Adrien's appearance in the stable-yard was the signal for much

excitement among the hands there; and presently the head groom made his

appearance, struggling into his coat, while coughing with embarrassed

respect.

"Good morning, Markham," said his master with a nod; "where's the

'King'?"

"In the south stable, sir," replied the man, as he fumbled in his pocket

for the keys. "You would like to see him, sir?"

Adrien nodded, and made his way to the stable, accompanied by the groom.

"No one else is allowed to enter the stable but yourself, Markham?" he

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asked, as the man unlocked the door.

"No one, sir. I'm always here when he's being littered or fed. Not a

soul touches him without I'm at his side. He's in fine condition, sir; I

never saw him in better."

Adrien passed his hand over the satiny coat of the race-horse. The

dainty creature pricked up his finely-pointed ears, and turned to his

master with a whinny of delight.

"He looks well enough," he admitted. "Has he had his gallop this

morning?"

"Yes, sir; but would you like to see him across the paddock?"

"Yes," said Adrien. "By the way, who rides him to-morrow?"

"Peacock, sir."

"Ah, the new jockey."

"Yes, sir; Mr. Vermont's lad," returned the groom.

"A good seat?" asked Adrien.

"Capital, never saw a better, sir, and weighs next to nothing. I'll send

for him." He whistled, and half a dozen stable helpers rushing forward,

he despatched them to find the jockey. While waiting, the groom had the

precious "King" brought into the yard and saddled; and in a few moments

the man arrived. Markham had called him a lad; but in reality he was

almost middle-aged, with the stunted stature of a child. Adrien looked

him over critically.

"So you ride the 'King' to-morrow?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," replied the dwarf humbly.

"Let me see you take him round the paddock," said Adrien. The man threw

off his coat, showing himself to be in shabby riding costume; then,

vaulting into the saddle, he took the racer to the meadow at the back of

the stable-yard. Adrien watched the bird-like flight of the superb

animal, and nodded approvingly when he presently returned to the

starting-point.

"You'll do," he said, as the jockey dismounted; "ride like that

to-morrow, and we shall win. There is something for you, but no

drinking, mind."




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