LITERATURE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3485, 12 June 1879, Page 3

LITERATURE.

A MOONLIGHT STEEPLECHASE.

By the Author of " Pigskin and

Wiiiow."

(Concluded.)

Tho news of the novel match spread rapidly through the town, and attracted to the recognised cent.ro of operations, the Whinridge Arms, crowds of sportsmen and idlers of all classes anxious to hear "the rights of ifc." Upon tho simple facts of the case there arosp, as the moments sped, an airy superstructure of fiction, chiefly referring to the conditions of the forthcoming struggle, which would have done credit to the inventive powers of an American interviewer. If fche moon did not rise, the match was fco be ridden by torchlight ; each jockey was to carry a light, like a locomotive engine's, in order that tho judge might sco that neither of thorn went outside tho track; these, with o'her stafcoinents equally picturesque, sufficed to divert the steadily increasing company during the time which intervened before fchafc appointed for dropping the flag. Both Crowe and tho captain's man— a taciturn person named Widgeon — were made much of by a company laudably desirous of obtaining what is known in sporting circles as the straight tip; bufc neither of the persistently catechised servitors afforded the inquirers any substantial satisfaction in fche shape of answers. Crown and Widgeon cither knew nothing, or they were acting — reticently — under orders ; the moon arose precisely at the timo appointed by the local almanac, a circumstance that did not escape the admiring notice of those natives of Thornford who rather looked upon the placid orb itself as local proporty, and a movement was thereupon made towards fche raco-courso j but where was the squire ? From tho moment he, Hartbrook, Captain Dykely, and William Heckler, the starter (who wa3 on this occasion to act as judge), had arranged the modus operandi, ho had been missing ; his last words were; — "I don'fc care who starts fchem j appoint whom you please; Mark, you tell Crowe to walk tho horse up to tho course in time. I shall bo with you an hour after moonrise, by Heckler's watch, and if I am t.ot, I forfeit."

De thereupon strode downstairs at a rapid rate, leapt into the waiting saddle, and rode off. He was gono before any of the few spectators of his departure had given his probable destination a thought. Mark, however, who observed the proceedings from one of the bar windows, smote hia thigh wifch energy, and exclaimed,

"Jenny, Jenny, my girl, I can see ifc all."

"Can you?" replied that; estimable lady, "I am delighted, only, tho next timo you sco it all, whatever that may b.*, oblige me by doing so in a quieter mannor ; you havo broken one of our best jugs."

"Da — Iba'. is, never mind the jug ; Squire Whinridge, I can see ifc all!"

" Sen what ?" queried his spouse irately. " Why, the jockey ; where is Grimstowe ?"

" I don't know ; there— get oufc of the. way, you aro neither uso nor ornament here j go and look for your Grimstowe." Nathaniel Grimslowe, Thorn ford' ono " member of Tattersail's and tho leading turf clubs," wus a continual cause of hickcring between mine host and hostess of tho Whinridge Arras. Mrs Hartbrook did not approve of wagering on horse racing, except when ifc meant her husband's winning something handsome for himself and a new dress for her j and as those pleasant results had not recently followed Mark's speculations on the turf, blio, attributing his ill-fortune t:> the malign intiuence of Nathaniel Grimstowe, had learnt " fco hate fche very sound " of thafc operator's " name." Hartbrook duly found Mr Grimstowe, and, after a wordy combat with him concerning " tho price " of sorrething, an entry made in a small oblong book showed that they had transacted business together. Theroafter, until a general exodus of his customers apprised him of the rinng of the moon, the quondam servant of Gustavus Whinridge, Esq., went about his work with a countenance that beamed with unspeakable complacency. He believed that he had seen the cards in the squire's hand, an i on the strength of that conviction he had 'backed him to win the trick. Hewasposi-

