"I am, I came out to Fremantle some months back."
"Fremantle? Then perhaps you know Mr. Tuxford—Barry Tuxford?"
Jack laughed as he replied—
"I ought to, he came here with me, we arrived the day before yesterday."
"That's strange now, very strange. He'll know me if you mention my name—Bricky Smiles. I once rode a horse for him here, at Sydney, before he was sent to Western Australia; it won, and I believe he backed it to win a good deal more than he gave for it, at any rate I had a nice present, he was more liberal than some owners I could name."
"I shall certainly tell him I met you," said Jack, "but I must hurry on, I am anxious to see Mr. Kenley."
"I'll walk down the hill with you if you like," said Bricky.
"Do," replied Jack, "I shall be glad of your company."
There was a cool breeze blowing from Coogee Bay which made it pleasant and refreshing, and Jack contrasted his present surroundings with those of his pearl fishing experiences. He liked the look of the place, and thought, as many have done before him, that Randwick is especially favoured by Nature, and that a more suitable spot it would have been hard to find for training quarters.
His companion watched him keenly, thinking to himself, "He's a good bred one, I'll bet; a bit different to some of 'em we get out from the old country."