'No,' replied the doctor; 'he deserves all the praise he receives.'
Willie Dennis was delighted at the thought of going to Sydney and riding his pet Grey Bird in the great race. He loved the horse, and Grey Bird was so fond of his young rider that he was uneasy when anyone else rode him.
The arrival of the coach was anxiously awaited, in order to see the weights for the Sydney Cup.
At last the paper came, and Jim Dennis eagerly tore the wrapper and glanced up and down the columns, Willie looking over his shoulder.
'There it is!' said Willie, pointing to a long list of horses.
'That's it. I say, Taite's horse has top weight, nine stone twelve pounds; that's a fair start. Our fellow will be near the bottom. What will he get? Let's guess!'
He put down the paper and looked at Willie.
'I'll guess seven stone twelve pounds,' said Jim. 'That would give him a chance.'
'Too much,' replied Willie. 'I'll say seven stone six pounds.'
Jim opened the paper again and looked down the list.