LITERATURE.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2361, 27 October 1881, Page 4

LITERATURE.

A ROLAND FOR AN OLIVE 3,

{Concluded )

Jack and Mr Forteseue (the London sportsman) were n good deal together throughout the day. Just before the last race the former, approaching Dangerfield, said, in a coldly sarcastic tone altogether unusual to him, ' I think Mister Dangerfield, as you and I have so big a bet, it is only right that we should post the money, and this we v»ill do before the first race to mo.row.' Dangerfield was np at once, ' Did Brentwcod mean to insult him by such a request ?' he asked, in an offended tone. But Jack was cool, and only replied, ' Kememler, Mister Dangerfield, if the money is not'pesfced it is no bet.' That evening he informed me of Fortescue'a advice to take that courae, as Dangerfield might bo going on the chance of receiving without ever meaning to settle. Next day the money, £2OOO, waa posted in the hands of the Clerk of the Course, and such an extraordinary proceeding directed special attention to the otherwise unimportant Hunters.' Bace. The time for its decision wore on, and as there were only three indifferent animals in opposition, riir Roland was made a strong favorite, 6 to 4 and 7 to 4 being freely laid on him After at it the ring tired, and ceased taking the odds about the favorite—at least, all exc-pt Sam Slapup did. Bat every one noticed that that none too reputable Individual never missed a deal about the favourite—a courre entirely different from his otherwise cautious mode of doing business. I should mention hero that the fiery bay horse did not like the spurs, and his rider had especial instructions not to use them except in an emergency. Just as the horses were going to the post Mr Fortescue said to Jack, in my hearing : * Things are clearing ; you hive a chanoe not only to save your own £IOOO, but to win his, so keep np your spirits.' He tried to, but it was not an easy job, for the loss of such a sum would be to Jack a serious matter. No difficulty was expected at the start, for It was a two miles race, and there were only four runners. To tho consternation of every one, the starter deliberatoly dropped his flag when Sir Roland was many lengths behind his horses, and had, moreover, his head pointing in the opposite direction. Ere the young squire had realised how matters stood his three opponents were nearly 200 on their journey. Digging his spurs into the animal's sides in an excited manner, he attempted to go after the trio, but the taote of the steel was too much for Sir Roland, and not an inch would he budge, and there he remained while the others careered round the courae. Jack, who was at my side, took in the situation at a glance. ' It's all up, old boy—that blasted starter and Dangerfield are in league, and my money's gone.' I am afraid I was only a Job's comfoitor to my friend, for I was as convinced as he that all was over. The other three made a capital raco, and after a splendid struggle Oliver Cromwell, which Dangerfield had been seen to back, pasted the post two lengths in advance. But what means that commotion in the neighborhood of the waitingroom ? Confusion and exoltement were rampant, and the cause was soon made plain. The judge had not been in the box therefore there had been no race, and the lot must again face the starter. The expression on Dangerfiald's faca was a study. Baffled cunning and suppressed rage could not hide themselves. But Sam Slapup, what of him ? Ho literally raved, denounced judge and stewards as thieves and robbers in no studied language. Ti e starter had come to see what was wrong, expeoting to be hauled over the coals for his handiwork. But he was mistaken, for the Clerk of tho Course informed him that the stewards wished him to join them at lunch in their room. He did. While there a substitute did duty for him, and the race was again started, and, to the delight of every one, Sir Roland cantered in a dozen lengths in front of Oliver Oromwell. This time the judge was in the box, and 'Mr John Brentwood's b h Sir Rowland, aged,' was duly registered as the winner of the Glanmcdo Hunters' Stakes. The £2OOO was handed over to Jack, and —and Bat we shall draw a veil over Slapup's language and Dangerfleld's indignation. I shall not dwell on the explanation of the mystery. Mr Fortescuo had taken the judge into his confidence, and that gentleman at once sa!d it must be a scheme of Blapup's, who, by his swindling and thieving, was doing his very best to ruin racing throughout the country. The ordinary Glanmede starter was prevented by illness from accepting the appointment this year, and the present gentleman had been appointed in his stead. Him the judge know to ba a tool in tho hands of Slapup, and he felt morally certain also that Dangerfield was working also along with tho gang. That was made plain when the £2O-0 was posted, for amongst Dangerfield's portion were recognized two £IOO notes which had been paid by one of the stewards to Slapup that very morning. When the judge saw the swindle perpetrated by the starter, he looked at his watch, and finding it wonted five minutes to the advertised hour, gave that as his nominal reason for leaving the box. He told the stewards all the circumstances, and they.to theii'3 praise be it said, backed him up in his somewhat arbitrary course of proceeding. The rest is known. In conclusion let me state that Jaok distributed teveral hundred pounds amongst the district charities; that the judge continues to be an honorable and an honored official; that Slapup is still a fielder ; but that the places that formerly knew Herbert Dangerfield now know him no more. He was never seen in the Glanmcdo district after being treated to so practical an illustration of the old adage, *A Rolanl for an Oliver.'