commissioner was ready to meet the Lord Wilton party in any bets they
thought well to lay against the colt.

"Two hundred to one against Rush" shouted Lord George Bentinck as
Squire Osbaldeston was riding Rush at walking pace past the stand to the
starting-post just before the race.

"Done," replied the Squire.

The loud tones of the two men were such as to attract particular notice
and the sequel was an exciting one.

The race was brought off and the Squire on Rush won with ease. Then
followed a storm of argument as to how and why and wherefore had Rush's
powers, so greatly deprecated beforehand, developed to such an extent as
to leave all competitors behind.

Another victory was achieved by Rush next day and Squire Osbaldeston
having defeated the Wilton clique on the race-course betook himself
hunting.

Some months elapsed before the next scene was enacted. Lord George had
not settled the bet, and whether he intended to do so or not is an open
question. Probably the Squire had not asked him for settlement till the
Spring of 1836, when they were brought into contact with each other at
the Craven race-meeting.

"My Lord," said the Squire, "May I ask you for the £200 I won from you?
You have had time to get over your beating."