Blinders entered a headlong steed. He generally rode him with two snaffles, one around his waist, the other in his two hands. Blinders did not talk about his horse. He was a fellow who always went slap at anything without a word; but he looked at all the horses and thought his own chance was good. His horse was called Nosegay, on account of the gayness of his nose. Little Skibbereen besieged his mamma to let him enter with Gossoon, but mamma had prejudices against the breaking of Skibby’s neck. Scalper, the artist, arrived in time. He would ride Gossoon, who was one of the favourites. Unfortunately, Scalper was too amusing a fellow not to be fat, and he outweighted Gossoon. Guy and Clo, though _fortes ambo_ in a buggy, were not accustomed to bestride the prancing steed. Paulding reserved himself to drive Diana and Clara. There was question between Tim Budlong and De Châteaunéant which should bounce upon Drummer. When the Gaul discovered that Sir Comeguys was to contend, he remembered that Drummer seemed to have unreasonable prejudices against him, and if he should endeavour to subdue that very priceless steed with spiteful whip and spur, some displeasure might arise on the part of Mr. Budlong. Tim therefore proposed himself and Drummer for victory, and the fair Saccharissa Mellasys bestowed upon him a lovely jockey cap of blue and white satin gores. Tim’s face was by this time pale and flabby, and he did not look the handsomer for his fresh head-piece. Thus, a field of eight was entered, as many as could conveniently start on the beach. Peter Skerrett, by common consent, became the _impresario_ of the occasion. Interest rather centred upon Pallid and Knockknees on account of the bet pending. Some of the knowing ones backed Blinders and Nosegay for the purse. A few trusted to Bob O’Link’s personal reputation for luck, and one or two backed Drummer, thinking Tim could not possibly persuade him to be beaten. While the gentlemen were thus ardently preparing for their Olympic games, the ladies also had their scheme of festivity. “What shall we do for Milly Center on her birthday?” asked Mrs. Wilkes, that unwearied chaperon.