I have
faced cavalry, sir, and I can face the truth."
At this moment the steward entered. "Jackson," said the Colonel, in the
very same tone he was speaking in, "put up my race-horses to auction by
public advertisement."
"But, sir, Jenny has got to run at Derby, and the brown colt at
Nottingham, and the six-year-old gelding at a handicap at Chester, and
the chestnut is entered for the Syllinger next year."
"Sell them with their engagements."
"And the trainer, sir?"
"Give him his warning."
"And the jockey?"
"Discharge him on the spot, and take him by the ear out of the premises
before he poisons the lot. Keep one of the stable-boys, and let my groom
do the rest."
"But who is to take them to the place of auction, sir?"
"Nobody. I'll have the auction here, and sell them where they stand.
Submit all your books of account to this young gentleman."
The steward looked a little blue, and Walter remonstrated gently. "To
me, father?"
"Why, you can cipher, can't ye?"
"Rather; it is the best thing I do.
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