?/ c i?.- tt" BJourney8 J ourn ey at least- he had got Mr Nathaniel Gnmstowe, in a line, on toast." It wanted but twenty minutes of the stroke of midnight by Heckler's watch, and still the squire came not. Standing about in animated groups in the paddook on Windyholm, the Thornford raco-course, were many of what might bo tormed the upper Circles of sporting society, eagerly discussing the chances of. the coming en* counter ; ond as tho moments sped, bringing the "ono hour after moonrise" excitingly noar, wondering whether the match would como off after all. Eluefakor, ready for action, was being led about by the faithful Widgeon in one corner of the paddook, while Appletarfc in his clothing was being kept moving at the opposite corner j Crowe, of course, in jealous attendance. Although thero was not a mnn present who had not seen the race for the Hunt Cup, most of I hem criticised the nags wifch that impressive air of professional kno»ingness exhibited by a group of Newmarket touts when an unfamiliar candidate for the Guineas mukes his first appearance on the classic heath. Second in order of interest to the two flyers was Captain Dvfcely. He was fully equipped for the fray, and had been on viow for some time. It was evident to the skilled eyes that scanned him that he had made his toilette with uncommon care. " Looks like business," observed a critic of stably appearance; well, I like a cove that takes care of his precious self. He means to have a good look in and no mistake."

The subject of these not uncomplimentary observations conversed in low tones with the Marquia of Gules, one of the stewards, who was present in response to the captain's urgent invitation.

"Do you think he means to forfeit. Dykely P" •

\ " I really cannot say ; it certainly looks uncommonly like a forfeit. But thero is no 'accounting for anything a Whinridge does." £ " Upon my word I think you are right," Replied his lordship, "by fcho way, have you jand he smoked tho calumet over the poacher tfellow?" *

*' Nofc a bit of it," replied the captain, " and ifc is my belief, now that I can be calm on the subject — I was anything but tbat when I gorged tho bait— that he meant this matoh as a sort of Rowland for my Oliver." " But where is he P Ah, there goes the quarter !"

The sound of the chimes, as it floated on the gentle nighfc breeze from the tower of Thornford parish church across the Windyholm, was heard and noted by the crowd, now wrought up in a nervous state of expectancy by the continued absonco of tho squire. Hartbrook, unshaken until this moment in •' his trust in tho absentee's turning up in time, I began to waver. Something had *happened.i Confouud that Grimstowo. His bet; with him i was p.p. What would his wife say ? A sound ; of wheels. " Hurrah !" , The cheer was not thrown away. Ifc was tho squire, driving a dog-cart at a rate which an officer of the county constabulary would have pronounced dangorous, had anybody but the squire held the ribbons. He pulled up by the paddockrails, and, leaping out, turned to assist his companion to alight, saying as he did bo, " Hartbrook, where are you ? Take caro of these. Now, Redgy, come with me." " Why, it's his son Reginald ! " In the hubbub caused by the arrival of Mr Whinridge and his youngest eon, a pale thin boy of about twelve yoars of ago, it was by no means oisy for the principals in tl c little dratna to make the preparations necessary for raising the curtain. Hartbrook proud of his office, carried a light racing saddle and its necessary "accompaniments," and, walking by the side of the youth, followed the Bquiro into fche paddock.

" I guessed it would be you, Master Redgy," said Hartbrook, in a gleeful whisper ; " and I've backed you. It's v splendid moon, and you know the track."

" I should think I did, Mark. And you too, eh ? Recollect; when I would insist on your taking me tho whole lino, yon on old Goliath and I on my pony Lilliput ? And how frightened mamma was ; and how the guv tipped Trio a boy., eh, Mark ? "

Harfcbrook's memory was fully as retentive of those forbidden adventures" as the boy's, but ho did nofc consider this an appropriate occasion for refreshing ifc. "Yes, yes, of course I remember, Master Redgy. Fine limes thoy wero. Now tell me, what does the squire really Eay about the match ?"

