266 Making the Running 



' Well ! ' Bedford at length rejoined. ' Which is it to 

 be?' 



'I don't care. Which you like. You win if you 

 want to,' Western said. 



' All right. What will you have on mine ? ' 



*A hundred, and you must not give me less than even 

 money if they want to take odds.' 



So in a few words the bargain was arranged, and the 

 pair of noble sportsmen separated. Bedford glanced 

 about the paddock, evidently in search of someone, and 

 presently spotted his man, an evil-faced personage with 

 a big moustache, twisted at the ends so as to impart a 

 Mephistophelian expression to his countenance. He 

 was going to ride Chimney Corner, in whom he had 

 some interest ; for, in fact, the mare belonged to him and 

 his trainer, Stebbing having no share in her, though to 

 Cecil he rather implied that he had. 



' Do 3^ou run ? ' Bedford asked, after they had ex- 

 changed nods of greeting. 



' I don't know. I think not. What's the good ? ' 

 Jackson, as the other was called, replied. * You'll win, I 

 sup2)ose ? ' 



' I am sure to win if I have a good strong pace all the 

 way ; but if they muddle along, W^estern will very likely 

 beat me for speed. If you'd make running for me, I 

 couldn't lose.' Bedford paused, and Jackson made no 

 sign, so the other continued, ' And I'll give you a pony.' 



Jackson held out his hand, not in the attitude of one 

 who desires to ratify a bargain, but as if waiting to 

 receive something. ' Short reckonings make long friends ' 

 seemed to be his maxim, and Bedford, understanding, 

 took out his note-case, and put into the expectant palm 

 two ten-pound notes and a fiver. 



