgot how kind you have been to mu? all of you, I mean- 
ami then you are coming home neat year, and I shall see 
you and wo can talk over all our good times ugair,. You'll 
he sure and come aud see me, won't you?" 
“I don’t know. I may not go home." 
“Not go home! bull thought it was settled thut you 
were to go. J 
“Yob, hut Spots is anxious to go at that time, and you 
know we cannot go together. It all depends on you Nol- 
le; do you want me to come? will you give me some hope 
that 1 may freely say to you then, what I scarcely dare to 
now? that I love you. dearly and devotedly, and can only 
look forward to happiness, with you us ray wife ” 
It was all out, and in the most commonplace munner. 
My hay moved nearer the Arab ami my hand was on the 
horn of her saddle, as I pressed Nellie for an answer. 
“I cannot, Mr. Tickson— this is so sudden— my father 
you know — really we must be going — see how dark it is 
getting.” 
Bui still I urged, while Nellie gathered her reins together 
ami shook herself into her seat, preparatory to starting. ’ 
“Don't ask me now. I’ll answer you to morrow— when 
yon give me the cup, as you promised to — ’’ 
And in another moment, both horses were stretching at 
full gallop towards the settlement. Inn most unenviable 
and uncertain frame of mind I arrayed myself for dinner, 
and Spots coming into my room, evidently imagined that 
something unusual must have occurred. 
“What's the matter old fellow? not been jilted by Nellie, 
have you? lm! ha! I think I’ve got the best of you there. 
Take a sherry and hitters and brace up. But, I say, to 
come down to business, how about to-morrow? Do you 
think everything is quite safe for the jumping race? You 
know I’ve gone a cracker on it! all my passage aud spend- 
ing money for the trip home." 
“Of course it’s all right; haven’t I got, a pot. on myself? 
The horse is safe enough, and I don’t lliink I’ll be likely to 
tlnow the race away." Yet I believe if the mafoo had ap- 
peared at that moment with tho # information that Safely 
Valve had broken'his leg in the stable, I should have re- 
ceived the news with perfect indifference. "Besides," l 
continued, “you’ve plenty of time to hedge; hoy a few 
sweeps at the club to-night, on Dick Swiveller; he’s the 
next best in, and the best jock on the coast rides him." 
"No.” said Spots, “I’ll stand it all, and with the odds 
I’m getting ought to land enough to permit of a little in- 
discretion, hey, old follow?" 
At dinner Nellie was very quiet, never once looked at 
me, and addressed her conversation chiefly to the taepan; 
but in the drawing-room afterwards, when some outsiders 
came in, she brightened up and was all vivacity. Spots, 
too, was as lively as a cricket, mid kept in such close at- 
tendance that I could not obtain a word in private. While 
finishing my last cigar before retiring, Spots came into my 
room, and after some heating around the hush, confided to 
me that lie had proposed to Nellie that afternoon. 
“And did -she accept you?” I asked. 
“Well— no— not exaeily. Shu was very much confused; 
and the pony trap was rather an awkward place, if she 
had said ‘yes’ I could not have kissed her, you know — so 
I did not. press her — told her that to-morrow would he 
plenty of lime for me to learn my fate — and all that kind 
of thing." 
Lett to my own reflections, which were not nm'irosiul, with 
an anathema against coquettes, instead of turning in, as pru- 
dence and the necessity for a steady hand for the morrow 
should have dictated, 1 lighted another cigar and went to 
the stables. 
The morning broke clear as a bell, with that delightful 
crispness in the air which is the result of a cool breeze over 
night. A race day in China, although differing so in sur- 
roundings from a similar event in more civilized countries, 
still bears the same holiday aspect To the mercantile com- 
munity, it is a long lonkcd-for occasion for slight specula- 
tion, unlimited tiffin, and much fun; while to the regiments 
In garrison, and the crews of the different ships on the 
station, it is an absolute godsend from the dreary monotony 
of their lives. Not the least amusing features, are some 
of the feeble efforts made to apo the prevalent customs of 
the Derby day in England. A few ancient drags are 
brought into requisition, each with the necessary nccom- 
panymont of four horses and a tin horn. Juvenile Cunto- 
ncse, of small statue, are for the occasion inducted into 
livery and perched behind the drag. The man who owns 
a dog carl is a happy mortal, but by far the largest portion 
of the community are reduced to Shanks' mures or a sedan 
chair. The natives turn out in full force, some of the 
wealthier merchants, indeed, presenting valuable cups io 
lie run for. Even the heller class of women, so rarely 
seen, turn out on this day, and through the windows o'f 
• heir chairs, much rich embroidery and valuable jewelry is 
to be seen, supplementing oval faces thickly covered with 
powder and enamel, and bright black eyes sparkling with 
satisfaction at the unaccustomed excitement. The Mu-loo, 
the general outlet for the settlement, and beyond which the 
race course is situated, is thronged w ill) hi almost impenetra- 
ble mass of Chinamen; through which, with difficulty, a 
lane is lormcd by the municipal "bobbies," for the passage 
of every description of vehicle, from the broket's trap, 
drawn by an attenuated pony, to the lordly four-in hand, 
tooled by a spoiling tin-pan. The natives, dressed in their 
New ^ ear's clothes, aie .spending their copper cash with a 
perfect recklessness, and the gambling, without which your 
celestial gamin never invests in a pint, of melon seeds, or a 
cup of Biimshu, is carried on unhluslilngly. Itinerant jug- 
glers. naked to the waist, having 'cleared a space large 
enough in which to swing their arms, are exhibiting their 
tricks of Icgcidcmuiii and f/ur <1? /b/vyt, in a manner which 
would cause envy in the heart of Hail/.. 
“Boys," liy whom are understood Cuntoneso body ser- 
vants of any ago from sixteen to sixty, in tho nattiest of 
costumes, and smoking their masters’ cheroots, are wend- 
ing their way in parlies of three and four to the scene 
of action. Even the “Anonyinas" (unlive) who lire 
reduced to walking, appear in l'nris kid slippers and plain 
but rich dresses; the poor girls sheltering their uncovered 
heads with ilic loroigit umbrella, which in their eslinmliou, 
makes their costume ii complete success. 
Arrived at the race com sc, which is an oval of u mile, 
Hie outer rim, even on the side furthest from the stand, is 
found to he thickly studded with a crowd ol natives; who, 
caring nothing lor start or finish, are sufficiently gratified 
with seeing the rush of gaily dressed riders on their Hying 
steeds. The grand sLund is already filling up with a crowd 
ot foreign residents, the front seal only partly filled with 
ladies, lor in the year of grace, 18(1—, Sliangliae could not 
' ’ •’ ’ ' ' of the 
se roar, 
Instead, 
boast of more than thirty or forty representatives 
gentler sex. There is no betting ring and the “hoars 
ho familiar to Engl i'ttbnien’s ears, is quite wanting. 1. 
the whilc-coutud band of Her Majesty’s — Hi regiment dis- 
courses sweet music. Nellie, I noticed, was on the front 
seat, of the stand with Spots in close attendance pointing 
out probable winners on her silken programme. 1 wanted 
very much to change places with him, bill my duties to the 
stable kept me constantly occupied, and it. was only during 
the interval of the races, and the intermission for tiffin, 
thut 1 could find time for a word or two. Nellie was vety 
sweet and gracious, and whispered to mo to lie very careful 
of myself as 1 left the stund for tho lust time, and uty 
doubts seemed vanishing. The thrilling sense of Victory 
which causes a quick throbbing of the heurt as your horso 
