2:45
Then he returned home , having been expelled because every day he had attended the races and bet on the horses . It was even said that he had procured a jockey to throw a stake race . He announced that he had finally quit school , which he argued was a waste of time , as he intended to practice law and enter politics . He was the owner of a fine saddle mare and a gelding that could trot a mile on the smooth turnpike to a light side-bar buggy in 2:45 . Either riding the one or driving the other he attended all the farm auctions ; nor did he ever miss a county court day or jury trial at either Richmond or Lancaster . At these trials he first sat back of the railing ; then , making friends with the sheriff , the clerk and the younger lawyers , he sat within the reservation for members of the bar . The sheriff and clerk had each offered to appoint him a deputy , but these honors he declined with thanks .