Settling Day Part 46

GREY BIRD IS ADMIRED

They arrived in Sydney without any misadventures, and the long journey proved far more enjoyable than could have been expected.

The party, small as it was, had this advantage, they were all friends and understood each other, and had fought side by side in the time of danger. Great care was taken of Grey Bird, and the constant walking exercise suited him, and he arrived in Sydney in fine condition.

The cup was to be decided the following week, and in the meantime the horse was stabled near Randwick with a friend of Mr Dauntsey's.

Permission was given to exercise him on Randwick track, and much interest was manifested in the cup horse from 'way back.'

Grey Bird was conspicuous owing to his colour, as he was the only grey horse at exercise.

Willie rode him a strong two-mile gallop, Dr Tom and his father being interested spectators.

The local trainers were considerably impressed with Grey Bird's style of moving, and comments were made on the folly of handicappers letting unknown horses in with such light weights.

There was considerable speculation on the Cup, as usual, and several horses were backed for heavy stakes.

Against Grey Bird fifty to one could be had when he reached Sydney, and Jim Dennis was not slow to accept such tempting odds to win him several thousands. He took a thousand to twenty five times from one bookmaker, who regarded him as fair and legitimate spoil. He then obtained these odds again to another hundred, so that he had the nice bet of ten thousand to two hundred. After Grey Bird had been seen out at Randwick only half this price was obtainable, and the men who had laid fifties were not well pleased with their books.

Dr Tom managed to collect a few outstanding accounts, some several years old, before he left Swamp Creek, and he backed Grey Bird to win him five hundred.

'If it comes off, Jim,' he said, 'I'll have a new turnout and buy sufficient drugs to doctor the neighbourhood with for the next five years.'

Willie became anxious as the eventful day drew near. He had come down to seven stone without dosing, having had long walks during their journey to Sydney. He never felt better in his life, and thought he had a good chance of success. He knew the Cup course well, having galloped Grey Bird over it two or three times.

He found the going on the rails was excellent, but the centre of the course was holding.

The morning of the race was beautifully fine, an ideal day for good sport.

Randwick presented the usual bustling scene, and everyone was on the tiptoe of expectation.

The favourite for the Cup was Defiance, owned by one of the best-known sportsmen in the colonies. The horse had nine stone eight pounds to carry, and was top weight, Taite's horse having been struck out.

Defiance had several fine performances to his credit, amongst them being the Melbourne and Australian Cups, and he was regarded as the best stayer in Australia. The crack jockey, Jack Ashton, was engaged to ride, and so eager was the desire to back his mount that five to one was taken freely. Target, owned by Chris Shaw, who had registered his cousin's colours--green jacket and white cap--was also in good demand. Tatters, Warfare, Bung Bung, Baby, Walwa and Hova all figured prominently, but Grey Bird had dropped back to a hundred to three, as no one appeared inclined to support the country-bred one.

This was a very tempting price, and so Jim Dennis thought, and took a thousand to thirty twice, so that he stood to win a matter of twelve thousand besides the stake.

Before the race a long interval took place, and much curiosity was shown in Grey Bird on account of his colour.

The horse looked a picture. He was one of those greys that show their colour well, not a washed-out grey, but bold and s.h.i.+ny in his coat. He was as fit as he could be made, and his powerful quarters and strong loins and back caused good judges to think seven stone would be a mere feather-weight to him.

A crowd collected round as Jim saddled him, and some curious remarks were pa.s.sed about country-bred horses.

'He looks well,' said one; 'but they cannot be expected to know how to train in such a G.o.d-forsaken hole as Swamp Creek.'

Dr Tom turned round and said to the speaker,--

'I come from Swamp Creek. It is not quite the place you have described it. After the race you will sing very small. Take my advice and back the horse from that "G.o.d-forsaken place."'

The man looked ashamed of himself and walked away.

Mr Dauntsey was well known in Sydney, where he had been popular before he was sent to Barragong.

He came up with several friends, amongst them three ladies, who were eager to see the famous grey he had said so much about.

'What a beautiful creature! Mr Dauntsey.'

'He is. I knew you would admire him; and he is as good as he looks, Miss Corbold.'

The lady who had admired Grey Bird was about four-and-twenty and very good-looking. She was a cousin of Mr Dauntsey's and had been to Barragong once or twice.

'Why do you persist in calling me Miss Corbold?' she said, smiling. 'It used to be Molly.'

'You have grown beyond Molly,' he replied.

'Oh, no, indeed I have not, and Molly I insist it shall be.'

'I am quite willing, Molly.'

'That's better. Now show me Mr Dennis, the man with the history. What a sad life his must have been! Is he very interesting?'

'Very, and as good a fellow as ever lived. He is just saddling the horse.'

Molly Corbold looked at Jim Dennis, and her scrutiny was satisfactory.

'Will you introduce me?' she said.

'With pleasure. I am sure you will like him.'

Jim Dennis, having put Grey Bird to rights, left him in charge of the attendant to walk him about.

'Allow me to introduce Miss Corbold,' said Adye Dauntsey.

Jim Dennis, raised his hat, and, as he shook her hand, he thought,--

'What a good-looking woman.'

'I have heard so much about you from my cousin,' she said, 'that I was anxious to meet you. What a splendid horse Grey Bird is!'

'I am glad you like him,' said Jim, well pleased. 'I think he will run a good race. My son rides him. Here he is,' and he introduced Willie.

Molly Corbold liked the son at first sight as well as she had done the father, and she expressed the hope that he would win the race.

'I think so,' said Willie. 'I shall try my very best.'

There was not much time for conversation, as the signal was given for the horses to go to the post.

Amidst a chorus of good wishes Willie was lifted into the saddle, and Grey Bird walked quietly down the paddock.