_BRICKY FINDS A JOB_
Lucky Boy went into Joel Kenley's stables at Randwick, and no one raised
any objection.
Strange to say, it was Bricky Smiles who took the horse to Randwick.
Jack Redland found him hanging about the yards in Pitt Street, where the
horse was boxed, and in the course of conversation mentioned that Lucky
Boy was going into Kenley's stable.
"Is he sending for him?" asked Bricky with an eye to a job.
"No; we are to deliver him there," replied Jack.
"Will you let me take him? I will be very careful," said Bricky, "and I
know how to handle horses better than the lads about here."
"Certainly," replied Jack, without any hesitation. He had taken a fancy
to Bricky, and was glad to do him a turn, no matter how small. "You must
be on your guard, for he's a bit skittish, and a trifle fresh and above
himself just now."
"Leave it to me; I'll see he comes to no harm."
"We ought to have someone to look after him at Kenley's. I never thought
of it at the time, and it will be hardly fair to ask him to lend us one
of his lads. How would you like to do it? I don't suppose Mr. Kenley
would have any objection."
Bricky's eyes sparkled. Here was a chance he had not expected, and he
jumped at it. He thought he could induce Joel Kenley to let him remain
if it was the desire of Lucky Boy's owner he should do so.
"I shall be very glad of the job," said Bricky. "It is a long time since
I had such an offer, but I am used to the work, and will do my best for
you."
"I am sure you will," replied Jack, "and I will write a letter to Kenley
and name the matter to him."
This he did, and handed it to Bricky when he took charge of Lucky Boy.
The old jockey led the horse very carefully, and admired him when he saw
how well he walked. As they passed through Randwick numerous stable boys
looked at him, and recognising a strange horse, called out to Bricky and
asked his name.
Bricky was not a favourite with the younger generation, and they were
apt to tease him and make fun at his expense, forgetting that he knew a
good deal more than they were ever likely to learn. He answered them
sharply, telling them to mind their own business and find out.
This nettled them, and one lad more venturesome than the others
shouted--
"So you've found somebody to trust you at last, Brick; I hope they'll
not be sorry for it."
"Shut up, you young scoundrel," shouted Bricky. "If I could leave the
horse I'd give you a hiding."
There was a general laugh of derision at this, which did not improve
Bricky's temper, and another boy called out--
"I'll hold the horse while you give it him."
Bricky was moving on, out of the way of his tormentors, when someone
threw a stone and frightened Lucky Boy. The horse plunged, and almost
dragged the reins out of his hand. He tried to pacify him, but had some
difficulty in doing so. It so happened that Joel Kenley was riding along
at the time, and seeing what occurred he dismounted, handed his horse to
a bystander, and before the lad who had thrown the stone was aware of
it, he was in the trainer's grip.
The boy wriggled and endeavoured to get away, but it was not until he
had received a sound thrashing that he was allowed to go. The trainer
coolly remounted and rode after Bricky, leaving the small group of boys
cowed and sullen, and vowing vengeance upon both of them.
"Whose horse is that?" he asked as he came up with him.
"Mr. Tuxford's, and I am taking him to your stables."
"That's curious; it was lucky I came up when I did, or he might have got
away from you. So that's Lucky Boy, is it? He does not look a bad sort;
a better quality than I expected."
The trainer watched the horse carefully as they went down the hill, and
the more he saw of his movements the better he liked him.
When they arrived at the stables Bricky handed Jack's note to the
trainer, and scrutinised his face as he read it.
"He wants you to stay and look after the horse," said Joel. "We have no
room, but I daresay you can sleep out."
"I'll manage that if you'll allow me to attend to him," said Bricky
eagerly.
"It is some time since you undertook work of this kind?"
"But you know I can look after a horse as well if not better than some
of the younger ones."
"Yes, I think you can, and I would far sooner have you in my stable than
a stranger. Bring him round to this box."
Lucky Boy was installed in comfortable quarters, and the head lad was
informed that Bricky Smiles would look after him.
"And see that the lads do not chaff him," said the trainer. "If they do,
report to me, and I will soon settle with them."
"Very good, sir," replied the head lad, who respected his master, and
kept a firm hold over the boys.
Bricky at once set to work and strapped Lucky Boy well, and when he had
finished his task, stood looking at him with much satisfaction.