"You must not ride in the Derby. Steve," she said, "I have had a terrible dream about you. You were riding a big chestnut horse and you had an awful fall just near me during the race, I can see you now. You end your horse were knocked out.
"My dream was so vivid that I woke up Freddie: "What's the matter with you?' he asked me. 'Are you riding round Tottenham? You've nearly kicked me out of bed.' I told ^im I had dreamt about you and hat I must ring you up. Please Won't ride on Wednesday, Steve."
"Don't you worry, my dear" I said to her, though I was rather amused at her.earnestness at the time, "I am not riding in the race 80, ere is nothing to worry about." thanked her for telling me about her dream and forgot all about it.
The next day, Tuesday, the news got about that I was not riding in the race. During the morning Mr. Jack Joel sent for me.
"What's this, Steve, about you not riding to-morrow I told him of my decision and gave him my reasons.
"Well, listen, my. friend Mr. Dewar wants you to ride Abbots Trace in the race and he will be here shortly to ask you about it."
"But, Mr. Joel" I said, "I would much rather not ride in the race than be up on something that has no chance."
"That be damned for 'a story," he replied, "The idea of the Derby being run with you watching, from the stands is too ludicrous..."
We had just got that far when Mr. Dewar came along. He repeat. ed Mr. Joel's remarks, and I gave views on the race and my notion of riding in it.
"Your horse hasn't got a chance, nas he?" I said.
That rather surprised him. "Oh! But I think he has quite a chance, Steve," he remarked.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.