Page 127 (2/2)

"Expense, sir?" repeated the Marquis, lifting a languid eyebrow;

"of course it is no question of 'expense'!" Here the Viscount looked

uncorew suddenly hot

"Ientered so late in the

day--the fees ht be made proportionately heavier--double them if

need be--I should none the less be--be inestimably indebted to you;

indeed I--I cannot tell you--" Now as Barnabas broke off, the

Marquis s hand,

slirip

"My dear Beverley," said he, "I like your earnestness A

race--especially this one--is a doocid serious thing; for soain for It's going to be a

punishing race from start to finish, a test of endurance for horse

and inated in a match

between Devenha here was hot to match his 'Rascal,' and Carnaby fancied his

'Clasher,' and begad! applications came so fast that we had a field

in no time"

"Good fellows and sports, gaame, sir"

"Now, as to yourself, my dear Beverley," continued the Marquis

authoritatively, "you 're doocid late, y' know; but then--"

"He can ride," said the Viscount

"And he's game," nodded the Captain