many fouls
occurred that it was obvious the race was off. But things became serious
when the entire crowd attempted to pass simultaneously through the
booking-hall doors. Speedwell sprained a pastern and Tiny Tim sustained a
severe kick on the fetlock. Both will require a fortnight's rest before
they can be raced again.

This will be a warning to us and to others too, I hope. Still, it will not
deter us from racing in the future. Nor should it deter others, for the
sport is a glorious one and I hope it may become universal in the outer
suburbs. Piggott and I will be only too glad to give advice or any other
assistance that lies in our power to those who contemplate starting local
clubs in and around London.

* * * * *

[Illustration: _Old Dame_ (_to visitor who has been condoling with her on a
recent misfortune_). "OCH, I'M GEY ILL. I'VE BEEN CRYIN' SIN' FOWER THIS
MORNIN', AN' I'M JUST GAUN TAE START AGEN AS SOON'S I'VE SIPPIT THIS BICKER
O' PARRITCH."]

* * * * *

WEDDING PRESENTS.

All day long I had been possessed by that odd feeling that comes over one
unaccountably at times, as of things being a little strange, interesting--
somehow different, so that I was not at all surprised to find the Fairy
Queen waiting for me when I entered my flat.

It was a warm evening and she sat perched on the tassel of the blind,
lightly swaying to and fro in the tiny breeze that came dancing softly over
the house-tops.

I saw her at once--one is always aware of the presence of the Fairy Queen.

I made my very best curtsey and she acknowledged it a little absent-
mindedly.

"_I_ want _your_ advice this time," she said.

I smiled and shook my head deprecatingly.

"But how ...?" I began.

"It's about Margery and Max," she continued.

I was much astonished.

"Margery and Max," I echoed slowly. "But surely there's no need to trouble
about them. It's a most delightful engagement. They're blissfully happy. I
saw Margery only yesterday ..."

"Oh, the engagement's all right," said the Queen. "As a matter of fact it
was I who really arranged that affair. Of course they think they did it
themselves--people always do--but it would never have come off without me.
No, the trouble is I don't know what to give them for a wedding present.
You see I'm particularly fond of Margery; I've always taken a great
interest in her, and I do want them to have something they'll r