The Chequers bar to risk their shillings; they know that if they make
a right guess their payment is safe. The statesman who called the turf
"a vast instrument of national demoralization" was quite right, and if
he could have lived to take a tour round the country in this year of
grace he would have seen the flower of his nation given over to mean
frivolity.

Jerry has tutored me in racing matters. He has not a thought that is not
derived from the columns of the sporting prints, and his life is passed
mainly in searching like a staunch terrier for "certainties." When he is
disposed to be communicative, he soon gathers quite an audience in The
Chequers, and should he drop a phrase like "George Robinson said to me,
'I've made my own book for Highflyer,'" or "Charley White, the Duke's
Motto, wouldn't lay Mountebank any more," the awe-stricken costers
stare. Here is a man, a regular toff, and no error--a man who knows
such Ringmen as Robinson and White--and yet he will speak to ordinary
coves without exhibiting the least pride!

Jerry has taken me round to the best haunts where gallant sportsmen
assemble, and for some mysterious reason, his escort has secured for me
the most flattering deference. Queer holes he knows by the score. I
thought I had seen most things; but I find I am a babe compared with
Jerry. He once said to me, "Would you like to see a couple of lads
set-to? Real good 'uns." I had seen a great number of encounters; but my
two pounds handed over to Jerry procured me a sight of a battle which
was the most desperate affair I ever witnessed. But for the close,
oppressive atmosphere of the room where the fight took place, the whole
business would have been interesting. The spectators were well dressed
and well behaved, the boxers were beautiful athletes, and there was
nothing repulsive about the swift exchange of lightning blows until the
baking heat began to tell on the men; then it was disagreeable to see
two gallant fellows panting and labouring for breath. We often hear
that boxing is discredited. Rubbish! Ask Jerry about that, and you will
learn that any company of men who care to subscribe L25 may see a combat
wherein science, courage, and endurance are all displayed lavishly.

Jerry was much interested in dog fighting, which latter pleasing pastime
is enjoyed quite freely in London to an extent that would amaze the
gentlemen who rejoice over the decline of brutality in Britain.

The competitive instinc