The Squire looked at him in astonishment, and said, "Is this a joke, that cannot be the Saint? What a horrible colour! I never saw such a dirty grey before."
They laughed, and Eli was as much taken aback as his master.
"That is the Saint," said Ulick, "and I am not surprised you do not like his colour. I thought as you think when I first looked at him, and so did his owner, who parted with him solely because of his colour, and has regretted it ever since. I refused to purchase him for no other reason."
"Then who bought him?" asked the Squire.
"Fred May, and resold him to me at the price he gave for him. If it had not been for him I should not have had the colt at all."
"Upon my word I cannot help being disappointed," said the Squire. "He is not fit to look at."
The trainer laughed heartily, as he replied, "Come, Mr. Maynard, that is too bad, after all he has done. He has never been beaten yet, and do not forget he 'downed' the present Derby favourite as a two-year-old. Forget his colour, and examine him for his good qualities. I do not think you will find a fault with him."
The Squire went up to the Saint and carefully handled him. He was a considerable time making his inspection, and said at the conclusion—
"You are right; I cannot find fault with him, he is perfect, except for his colour. What a pity it is; it will never do to breed from him."
"I should chance it," said Ulick. "He may get them a much better colour than himself, and as far as make and shape and performances are concerned, he cannot very well be beaten."