BETTING, 255 



arrangement, as it leaves the layer of odds free ^o levant with 

 his plunder during the progress of a race, and the takers with 

 the barren consolation of cursing him, as they gesticulate with 

 their dishonoured pawn-tickets over his deserted location. The 

 plea is, to a certain extent, true, and is justified by the fact that 

 — especially on badly-managed courses — the confidence trick is 

 not unfrequently practised ; yet it may be urged as per contra 

 that it is easier for many to watch one man than for one man 

 to watch many, and if they have doubts as to his honesty, they 

 can stand by to pounce on him if he attempts to stir. 



They know that he has their money, and probably a good 

 deal more besides ; it is not the poverty but the will that makes 

 most welshers, and it is tolerably evident that the bagman who 

 bolts during the few moments he has to spare for the purpose 

 would be a singularly unlikely person to be found awaiting 

 his creditors on Monday in or outside of Tattersall's had he, 

 furnished only with book, pencil and the ces triplex which 

 is not kept in the pocket, been betting legally according to 

 the law. 



Nothing too could be simpler, one would imagine, than for 

 the veriest novice to discover, if only from the nature and 

 number of their customers, which are the trustworthy operators 

 in any ring ; but on the theme of welshing it is useless to dilate. 

 The human race, and notably the human racegoer, in the 

 matter of folly, is, always has been, and always will be, audax 

 ovinia perpcti. 



A singular anomaly in the law is, that you may legally pay 

 or receive payment the instant a race is over, and may make 

 this arrangement with your bookmaker to your heart's content. 

 Unless there is a deposit beforehand, it is not ready-money 

 betting. 



Mr. Bumble was not altogether wrong when he said, ' The 

 law is a hass.' 



It would be ungracious to conclude this brief and therefore 

 imperfect notice of the ring without mention of two most 

 meritorious attributes of that body. Imprimis^ when they lose 



