system of rigorous training; and the owners did not question the
statement in the least. He had made them believe, and they in
turn had made many others believe, that Pompier de Nanterre would
certainly win such and such a race; and, trusting in this
fallacious promise, they risked their money on the poor animal--
and lost it.

In point of fact, this jockey would have been the happiest mortal
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