_The Colonel_ (_wrathfully to his Rabbit, which will do nothing but run round and round him_). Stop that, will you, you little fool. Do you want to trip me up! Of all the dashed nonsense I ever--!
_Mrs. Bangs_. My! Colonel, you do seem to have got hold of a pretty insubordinate kind of a Rabbit, too!
_The Colonel_ (_looking round_). Well, you aren't getting much pace out of your Tortoise either, if it comes to that!
_Mrs. Bangs_. He puts in most of his time in stoppages for rest and refreshment. I'm beginning to believe that old fable's a fraud. Anyway, it's my opinion this Tortoise isn't going to beat any hare--unless it's a jugged one.
_Dick Gatling_ (_in front, as his Sheep halts to crop the turf in a leisurely manner_). We've not pulled up--only lying-to to take in supplies. We're going ahead directly. There, what did I tell you! Now she's tacking!
_The Curate_ (_in the rear_). Poo' little Jacko, then--there, there, quietly now! Miss STELLA, what does it mean when it gibbers like that? (_Sotto voce._) I wonder, if I let go the chain--
_Mr. Duff_ (_hauling his Goose towards Miss CHAFFERS_). It's no use--_I_ can't keep this beast from bolting off the course!
_Miss C._ Do keep it away from my Puppy, at all events. I _know_ it will peck him, and he's perfectly happy licking my shoe--he's found out there's sugar-candy in the varnish.
_Mr. Duff_ (_solemnly_). Yes, but I _say_, you know--that's all very well, but it's not making him _race_, is it? Now I _am_ getting some running out of my Goose.
_Miss C._ Rather in-and-out-running, isn't it? (_Cries of distress from the rear._) But what is the matter now? That poor dear Curate again!
_The Curate_ (_in agony_). Here, I say, somebody! _do_ help me! Miss STELLA, do speak to your monkey, please! It's jumped on my back, and it's pulling my hair--'ow!
[_Most of the Competitors abandon their animals and rush to the rescue._
_Dick Gatling_ (_coming up later_). Why on earth did you all jack up like that? You've missed a splendid finish! My Mutton was forging ahead like fun, when FANSHAWE's Peacock hoisted his sail, and drew alongside, and it was neck and neck. Only, as he had more neck than the Mutton, and stuck it out, he won by a beak. Look here, let's have it all over again!