116 THE DEAD HEAT 



were lodged to the Colonel's credit in the Bank of 

 Ireland. "What could it be then ? 



" I cannot help thinking, Fortescue," said Lord 

 Plunger, " that somehow or other you will have to 

 don the new colours, doeskins, and tops, and give us 

 a sight of your way of crossing the Gal way country." 

 As he was speaking, one of the mess waiters came 

 in and said a few words to Fortescue, which made 

 that gentleman immediately leave the room. On 

 reaching his quarters he found seated there a sly- 

 looking little man in a large drab overcoat. 



" I beg your pardon," said the stranger to the 

 officer as he entered. " You know me, I think ? " 



Fortescue slightly inclined his head. 



" The object of my coming," continued the sly- 

 looking little man, " is to tell you that there is a 

 writ out against Captain O'Eooney for four hun- 

 dred pounds. He will not show up to-day. He is 

 a Sunday man : now the race is ours — yours 1 

 ought to say — you will only have to go over the 

 course. Good-morning." 



But he was not allowed to depart in that way. 

 He was soon in the mess-room, and all were put in 

 possession of the facts. 



In the meantime the good Colonel rode on at a 

 rapid pace, wondering at the contents of the note, 

 and conjuring up all sorts of things. Five-and- 



