_Three horses have started; the favourite has led to the turn
and then bolted up the shingle, but, as the tide has come in
and almost covered the course, and the other two horses by
declining to face the water have let him in again, he wins
after an exciting finish, up to the girths in sea-water; and
such bookmakers as have succeeded in obtaining patronage are
paying up with as much cheerfulness as they can command._
_First Bookmaker_ (_to eager backer_). Wait a bit, my boy, wait
a _bit_, the number hasn't gone up yet, my son. Where's your
ticket--forty-two? (_His clerk refers to book._) That's _Squibbs_.
I pay over _winners_--not losers. (_To the public._) Come along and
fetch your money, the bullion's 'ere! (_To another backer._) What was
yours--threes? ("Fours _I_'ve got," _from his clerk_.) Why don't yer
arst for what you're entitled to, instead o' makin' me arst my clurk
what your bet was? There's your money--take it and go!
[_The backer departs wealthier but abashed._
_Second B._ I'm payin' over that 'ard-run race, gentlemen, men and
'orses exhorsted! I'm payin' over _Susan_--dear ole Suseyhanner! who
wants their money? The Bank o' England's 'ere, gentlemen, Mr. FRANKIE
FAIRPRICE and his ole friend, who's always by his side and never
looses 'im!
_Third B._ (_who has had to borrow largely from his brethren to meet
his engagements_). Are you all done now? (_To the crowd._) Then I'll
wish yer good afternoon, thank ye all for yer comp'ny, but you've bin
bloomin' bad fun to-day, and you don't ketch me playin' Patience on a
monument at any more o' yer blanky sand'oppin' 'andicaps, that's all!
[_However, the local newspaper reports next day that "A number
of the sporting fraternity were in attendance to do business,
and apparently carried on a brisk and profitable trade"--which
only shows how difficult it is for the casual observer to form
an accurate opinion._
* * * * *