unaccustomed an oration, "at least, sir, begging pardon for speaking so plain, that's my advice." "I must think over this most seriously, Sands," I replied, "before coming to any decision. Meanwhile, about Lotos'-she is looking well, and I suppose you will hardly suggest that we shall keep her for anything 'big.' I wish you, however, to understand that I do not care about running into much expense." "At present, I don't know what she will do, sir; I did not think very much of her at first, and never fairly tried her at home; but she is well enough bred for anything, and the old 'Stockwell' blood seems to tell its tale every month. I can't say she is nearly ripe yet; still she appeared to win easy enough yesterday. George rode her without whip or spur, and she won as soon as he brought her to the front." "What, then, do you recommend me to do with her, Sands? She cannot keep on winning these sort of races every week; the handicappers will take now." care of that "Well, sir, we can keep her in fair work for the present, and just put her into one or two small weight-for-age races, where the expenses are light, especially if we don't travel too far." 66 Very well, Sands, so be it; but I shall not enter her for anything, until you hear from, or see me again." It was now getting towards evening; so after a short chat with Mrs. Sands and her two daughters, I said good-bye to all, and remounting, rode homewards just as— The rosy tints of setting sun As sinking in the fiery west, He sought again nocturnal rest. Ere bidding quite adieu to day, ON arriving back at Wood's, two telegrams awaited me; the first was Rooke and Robbe, to F. Whitebelt, Esqre., 66 Throgmorton Street, City. 66 '12.30 P.M. Wood's Hotel, Chalkcliffe. Symptoms of panic in certain stocks. Shall we do anything for you ?" The second arrived two hours later 66 Everything lower; should like to have your instructions about Polynesians. Account begins to-morrow." This was a staggerer; but pulling myself together, I first asked how Marshall was getting on? Colonel Harlingford had called E again to inquire, and the Doctor had been twice. Sending for the manager, he told me that Mr. Marshall was perfectly tranquil, and the Doctor was much more hopeful than in the morning. This was a relief; especially as I learnt he was still comfortably dozing. After dinner, I went to his room, and found him quietly enjoying some light refreshment, carefully prepared by the attentive hostess. He was evidently weak, but able to ask me about my doings. My answer, at first, was confined to the visit to Kelvington; but finding he had received Colonel Harlingford's card, and that he was anxious to learn how he had been found out, I related the narrative of our meeting on the beach. I was then compelled to tell him of the annoying news received from London-the importance of which he well understood and bid him good-night, with the understanding that as I had to leave early in the morning, I would not disturb him; but he was to let me know regularly how he progressed, in case I should be detained in town. Next day, finding from the attendant that he had passed a tolerable night, I started by an early train, which landed me in the City before eleven. Walking briskly along narrow lanes, past the stately building of the Bank of England (irreverently nicknamed the residence of the "Old Lady of Threadneedle Street"), I went towards the offices of my brokers. Already there was a great bustle in the street; busy men with anxious faces rushing to and fro; crowds of fussy clerks pushing past in rude excitement; I was hustled about by breathless, red-faced men, and lank, pallid-cheeked fellows, all book and pencil in hand. Now, we all know that there are black sheep in most flocks, whether it be in the Church, the Bar, Trade, Naval, and Military, or, indeed, in any path of life. Still the exceptions only prove the rule; and I must say, that although I have been unfortunate in unwittingly placing myself in the hands of folks at times, who were, to use a mild term, |