Pedestrianism

capt. Barclay's performances. 119 clined paying, from the suspicion of some­ thing unfair having taken place. But it was manifest to all, that there was no collusion be­ tween Capt. Barclay and the other party, and he had not the slightest suspicion of any thing unfair existing. When the match was first proposed, Capt. Barclay refused to make it, without a gentle­ man was concerned forWood, and after such was sought for, a publican in the vicinityof Spitalfields was brought forwardto back him. He accordingly stood one hundred and fifty pounds of the stake-money; but it was well known that he never before risked twenty pounds on the issue of any uncertain event. Wood had gone fiftymiles in seven hours, in a wet day, while training, andwas desirous of continuing his journey,being veryfresh ; but was stopped, lest he should be injured by the unfavourable state of the weather :of course, a great deal was expected fromhim. These, and several other concurring circum­ stances, induced some sporting men todecline paying their bets. The disputes on thishead, were