128 EACECOURSE AND COVEET SIDE. 



"And how about the favourite?" Clive 

 inquired with what struck Aston as being a 

 suspicious glance. 



" Too flashy. On the flat or over hurdles he 

 might do, but three miles is a long way, and 

 the going is rather heavy, I fancy. But are we 

 going to do anything about Heartsease ? Look 

 here, I'll lay you ^1000 to £100," Sir Thomas 

 exclaimed. 



" Yes. I don't mind taking that," Clive 

 answered, noting down the bet. 



" Again, if you like ? " 



"Very well." 



" Any more ? " Sir Thomas continued. 



But Clive paused. This was getting into long 

 figures, and he feared to go too deeply, while 

 Sir Thomas, who felt that he was in reality 

 coining money, was eager to proceed. 



" See ! For once I'll lay you £1200 to £100 ; 

 twice if you like ? " 



Clive, however, was not to be tempted too 

 far, and closed his book with £3200 to £300, 

 together with £120 to £20, and £50 to £10, 

 taken in the ring, a more than sufficient plunge 

 if things went badly, and a highly satisfactory 

 one if the Fates were propitious ; and he strolled 

 off" to look at his mare before dressing and 

 weighing out. 



