This he did, and handed it to Bricky when he took charge of Lucky Boy.
The old jockey led the horse very carefully, and admired him when he saw how well he walked. As they passed through Randwick numerous stable boys looked at him, and recognising a strange horse, called out to Bricky and asked his name.
Bricky was not a favourite with the younger generation, and they were apt to tease him and make fun at his expense, forgetting that he knew a good deal more than they were ever likely to learn. He answered them sharply, telling them to mind their own business and find out.
This nettled them, and one lad more venturesome than the others shouted—
"So you've found somebody to trust you at last, Brick; I hope they'll not be sorry for it."
"Shut up, you young scoundrel," shouted Bricky. "If I could leave the horse I'd give you a hiding."
There was a general laugh of derision at this, which did not improve Bricky's temper, and another boy called out—
"I'll hold the horse while you give it him."
Bricky was moving on, out of the way of his tormentors, when someone threw a stone and frightened Lucky Boy. The horse plunged, and almost dragged the reins out of his hand. He tried to pacify him, but had some difficulty in doing so. It so happened that Joel Kenley was riding along at the time, and seeing what occurred he dismounted, handed his horse to a bystander, and before the lad who had thrown the stone was aware of it, he was in the trainer's grip.
The boy wriggled and endeavoured to get away, but it was not until he had received a sound thrashing that he was allowed to go. The trainer coolly remounted and rode after Bricky, leaving the small group of boys cowed and sullen, and vowing vengeance upon both of them.