"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 upon the wind. Storey's Gate was closed, but the mare laughed--a loud, weird laugh--as she cleared it, and we dropped in Great George Street, where a newsboy yelled `winners!' with the Parliament House in sight. `We win--we win!' I cried, for it was the goal. `Give her her head!' the people yelled, but the mare took it. She stretched her neck right into infinite space, my silk swelled out like a bubble, and feeling that I must steer now I drew on the reins, hand over hand--hand over hand--to feel her head; but it was half a mile away. At last I got a bite. She took the bait--the bit in her teeth, and I struck, turned her, and we dashed through Palace Yard again, straight for the great Hall doors. `M.P. mustn't pass!' shouted an inspector, throwing out his arms. `Head of the poll!' I yelled, and the mare went through him like a flash, as we reached the Lobby once more. There was the straight run in, and holding her well in hand I lifted her over the gangway and settled down to win. How they cheered! Opposition to right of me, Government to left of me, and the