and Doncaster Yearling Sales; and old Sands, my trainer, wants me to go and see how they are getting on, and whether any of them are worth putting into regular work for their different engagements. I have appointed Saturday for the first examination, and want you badly to act as school-inspector, and give me the benefit of your quiet judgment."

"All right, it will just suit me this week. What train, and where to?”

"Ten o'clock from London Bridge, and leave the rest to me," was the cheery reply.

CHAPTER II.

A VISIT TO KELVINGTON.

AT five minutes to ten we met at the platform; Marshall with an armful of the daily and illustrated papers; and a judicious hint secured us a comfortable compartment where we could chat, read, and smoke, without interference.

Half-past twelve found us safely landed at the little station of Hopstyle, where, from the beaming face of the station-master to the respectful cap-scrapes of the porters, it was easy to see that my friend was well known and appreciated.

"Good day, Mr. Mason," said Marshall to the station-master; adding, with a cheery laugh, "Any accidents lately?"

"No, sir, thank goodness, and not likely now we have seen you again."

"That's thanks for the last brace of phea

sants," whispered Sydney to me.

"Where's Sands ?" continued he, "he surely received my telegram ?" "Here he comes, sir."

And rushing up the platform came a slight, well-formed, healthful man, of about five feet six in height, and forty years of age, mopping his smiling face with a red silk handkerchief, and doffing his hat with a modest apology for being so late-half a minute at

most.

"My friend, Mr. Whitebelt, Sands, come down to see you and the youngsters," was my introduction to him.

66

Very pleased, indeed, sir," replied Sands, "and I've got the dog-cart and George outside to drive you quickly, with the little bay trotter you liked so much last time." (This to Sydney), "I'll ride alongside, if you please, sir, and show the gentleman the points of interest as we go along."

"But what are you on?" said Marshall, when we were settled in the cart, and Sands

was

mounted on а good-looking rakish

thorough-bred.

"Oh, not much, sir, that's Lady Lucy.' She wants a little more work, and I thought a few miles hacking would get her as well forward as we want her to be at present."

Off we went for some five miles, through chalky lanes, and over breezy downs, breathing health in every puff, until turning a sharp corner we passed an old moss-clad church tower, and arrived at the snug little village of Kelvington.

Driving under an imposing archway we entered a large courtyard :-on the left, a range of commodious loose boxes, ten in number; facing you, another handsome line of stabling, with the harness-rooms in the centre; and on the right was the trainer's house, at whose ivy-clad portal stood the comely, smiling wife ready to welcome us with such a hospitable reception as might be expected from the wellknown niece of the greatest Northern trainer of the day.

Marshall was, of course, quite at home, and

after a cordial introduction, it did not take long for me to feel on the best of

terms.

"Come in, gentlemen," said she, "and take something after your long journey. My husband will soon have the horses round, and I am pleased to tell you they are all quite well, which is more than most folks can say after the late rough weather."

Entering a prettily-furnished room, with numerous oil-paintings of Kelvington trained winners on the walls-prominently the great picture of Sands on "Margaret," when he won the Great Oldfinch Handicap, and the next day the heart of his present helpmate and spousewe sat down to a table liberally covered with meats and their adjuncts, and wines and spirits in profusion. A cigar-box in one corner showed they had not forgotten a favourite predilection of Marshall's, and one to which I was at least as much inclined. An open cupboard displayed a wealth of curious old china of which any connoisseur might well be proud, but which were to them but heirlooms, handed