"He has no doubt of Appletart's abilily,

" He has of yours ?" " Not exactly that. He thinks the exploit is rather too much for my years, and " whispering, " fchafc fche captain woidd havo no objection to taking a mean advantage of thiß infant if ho saw the opportunity. Oh, I must tell you— such a lurk ! I was out at a dinner-party with mamma and Gretty whon the guv got to tho hail to-night. So what does he do but he gets into a tail-coat himBelf and comes to fetch us home, he said. We were hurried off, I can tell you. And sent to bed afc once. Mamma thinks he is going rour.d wifch the keepers, and that I'm in bed ?"

By this time they had readied the paddock. Tho squire's arrival was greeted quite as fervently as, if more quietly than, ifc had been by the crowd outside. He shook hands with Lord Gules, expressed his delight at knowing thafc his lordship had consented to aot as starter, and then faced the captain. "Now, Captain Dykely, shall we get ready ?" " Your jockey, Mr Whinridge P" "Is my son Reginald. Have you any objection to him." " Evory objection, Mr Whinridge. When I made this— l don't mind admitting ifc— stupid match, ifc was not wifch the idea that I that I was going to have for an opponent a mere child." " Child or not, he rides." "I am no more a child than ho is, papa!" exclaimed the boy; "if I can ride, what moro does he wunfc?" " Hear, hear," cried the crowd. "If you can ride !" said Captain Dykely, with a sneer. " Dykely," interposed Lord Gules, " I must say that, according to the terms of the match, you are bound to accept Whinridge _ jockey, or forfeit."

" Very well," rejoined Dykely Bullonly, very well. If the baby breaks his neok lam not to blame, mind. Let us get ifc over."

Thero was a stampode on the part of tho auditors at theso words in the direction of the two most formidable obstacles in the track, a made fence at the beginning of the straight running, and the brook on the far side. The boy, giving up his overcoat and hat to Hartbrook, and putting on b silk cap whioh ho produced from his pocket, presently appeared, like his opponent, fully equipped for action. In default of silk he wore a thin jersey, but otherwise ifc would have been impossible to find fault with his appearance. His father gave him a leg up, and then walked by his side to the starting-post, where Lord Gulos was already wailing with the flag. " Redgy, my dear," said tho old fellow, in a voice that was strangely husky, "you heard what that brute said about; breaking your neck ? " " Yes, pa." "Well, Redgy, ifc made me feci that I possibly was wrong in subjecting you lo such a risk. I should never forgive mjeolf if anything happened to tou, and I am sure your mother would never forgive me. Now, Redgy, although you havo but the years of a child, you are nofc without a man's Bense— don't mifid me afc all. If you have any doubt, jump off, and I'll throw up tho match."

" Papa, you must let me ride. After what that fellow said it would be too bad to be prevented from showing him up. Never fear. I'll stick on !"

" Redge, your hand." Tho boy placed his hand in that of his father, who grasped the warm little palm with fervour, and gently drawing down tho lad's head, kissed him. The man and boy understood each othor. It was seldom Gustavus Whinridge was betrayed into such an exhibition of what he would have termed feminine weakness j • bufc the boy knew what this demonstration meant far better than if it had been expressed in tho tenderest words. Completely out of view and hearing of the people, who by this time thronged tho Btand, the squire imparted his final orders. " Keep with him, but not too close, for the first mile, and then come away as hard as you can pelfc. Ifc is a splendid moon— almost as light as day— and jou ought to do the journey without the least mistake; now, Hedge, my dear boy, show them what sort of metal you are made of."

