"I ought to, he came here with me, we arrived the day before yesterday."
"That's strange now, very strange. He'll know me if you mention my
name--Bricky Smiles. I once rode a horse for him here, at Sydney, before
he was sent to Western Australia; it won, and I believe he backed it to
win a good deal more than he gave for it, at any rate I had a nice
present, he was more liberal than some owners I could name."
"I shall certainly tell him I met you," said Jack, "but I must hurry on,
I am anxious to see Mr. Kenley."
"I'll walk down the hill with you if you like," said Bricky.
"Do," replied Jack, "I shall be glad of your company."
There was a cool breeze blowing from Coogee Bay which made it pleasant
and refreshing, and Jack contrasted his present surroundings with those
of his pearl fishing experiences. He liked the look of the place, and
thought, as many have done before him, that Randwick is especially
favoured by Nature, and that a more suitable spot it would have been
hard to find for training quarters.
His companion watched him keenly, thinking to himself, "He's a good bred
one, I'll bet; a bit different to some of 'em we get out from the old
country."
Bricky Smiles had met many men in his time, and experience taught him to
pick and choose with discernment.
"That is Joel Kenley's house," he said, as they turned the corner at the
foot of the hill, and faced the wide clean road with neatly trimmed
hedges and pretty picturesque houses.
Joel Kenley's training stables were almost perfect in their appointment,
and since he had taken over command, he had been careful to keep
everything in order. Jack had seen many training establishments in the
old country, far more extensive than this, but he thought he had never
come across one that looked more business-like, or compact.
"I'll not go in with you," said Bricky, smiling. "Joel's a cut above me
now, although there was a time when he would have been very glad for me
to do him a turn."
"And has he forgotten that time?" asked Jack, in some surprise.
"No, I can't say he has; but as you are a visitor, he'll no doubt prefer
to see you alone. I daresay we shall meet again."
"Sure to," replied Jack, "and if I can be of any service to you, I shall
be only too pleased. I will not forget to tell Mr. Tuxford I met you."
They parted, and Jack walked up the path to the trainer's house. The
front door was open and a couple of fox terriers barked a welcome, as
well as a warning, for they quickly decided the visitor was a friend and
not an enemy.
Jack thought it all looked very home-like, and the barking of the
terriers recalled to mind his visits to The Downs, and the joyous capers
of Winifred's dogs as they sprang up at him and then careered wildly
round the lawn.
The trainer was sitting in the front room and came to the door before he
had time to knock.
Jack recognised him by his resemblance to his brother, and said with a
smile--
"You are Mr. Kenley, I think, I have not much hesitation in saying."