more to be had any day. On
this morning he went off at his usual pace. Grannie urged as remonstrance
that the dust was fearful when going at that rate. I clapped my hands and
exclaimed, "Go it, Mr Bossier! Well done, uncle Jay-Jay! Hurrah for
Clancy!"

Uncle first said he was glad to see I had the spirit of an Australian,
and then threatened to put my nose above my chin if I failed to behave
properly. Grannie remarked that I might have the spirit of an Australian,
but I had by no means the manners of a lady; while aunt Helen ventured a
wish that I might expend all my superfluous spirits on the way, so that I
would be enabled to deport myself with a little decorum when arrived at
the racecourse.

We went at a great pace; lizards and goannas scampered out of the way in
dozens, and, clambering trees, eyed us unblinkingly as we passed. Did we
see a person or vehicle a tiny speck ahead of us--in a short time they
were as far away in the background.

"Please, uncle, let me drive," I requested.

"Couldn't now. Your grannie can't sit in the back-seat--neither could
I--and look like a tame cockatoo while you sat in front. You ask Harry to
let you drive him. I bet he'll consent; he's sure to be in a sulky with a
spare scat on spec. We're sure to overtake him in a few minutes."

There was a vehicle in the distance which proved to be from Five-Bob
Downs, but as we overhauled it, it was the drag, and not a sulky. Harold
occupied the driver's seat, and the other occupants were all ladies. I
noticed the one beside him was wearing a very big hat, all ruffles,
flowers, and plumes.

"Shall I pull up and get you a seat?" inquired uncle Jay-Jay.

"No, no, no."

The boss of Five-Bob drew to his side of the road, and when we had passed
uncle began to tease:

"Got faint-hearted, did you? The flower-garden on that woman's hat corked
your chances altogether. Never mind, don't you funk; I'll see that you
have a fair show. I'll get you a regular cart-wheel next time I go to
town, and we'll trim it up with some of old Barney's tail. If that won't
fetch him, I'm sure nothing will."

Before we got to the racecourse Barney went lame through getting a stone
in his hoof; this caused a delay which enabled the Five-Bob trap to catch
us, and we pulled rein a little distance apart at the same time, to
alight.

Mr Beecham's groom went to his horses' heads while Harold himself
assisted his carriageful of ladies to set foot on the ground. Aunt H