THE SPORTING CHANCE. BY ALICE AND CLAUDE ASKEW, AUTHORS OF "THE SHULAMITE," "THE ETONIAN," "THE PLAINS OF SILENCE," "NOT PROVEN," ETC. _ILLUSTRATED._ LONDON: WARD, LOCK & CO., LIMITED. 1910. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Mostyn Makes his Debût II. Mostyn Sees the Derby III. Mostyn Accepts a Challenge IV. Mostyn is Rebellious V. Mostyn Realises his Position VI. Mostyn is put on his Mettle VII. Mostyn is Surprised VIII. Mostyn Entertains a Guest IX. Mostyn Makes a Purchase X. Mostyn Learns his Error XI. Mostyn Makes Reparation XII. Mostyn Tells his Love XIII. Mostyn Prepares for Battle XIV. Mostyn Makes an Enemy XV. Mostyn Faces Defeat XVI. Mostyn is Tempted XVII. Mostyn is Given Another Chance XVIII. Mostyn Meets with an Accident XIX. Mostyn is Better Understood XX. Mostyn Completes his Task THE SPORTING CHANCE. CHAPTER I. MOSTYN MAKES HIS DEBÛT. "It may be old-fashioned to drive a coach to the Derby, but I'll be in my coffin before I'll go down any other way!" Thus, perpetrating a characteristic "bull," spoke genial and popular "Old Rory," as he was known to the best part of the world--Sir Roderick Macphane, to give him his true title. A few minutes back he had handed over the ribbons to one of the grooms, who, with his fellow, was now busily engaged unharnessing the horses, four fine roans, as handsome a team as the heart of man could desire. "Old Rory" was a famous whip, and, in spite of his advancing years, a good all-round sportsman--a master of hounds, a familiar figure on the race-course, and as good a judge of horse and dog flesh as any in the country. In his younger days he had been an intrepid rider at the hurdles, an amateur of more than common merit. There was, perhaps, no more popular man than "Rory" Macphane in the three kingdoms. He was laughed at, especially in Parliament, where he held a seat for an Irish division, because of his quaint sayings and frequent _faux pas_, but his good nature, charity, and kindness of heart were admitted on all sides. They were as palpable as his sportsmanship. Mostyn Clithero, who occupied a seat at the back of the coach together with his friend and future brother-in-law, Pierce Trelawny, a nephew of Sir Roderick's, enjoyed the comments of the crowd as the coach threaded its way to the appointed place opposite the Grand Stand. "That's 'Old Rory,' what owns Hipponous." How the populace murdered the colt's name! "The Derby winner--perhaps! He's one of the best. Look at the old sport sitting up there with his back as straight as a lad's! Good luck to ye, sir, and good luck to the 'oss! Hip--Hip--Hipponous!" This had become a popular catch-word, easily taken up and repeated.