The Major was delighted at his prize; he had not drawn a blank, and that was sufficient for him.
Then, at last, Keegan got Pat Conner's mare from Strokestown. She was called Diana, and his was the last paper drawn.
"Faith, Keegan, you're in luck," said McKeon, "for the mare can't but run well. Pat's been training her since May last. I was over there going to Castlereagh, and I saw Pat at her then."
"'Deed, then, Mr. McKeon," said Conner, "maybe she'll beat your own mare, much as you think of her."
"Oh! I'm sure she will; there's so much running about her. Was she at plough after last winter, Pat?"
"She had other work to do, then, for she had to carry me twice a week through the season; and that she did—and that's not light work, I think."
"Carry you, Pat!" said Gayner; "why, you don't mean to say you hunt that old garron you call Diana? Faith, man, you're too bold; your friends ought to look to you; what would the country do if you broke your neck?"
"It's your own is in most danger, I'm thinking," replied Pat; "faith, I wouldn't take all the pick up to-morrow, to ride that devil you're to ride over the course."
"And I'll take devilish good care you're not asked," said McKeon: "but now, boys, as I fear the Major's hardly up to it, I'll dispose of the prizes. Come, which shall I put up first? which was drawn first?"
"Your own mare, Tony; Gayner got Playful at the first start."