to go again. That shaking did it. Now hold tight to the `race.'"

"Yes, my boy; I remember all right now; heading the poll and leaving the
brewer nowhere."

"No, no; the race, uncle--the race."

"Of course, my boy. It's all coming back now. That bad champagne and
the buzzing of the bees."

"Oh, dear!" groaned the trainer; "he don't forget that, and he's off
again."

"To be sure," cried Sir Hilton, eagerly. "I recollect. It was ever so
long ago, and the speaker was--"

"No, no, uncle; you're getting mixed again. The starter."

"No, my boy, the speaker in the chair, and the bell was ringing."

"That's right, uncle, to clear the course. Now you're all right!"

"Yes, now I'm all right, my boy. I was in and there was a division. I
rushed through the Lobby, and out into the fresh air. The mare was
ready. Someone gave me a leg-up, and I was all excitement for the
race."

"That's your sort, uncle," cried Syd, as with his eyes fixed on one of
the moonlit windows, Sir Hilton stopped, panting as if out of breath.
"Bravo! Stick to the rage. He's coming round fast now, Sam."

"No, no; look at him. He's as mad as a hatter."

"Yes," cried Sir Hilton; "then, before I knew where we were, and without
waiting for the starter, away we went. Parliament Street was passed in
a stride--the mob scattered right and left. Charing Cross and the
lions--Cockspur Street--Pall Mall--whirr--buzz--away we went, with the
bees swarming round my head. Just at the corner by the clubs I wrenched
her head round, and she bounded up Saint James's Street. A drag to the
left, and we were in Piccadilly. A road-car was in the way, but she
cleared it in a bound. Cabs strewed the earth, for the strike was over;
but she took them all in her stride as we dashed on, just catching a
glimpse of the houses to the right--the Green Park to the left. Then,
clearing a penny 'bus at Hyde Park Corner, we nearly rushed into the
hospital doors. Again I wrenched her head, turning in my saddle in time
to see a passenger on the knifeboard pick up his hat. Then down
Constitution Hill we swept as if gliding along a chute. In my wild
excitement, as we darted by the Palace, I yelled out, `God save the
King!' But he was not at home, and we were urging on our wild career
past the barracks, along the Bird-cage Walk. The ducks whirred up from
the pool, the people shrieked, as we scattered perambulators,
nursemaids, and children, flying like leaves up