Cotherstone came in amid great applause, and was the winner of the poorest Derby ever known. Whilst acclamation shook the spheres, and the corners of mouths were pulled down, and betting-books mechanically pulled out--while success made some people so benevolent that they did not believe in the existence of poverty any where, and certainly not in the distress of the wretched-looking beggar entreating a penny--whilst all these things were going on, champagne corks flying, the sun shining, toasts resounding, and a perfect hubbub in full activity on all sides, Jack Stuart drew me aside towards the carriage, and said, "'Pon my word, it must be a cross. How the deuce could one horse beat the whole field?" "Oh, you backed the field, did you?" "To be sure. I always go with the strongest side." "And you have lost?" "A hundred and fifty." No wonder Jack Stuart looked blue. A fifth part of his yearly income gone at one smash--and in such a foolish way, too. "If the excitement could last three or four days, it would almost be worth the money," he said; "but no sooner do you hear the bell--see the crush of horses at the starting-post--bang--bang--off they go!--and in a minute or two all is over, and your money gone. I will have a race of snails between London and York. It would be occupation for a year. But come, let us leave the abominable place." He hurried me into the stanhope, gave the rein to his active grey mare, and making a detour towards Kingston, we soon left the crowd behind us. "I will never bet on a horse again," said Jack, ruminating on his loss. "Why should I? I know nothing about racing, and never could understand odds in my life; and just at this moment, too, I can't spare the coin." At the same time he did not spare the whip; for you will always observe, that a meditative gentleman in a gig is peculiarly impressive on his horse's shoulder. The grey trotted along, or burst into an occasional canter. "I'll back this grey against Cotherstone for fifty pounds." "To stand flogging? I think you would win." "No, to jump. See how she springs." Hereupon Jack touched the mare in a very scientific manner, just under the fore-arm, and the animal, indignant at this disrespectful manner of proceeding, gave a prodigious rush forward, and then reared. "You'll break the shafts," I said. "I think she is going to run away, but there seems no wall near us--and I don't think any coaches travel this road. Sit still, for she's off." The mare, in good truth, resented her master's conduct in a high degree, and took the bit in her teeth. "If she doesn't kick, it's all right," said Jack. "She has no time to kick if she goes at this pace," I answered; "keep her straight." The speed continued unabated for some time, and we were both silent. I watched the road as far in advance as I could see, in dread of some waggon, or coach, or sudden turn, or even a turnpike gate, for the chances would have been greatly against an agreeable termination.