The boy wriggled and endeavoured to get away, but it was not until he had received a sound thrashing that he was allowed to go. The trainer coolly remounted and rode after Bricky, leaving the small group of boys cowed and sullen, and vowing vengeance upon both of them. "Whose horse is that?" he asked as he came up with him. "Mr. Tuxford's, and I am taking him to your stables." "That's curious; it was lucky I came up when I did, or he might have got away from you. So that's Lucky Boy, is it? He does not look a bad sort; a better quality than I expected." The trainer watched the horse carefully as they went down the hill, and the more he saw of his movements the better he liked him. When they arrived at the stables Bricky handed Jack's note to the trainer, and scrutinised his face as he read it. "He wants you to stay and look after the horse," said Joel. "We have no room, but I daresay you can sleep out." "I'll manage that if you'll allow me to attend to him," said Bricky eagerly. "It is some time since you undertook work of this kind?" "But you know I can look after a horse as well if not better than some of the younger ones." "Yes, I think you can, and I would far sooner have you in my stable than a stranger. Bring him round to this box." Lucky Boy was installed in comfortable quarters, and the head lad was informed that Bricky Smiles would look after him. "And see that the lads do not chaff him," said the trainer. "If they do, report to me, and I will soon settle with them." "Very good, sir," replied the head lad, who respected his master, and kept a firm hold over the boys. Bricky at once set to work and strapped Lucky Boy well, and when he had finished his task, stood looking at him with much satisfaction. Fred Manns, the head lad, smiled as he saw him, and said-- "You have not forgotten how to work, Bricky, and I daresay you have not forgotten how to ride. I know when I was a youngster you were considered the equal of any of our jockeys. You've had bad luck, old fellow; this may bring about a change if the horse turns out a good one. Where does he come from, and who owns him?" It was evident Joel Kenley was not communicative, or there would have been no occasion to put these questions. As it was Fred Manns who asked them, Bricky was quite willing to supply the information, which he did. "Comes from Western Australia!" said Fred in surprise. "That's a deuce of a way to bring a horse. I should have thought it would have paid better to race him there, much easier to win than it will be here." "I do not think it is a matter of money with either Barry Tuxford or Mr. Redland. They brought the horse over because they are true sportsmen and want to see what he can do against some of our lot. I hope they will be rewarded for their pluck with a good win."