A TRIAL THE TOUTS MISSED.

Otago Witness, Issue 2674, 14 June 1905, Page 50

A TRIAL THE TOUTS MISSED.

Few owners were more pestered with touts than Sir Joseph Hawley. Though they unceasingly watched his horses, and no trial, however carefully managed, took place without some of the fraternity being pressnt, Sir Joseph endured it with more or less patience until they began to corrupt his stable lads. Then the fiery baronet rose in arms, and if a hor^e-watcher chanced to be in his power the quality of mercy was not strained. In order to reach the Downs from the stables it was necessary to pass a. toll-gate, which was occupied by a spy whom Sir Joseph had special cause to hate. By some means this man had received the news that a big trial was to take place at Kingsclere between the Derby cracks, Bine Gown, Rosicrucian. and Green Sleeves. Sir Joseph knew that there was a traitor in the stable, as it was well known in London that the spin was to take place at a certain time. On the night previous to the trial a number of touts assembled at ihe toll-Bate in order to be on the spot, no matter how early the trainer might bring out his charges. Someone informed Sir Joseph of this fact, and quickly he determined to act upon the information. Long before midnip-ht the house was perfectly quiet, all the touts having retired to rest early; then, acting under the incensed owner's orders, a neighbouring blacksmith quietly but effectually secured the doors and shutters from the outside. So well did he do his work that no one was aroused, and the surprise and rage of the touts at fine? ins the wav in which they had been taffl^d upon attempting to leave the house could only vent itself in language plentiful and free. How Blue Gown proved the best of the trio is a matter of history that does not require repeating.