The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1888-02-04


laid against than backed by the knowing
ones.
Another disquieting symptom was the
sudden favor into which Mr.. Crowfoot's
"Fulham" had been taken, horse in
which, as everybody knew, Mr.. Paddock
had strong interest Now this looked as
if his owners expected to win with him;
and yet, as Charlie and Mr.. Paddock both
knew, he could not give the "Smith" 10
pounds in weight, which he was asked to
do.
Just about this time-that is, on the
afternoon just before the race-Miss Rich
ards was standing on the terrace in front of
the Priors, wondering if she would see any
thing of Charlie before he started for the
race meeting, when she heard the sound Of
horses hoofs upon the gravel drive ap-
proeching the house. Looking in the di-
rection of the sound she saw-and her eyes
opened wide with astonishment at the sight
Ia fine racehorse walking up the drive
with somewhat diminutive rider upon his
back. He was beautiful creature-the
horse, that is. As for the rider, he was so
wrapped up in a long coat that only his
boots could be seen, and they were certain
ly beautifully polished; but the polish of
the boots was put to shame by the satin
coat of the horse, who advanced with wiry,
springy tread. Dell ran across the lawn to
meet the animal, exclaiming: "Why,
surely this is, can only be, Wayland
Smith.
"Hush, Miss" said the boy who rode
him, raising his whip-hand to his lips.
"Oh, Miss he cried, in a voice trembling
with excitement, "is the young Squire
about? l must see him instantly"
'Take the horse round to the stables"
cried Dell "There are plenty of empty
boxes there. Stay, the gate is locked. 1
have key, and will show you the way.
Oh, you beauty !" she cried, addressing the
horse, who permitted her to pat his polished
shoulder with every sign of satisfaction.
"There is nothing wrong with him, is
there, George-for you are George, | sup
pose ?"
Yes, Miss, I'm George. No, Miss,
there's nothing wrong with the Smith.
But there's something awfully wrong at
Snafles's, Miss"
''You look after your horse, George, and
I'll find the master" said Dell; and, just as
she was, she hurried into the village and
arrived breathless, with her hair blown all
over her face, at the door of the Gross
Keys" A knot of young men were stand
ing at the door, who stared their hardest,
but made way for her to enter.
"What, Mademoiselle p exclaimed Ana
tole in delight and astonishment. "Ma
femme she descend instantly to receive
Mademoiselle"
"Oh, don make fuss, Anatole, but call
Mr. Lilburn at once Make haste, instant
ly." cried Dell, stamping her feet with i'm
patience at Anatole's beaming face,
"Ah, but believe, yes, truly I fear that
Monsieur has already set forth to the
course.
''Stop him, then,' cried Dell. "Send
after him, do you hear p
"Why, what is the matter" ?" asked Char.
lies voice from the door; for one of the
young men, who had listened, of course, to
what was going on, had condoned their
offense by calling back Charlie, who had
had just. started from the inn stables
s'What has happened? Is anything wrong
with my aunt 2"
ayes, she has desperate influenza, said
Dell, "and wants to see you. And now row
me back to the Priors as quickly as you car
and will tell you her message This
was said for the benefit of all the wide-opeI
ears that were listening, and then as Char
lie followed her, amazed and mysti6ed, sht
whispered: "'The Smith is here"
aHere y cried Charlie, as he handed Del
into the boat. "Why, he is half way tC
London by this time"
"Heis here" painted Dell. "George ha'
ridden him over, and he must see you al
once; and there's something wrong"
Charlie said no more, but sculled OIL
desperately. The nearest landing place fol
the stalles was only couple of hundred
yards distant from the inn lawn; and, in c
few minutes, Charlie was dashing up the
path to the stables with Dell close upon hi,
heels.
George was only too eager to tell hi:
story ''But its nothing wrong with 'tht
} Smith, just cast your eyes over him, Sir,
cried the lad. leading the way to the box
where the horse was standing, now closely
sheeted and hooded; and dexterously sweep
ing off the horses clothing, George stood
by, modestly awaiting the need of approval
"Yes, he looks fit enough" said Charlie
after critical examination. "Well, speal
up, George"
"sir, it was this very morning" begar
George; 'the boys were preparing 'ths
Smith for his gallop, and me sitting in I
corner reading the Sporting Life and won
dering how they could dare to lay sucf
odds against him, when, 10 and behold,
hear the gate swing, and see two gent
walking up toward the house. Mr.. Snafie
was there in minute, just as if he hat
been looking out for them. Servant, gentle
men, says he, what may be your business9
And one of the gents pull something out
of his pocket. Suits of Paddock ant
he says. I'VE seize Mr.. Lilburn's horses.
sVou'ra awara panflaman qava Mr.