Without another word bo left his son and Captain Dykely to amblo their wuy to tho starting-post, and mounting a hack whioh Crowe had in readiness, cantered ocrosstoa bit of rising ground near the brook, where ho oould obtain an excellent view of afc least three parts of " the country,"

About the^same -time Widgeon, Captain Dykely's man, "a, durable hand at a bet, and one of the win-tie-or- wrangle fraternity" (this was Hortbrook's unsolicited testimonial to character), was deep in an endeavour to adviso Superintendent Pompertof the Thoro* ford Constabulary in the matter of the probable behaviour of a rostless multitude already gathorod around the two ends of tha water-jump. " You sco, super, my governor, the capt 'in, is nervous; and tbe nog he's a-riding is nervous 5 so if I was you, super-excuse my making so bold -Id put most of my men by fchafc there brook to keep the orowd quiet." Thank you, my man," replied the super, intendent, in freezing tones, "Ihave mad* my arrangements." • "Oh, have you, Mr Pompey-and-C»sar P" joined Widgeon, in a safe whisper, as he turned aside and left the lofty offioer to hie owrfdevices 5 "then I'll bet a pound to _ shulm* some of those boys there'll unmal» em j go along, old turnip-topß j keep that bull s-eye quiet, can't you ? That's enough to make any boss shy." , The remark is addressed to one. of the superintendent's moit zealous subordinates— a young man new to the force— who is aoting to-night as though he considered the plentiful production of disturbing fireworks part of his duty. Widgeon takes a front place by the brook. Crowe does likewise. Behind them and a group, three deep, of mere speo« tafcors, is Gustarus Whinridge, a prominent object in the eilver-and-gray landscape as he stands motionless, waiting for the Bhout that is to signal the start. It comoß at last. " They are off !" and the squire, his eye-eight made keenly telescopic by the love he bean to his boy, cranes forward hungrily, and. missing no incident of the battle, begins in spirit to rido the race himself. " That will do, Redgy boy ; that will do ! Let him make the running! Now then, wider, wider, Kcdge ! Keep away from hia whip-hand 5 how gloriously that son of mine rides, to be sure— like a man ! Now then 1 Capital, cap-i-tal ! ah, only just over, Bodgy ; the next take-off must be belter judged than that, or you will be spilled, to a certainty % now thoy are out of sight." The squire knew every inch of country over which ( the two horses wero galloping, therefore his guesses at what they were doing, so long aB the nags remained in view, were curiously accurate. To the other spectators, Heckler, tho judge, and Harfcbrook perhaps excepted, the incidents of the race were unsupported guess-work of tho roughest description. ■ "

"Hero they come!" shouted the squire, in a strangled y olce, " here they come, and my boy is leading. Let him have it, -Sedgy! Loose him, my dear child ! loose him 1 Good lad ! He is Coming away like a steam ongine!" >

As Applotart approached the brook the oxcitement of the squire intensified, especially when he gft w that OapUin Dykcly was rftpidly lessening the gap between him Bi.d the squire's horse. There was only about a length and a half of moonlight between Appletarfc and Fluofaker ne the former roee like a bird over the brook and landed in ga r ety. "Thank God, that's over!" murmured Whinridge, but he spoke too soon. The j-outhf ul ornament of tho 'I hornford oon« stabulary flashed his bull's eye across the path of tbo foremost hors#, wh'ioh shied, atid then, terrified by the cheering of the orowd, tore along in a mannor that betokened an eorly dissolution of partnership between him and his jockey. In a voice that was neither: a BhoHt nor a yell, but a frantio blending of bcth, Mr Whinridge exclaimed — " The horse has bolted ! Out of the way with you ! Radgy, keep him straight, mj boy ! God lad, good la-ad, go—" " How much did I win by P" asked the boy faintly, as he opened his eyeß in a hushed apartment in the Whinridge Arms. He had not spoken siuco they pioked him up and found that an arm was broken. " How muoh ?" His father, whose eyos were moisfc and dim, and whoso voice was quite like a woman's, said :— " Twenty lengths was tho judge's Ver* diet — Ecdpy, twenty lengths. And the cup is for you, my boy. And whenevor you think your fathor is getting out of bounds, as you may think hereaflor, allow him that goblet, and remind him of what he went through when it was Won by the Light of the Moon."— Ahridgedfrom Tinsley's Magce zinc.