ortal in the
world if such things as steeple-chases had never existed. In the first
place, he judged, with no little reason, that it was dangerous to leap
hurdles on such an animal as Pompier; and, secondly, nothing irritated
him so much as to be obliged to promenade with his three employers in
turn. But how could he refuse, since he knew that if these young men
hired him, it was chiefly, or only in view of, displaying themselves
in his company. It afforded them untold satisfaction to walk to and fro
along the course in front of the grand stand, with their jockey in his
orange jacket with green sleeves. They were firmly convinced that he
reflected enormous credit upon them, and their hearts swelled with joy
at the thought of the envy they no doubt inspired. This conviction gave
rise indeed to terrible quarrels, in which each of the three owners was
wont to accuse the others of monopolizing the jockey.

On this occasion, M. Wilkie--being fortunate enough to arrive the
first--immediately repaired to Pompier de Nanterre's stall. Never had
circumstances been more favorable for a display of the animal's speed.
The day was magnificent; the stands were crowded, and thousands of eager
spectators were pushing and jostling one another beyond the ropes which
limited the course. M. Wilkie seemed to be everywhere; he showed himself
in a dozen different places at once, always followed by his jockey, whom
he ordered about in a loud voice, with many excited gesticulations. And
how great his delight was when, as he passed through the crowd, he heard
people exclaim: "That gentleman has a racing stable. His horses are
going to compete!" What bliss thrilled his heart when he overheard the
admiring exclamation of some worthy shopkeeper who was greatly impressed
by the gay silk jacket and the top-boots!

But, unfortunately, this happiness could not last forever. His partners
arrived, and claimed the jockey in their turn. So M. Wilkie left the
course and strolled about among the carriages, until at last he found
an equipage which was occupied by the young ladies who had accepted
his invitation to supper the evening before, and who were now making a
profuse display of the very yellowest hair they possessed. This afforded
him another opportunity of attracting public attention, and to giving
proofs of his "form," for he had not filled the box of his carriage with
champagne for nothing. At last the decisive moment came, and he made
himself consp