But Sandy would not leave the horses till they were carefully rubbed
down, blanketed, and fed, for he was entered for the four-horse race
and it behoved him to do his best to win. Besides, he scorned to hurry
himself for anything so unimportant as eating; that he considered hardly
worthy even of Baptiste. Mr. Craig managed to get a word with him before
he went off, and I saw Sandy solemnly and emphatically shake his head,
saying, 'Ah! we'll beat him this day,' and I gathered that he was added
to the vigilance committee.
Old man Nelson was busy with his own team. He turned slowly at Mr.
Craig's greeting, 'How is it, Nelson?' and it was with a very grave
voice he answered, 'I hardly know, sir; but I am not gone yet, though it
seems little to hold to.'
'All you want for a grip is what your hand can cover. What would you
have? And besides, do you know why you are not gone yet?'
The old man waited, looking at the minister gravely.
'Because He hasn't let go His grip of you.'
'How do you know He's gripped me?'
'Now, look here, Nelson, do you want to quit this thing and give it all
up?'
'No, no! For heaven's sake, no! Why, do you think I have lost it?' said
Nelson, almost piteously.
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