214 ^ Lucky Mistake 



seeing a host of certainties upset. But what am I to do ? 

 I must get hold of 8,000Z. by the 25th ; your horse is 

 sure to start at a good price, and I think sure to win ; and 

 it is my only chance.' 



' I could let you have a couple of thousand, or a bit 

 more perhaps, if that would be any use,' Cranleigh said, 

 ' and I should be more than glad.' 



'You're awfully good, old chap ; but it wouldn't, a 

 thousand thanks all the same. I was an ass to go fool- 

 ing about in the City at all — I never did so without 

 making a mess of it. Old Stimson says he can pull me 

 through if I let him have 8,000/., but that is the least, 

 and I know the old boy would do all he could for me,' 

 Ashdown answered. ' No, I shall have my dash ; and if it 

 doesn't come ofi', this place must go, and I shall have 

 to try the Colonies, I suppose ! What an idiot I have 

 been ! ' 



' And your cousin Ethel ? ' his friend said. 



Ashdown shrugged his shoulders. 



' There's no engagement, j'ou know. I haven't 

 dared suggest it, and, besides, her people would not hear 

 of it while I'm in a mess. It seems hard that a fellow's 

 happiness — and a girl's too, perhaps, for I do believe 

 she's fond of me — should depend on a horse getting 

 his head in front. Ah ! if I had my time over again ! ' 



' Well, old chap, you saw the trial, and you know 

 just as much about Eoquelaure as I do ! He certainly 

 has come on wonderfully, and he always runs best with 

 Leighton, though he's not supposed to be a crack jockey. 

 I think it's good, I confess, and why they back the two 

 favourites so I can't understand ! What do you intend 

 to do?' 



' I've got about 1,400/. left, and I intend to have on 



