26 ON AND OFF THE TURF. 



and when Mr. B, glanced at it he^ toOj became very 

 serious. 



The telegram was from Harry Raynor, to the effect 

 that Arsenal had gone wrong, and it was doubtful if 

 he could start for the Cup. 



Mr. B. thanked Mr. Gannon for showing: him the 

 telegram, and he intimated his intention of getting 

 rid of the bulk of the money he had taken about the 

 horse by laying it off. 



This laying-off business was put into the hands of 

 a commissioner, who commenced operations at once. 

 As fast as the money was laid off, another well-known 

 backer was taking up the wagers in favour of 

 Arsenal. 



Mr. B. knew this gentleman, and thinking to warn 

 him against backing a '^ dead un," said, *^ It is no 

 business of mine, but are you backing Arsenal for 

 yourself? If so, let some one else have a bit of it. 

 It's my money that is being laid off; the horse has 

 gone wrong.'' 



" That's strange," said the backer, who knew 

 nothing of the telegram business. 



'' Why ? " asked Mr. B. '' What is strange ? " 



" Well, I'm backing it for the owner," was to 

 Mr. B. the astounding answer. 



Mr. B. commenced to smell mischief. He went to 

 his commissioner and asked him not to lay any more 

 Arsenal money off. 



