Too Clever 195 



companion, Moss assumed ; for though the pace in the 

 Cesarewitch is always exceptionally good, someone has to 

 make it so. Jovial had given way, as his trainer fully 

 anticipated he would, when the winding-up gallops found 

 out his weak place. 



It was a bright day, and Moss felt on excellent terms 

 with himself ; though, as he listened to the roar of the 

 ring, he was the least bit astonished at the rather 

 persistent way in which The Caliph was backed. 



' I suppose someone thinks he knows something, and 

 the crowd follow like sheep,' Moss observed to Cartwright. 

 ' They want a pace for the mare, and I've no doubt that's 

 why they brought the colt ; though in my opinion they 

 might just as well have left both of them at home. I 

 wonder how they are betting now ? ' 



Going to the rails, he asked the price of Brown Shoes. 

 '100 to 12' was the answer. 'And what price The 

 Caliph ? ' he continued. 



' Well, I'll lay you 10 to 1,' the bookmaker replied, the 

 offer being received with a kind of snort of contempt. 



' What nonsense ! 20 to 1 you mean, I suppose. I'll 

 lay yon twelve, if 3^ou like ! ' Moss cried. 



' Very well, if you mean it, I'll take 1,000 to 80,' the 

 bookmaker answered, and Moss eagerly assented. 



' Twice ? — three times if you like,' he continued ; but 

 a cautious ' No, thank you, twice will be enough — 2,000 

 to 160,' and the bet was booked. 



The numbers were presently hoisted — twenty- two 

 starters, and Moss went into the Birdcage to look at the 

 animal that carried his fortunes ; but he could see 

 nothing of Weekes nor of his two horses, which, as a 

 matter of fact, were being saddled down at the Ditch 

 stables. He found Prairie Belle, however, and saw she 



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