SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF 



playing cards, which went against him all the night, 

 and he lost heavily. 



"Well," said he, " if things go on like this I shall 

 have to sell Emigrant." 



I was not playing, but looking on. "I'll buy him 

 at a price," I said. " What do you want ? " 



" Six hundred." 



" No. I'U not give that. I swear I won't." 



After bargaining I gave him 590 — just that 

 I might keep my word. The Shrewsbury engage- 

 ment was included, with the proviso that Odiham 

 also was to run, and that if Emigrant won I paid 

 Land another hundred. 



Next morning, on my way to the course. Green, 

 who had been waiting for me, came up with, "I hear, 

 Hodgman, you have bought Emigrant. Can I have 

 half of him ? " 



"Well, I don't mind sharing, Green, but matters 

 are this way. There's the 590 I've paid Land ; 

 I intend having 200 on ; you, I suppose, will 

 risk 200. Now, if he loses, can you put your 

 hand on, say, 500 ? That's a plain question, and 

 wants a plain answer." 



" I have," said Green, " the money in my pocket, 

 Take it now." 



" No. I don't want it now. As long as you say 

 you can pay, that's sufficient. You have a half 



126 



