_Starter._ "'Ere's a pretty mess! Two runners--the favourite won't
start--and if I let the other win, the crowd 'll just about murder me!"]
* * * * *
[Illustration: HIS FIRST BOOK. (_At a Provincial Race
Meeting_).--_Novice._ "Look here, I've taken ten to one against
_Blueglass_, and I've given twelve to one against him! What do I stand
to win?"]
* * * * *
[Illustration: THE HUNT STEEPLE-CHASE SEASON
_The Joys of a Gentleman Rider._
_Voice from the Crowd._ "Now, then, guv'nor, take care you don't get
sunburnt!"]
* * * * *