g the colonel doesn't pick up in New
York an animal that can give Dixie ten seconds. He has a knack of going
from better to best."

Now Major Calvert glanced up with a smile as Garrison entered.

"I thought you were in bed, boy. Leave late hours to age. You're
looking better these days. I think Doctor Blandly's open-air physic
is first-rate, eh? By the way, Crimmins tells me you were out on Midge
to-day, and that you ride--well, like Billy Garrison himself. Of course
he always exaggerates, but you didn't say you could ride at all. Midge
is a hard animal." He eyed Garrison with some curiosity. "Where did you
learn to ride? I thought you had had no time nor means for it."

"Oh, I merely know a horse's tail from his head," laughed Garrison
indifferently. "Speaking of Garrison, did you ever see him ride, major?"

"How many times have I asked you to say uncle, not major?" reproved
Major Calvert. "Don't you feel as if you were my nephew, eh? If there's
anything I've left undone--"

"You've been more than kind," blurted out Garrison uncomfortably. "More
than good--uncle." He was hating himself. He could not meet the major's
kindly eyes.

"Tut, tut, my boy, no fine speeches. Apropos of this Garrison, why are
you so interested in him? Wish to emulate him, eh? Yes, I've seen him
ride, but only once, when he was a bit of a lad. I fancy Colonel Desha
is the one to give you his merits. You know Garrison's old owner, Mr.
Waterbury, is returning with the colonel. He will be his guest for a
week or so."

"Oh," said Garrison slowly. "And who is this Garrison riding for now?"

"I don't know. I haven't followed him. It seems as if I heard there
was some disagreement or other between him and Mr. Waterbury; over that
Carter Handicap, I think. By the way, if you take an interest in horses,
and Crimmins tells me you have an eye for class, you rascal, come out
to the track with me to-morrow. I've got a filly which I think will give
the colonel's Rogue a hard drive. You know, if the colonel enters for
the next Carter, I intend to contest it with him--and win." He chuckled.

"Then you don't know anything about this Garrison?" persisted Garrison
slowly.

"Nothing more than I've said. He was a first-class boy in his time. A
boy I'd like to have seen astride of Dixie. Such stars come up quickly
and disappear as suddenly. The life's against them, unless they possess
a hard head. But Mr. Waterbury, when he arrives, can, I dare say, give
y