THE DEAD HEAT 115 



money is lodged with you. It is a p.p. bet, and 

 must be paid." 



" ]\Iare gone amiss," put in Bradon. " I knew 

 he was giving her too muc]- of it. This is a hard, 

 stony country ; horses wol <■ stand much continued 

 work. Poor brutes ! they are galloped shin sore — 

 all the life and energy taken out of them — sweated 

 to death, and made as thin as whipping-posts, and 

 they are said to be in condition. Serves him 

 right." 



" Hold, Bradon, my boy," interrupted Lord 

 Plunger, " you do not know that such is the case. 

 The mare was all right last night, that I am certain 

 of. She is about six miles from here, at a Mr 

 Blake's. I am inclined to think O'Eooney has got 

 into trouble." 



" At any rate we shall soon know," returned the 

 Colonel ; "for here is my horse coming round. I 

 shall be back in an hour or a little more. I'll look 

 after your interests, Fortescue," he continued. " It 

 is only half-past ten now. The race is not till 

 three. Keep cool, and don't take too many brandy- 

 and-sodas, till you see me again." And so saying, 

 he took his departure. 



What was up ? Had the mare broken down ? 

 Was O'Eooney arrested ? It must be one or the 

 other. It could not be about the stakes, for these 



