'It wouldn't take long to kick the lot down,' laughed Jim.
'Don't abuse my property, or the next time you are ill I shall decline to attend you.'
'You mean the first time I am ill. I have never troubled you for any medicine yet,' said Jim.
'Only for whisky,' said the doctor, with a twinkle in his eyes.
'How about this horse? Must I tackle him for you?' asked Jim, changing the subject.
'If you will be so obliging.'
Jim Dennis took the doctor's steed in hand, and in the course of a severe tussle, extending over several hours, completely cowed him.
To such a man as Jim Dennis the thought of his son being a jockey came natural. With a critical eye he looked him over and thought, 'He is just cut out for it. He'll never be a heavy weight and he's the exact shape.'
'He'll have to pretty well live in the saddle here,' thought Jim; 'and he may as well make the most of his skill if he has any in that direction.'
The lad turned over and, opening his eyes, looked into his father's face.