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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hard Pressed, by Fred M. White
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Hard Pressed
+
+Author: Fred M. White
+
+Release Date: August 23, 2010 [EBook #33512]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARD PRESSED ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+    HARD PRESSED
+
+    BY
+    FRED M. WHITE
+
+    AUTHOR OF
+
+    "THE CRIMSON BLIND"
+    "THE CORNER HOUSE"
+    "THE YELLOW FACE"
+    ETC., ETC.
+
+
+    NEW YORK
+    R. F. FENNO & COMPANY
+    18 EAST 17th STREET
+    WARD, LOCK & CO., LONDON
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+      CHAP.                                   PAGE
+
+          I A MODERN SPORTSMAN                  11
+
+         II AN UNEXPECTED MEETING               18
+
+        III A LIVING FORTUNE                    25
+
+         IV A GREAT TEMPTATION                  32
+
+          V THE SHADOW OF DOUBT                 39
+
+         VI A TRIAL SPIN ON THE DOWNS           47
+
+        VII A LEAF FROM THE PAST                54
+
+       VIII ROGUES IN COUNCIL                   62
+
+         IX IN THE TOILS                        70
+
+          X CONFESSION                          78
+
+         XI ON THE EDGE                         86
+
+        XII A LION IN THE PATH                  94
+
+       XIII "AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN"       102
+
+        XIV THE POST CLUB                      110
+
+         XV JOLLY & CO.                        117
+
+        XVI THE NOOK                           124
+
+       XVII A FAIR DAY'S SPORT                 132
+
+      XVIII AN EVENING VISIT                   139
+
+        XIX THE EMPTY HOUSE                    146
+
+         XX INSIDE                             153
+
+        XXI THE EAVESDROPPERS                  160
+
+       XXII A SOLDIER OF FORTUNE               167
+
+      XXIII A CHANGE OF AIR                    174
+
+       XXIV A STRANGE VISITOR                  181
+
+        XXV THE DERELICT                       188
+
+       XXVI A SECOND TRIAL                     195
+
+      XXVII DRIVING IT HOME                    202
+
+     XXVIII HONOUR BRIGHT                      209
+
+       XXIX ACTING THE FRIEND                  216
+
+        XXX AN ULTIMATUM                       223
+
+       XXXI A POINT-BLANK REFUSAL              230
+
+      XXXII AN EASY FALL                       238
+
+     XXXIII THE FIVE BASKETS                   246
+
+      XXXIV NO. 5                              253
+
+       XXXV A POISONOUS ATMOSPHERE             260
+
+      XXXVI FIELDEN INTERVENES                 268
+
+     XXXVII BETWEEN TWO FIRES                  276
+
+    XXXVIII LOOSENING THE GRIP                 283
+
+      XXXIX A DRAMATIC EXIT                    291
+
+         XL CAUGHT!                            298
+
+        XLI HOME AGAIN                         305
+
+       XLII FIRST PAST THE POST                312
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+A MODERN SPORTSMAN
+
+
+It was a gala night at the National Opera House, and the theatre was
+crammed from floor to roof, for Melba was sustaining a new part, and all
+London had gathered to listen. It was rarely indeed that so fashionable
+an audience assembled in February. The boxes were ablaze with diamonds.
+On the grand tier, however, there was one box which was not filled with
+gaily garbed women and which attracted attention by the fact that its
+sole occupants were a girl and two men. Though she was quietly dressed
+and wore no ornaments except flowers, nevertheless a good many women
+envied May Haredale; for the box belonged to Raymond Copley, who was
+quite the last thing in the way of South African millionaires. He was a
+youngish, smart-looking Englishman of the florid type, was becoming
+known as a sportsman and, according to all accounts, was fabulously
+rich. He was supposed to have discovered diamonds in Rhodesia, a stroke
+of fortune which put him in a position, it was alleged, practically, to
+dictate terms to the De Beers Company, and those "in the know" in the
+City declared he had come out of a negotiation for amalgamation with two
+millions of money in his pocket.
+
+Be that as it may, he had purchased a fine old estate within twenty
+miles of London, and lavished large sums upon his racing stud, and
+people began to court his acquaintance. He was on very friendly terms
+with his near neighbour, Sir George Haredale, of Haredale Park, which
+accounted for the fact that the Baronet and his only daughter were
+availing themselves of Copley's hospitality that evening.
+
+May Haredale ought to have been enjoying herself. She did not have many
+opportunities for pleasures of this kind, for, sooth to say, Sir George
+Haredale was a poor man. He had a constant struggle to keep up
+appearances, and most of his friends wondered how he managed to pay the
+expenses of his racing stable. But the Haredales had been kings of the
+turf for a hundred years or more, and Sir George clung desperately to
+this last vestige of the family greatness. The whole estate was going to
+rack and ruin, the gardens and grounds were neglected, the
+conservatories were empty, the carpets and old furniture were faded and
+worn. But the stables left nothing to be desired. How near they were to
+the verge of collapse only Sir George himself knew.
+
+He had few rich and influential friends. He did not care for moneyed
+men, as a rule, and so the old county families were surprised to see the
+intimacy that had grown up between him and Raymond Copley. They
+professed not to understand it, but one or two shrewd observers declared
+that May Haredale was at the bottom of it, and that Copley was over head
+and ears in love with the girl.
+
+It would have been strange were it otherwise. She was just the sort of
+girl to attract a man like Copley. She was tall, well formed and
+exceedingly pretty, though cold and haughty at the mere suggestion of a
+liberty.
+
+What she thought of Copley she had never been heard to say. She had not
+many friends in her own circle. She was perfectly happy and contented so
+long as she had a good horse and the promise of a day with the hounds.
+Most people deemed her rather distant and reserved, but a few hinted
+that May Haredale could be chummy enough when she chose. Others,
+however, had noticed a great change in the girl during the past two
+years. There was a time when she had been one of the merriest madcaps,
+and then, all at once, she seemed to grow up and become staid and
+dignified. And it was not altogether the weight of family trouble which
+bore her down, for, as a matter of fact, she had no idea how desperate
+Sir George's fortunes were.
+
+She appeared on friendly terms with Copley, but, though for the past
+twelve months he had been a familiar visitor at Haredale Park, he did
+not think that he was making much progress in her good graces. Clever as
+he was, the girl managed to keep him at a distance without wounding his
+pride, and as time went on he found himself more and more infatuated
+with May Haredale.
+
+He belonged to the class of man who never counts the cost of anything
+and is ready to go any lengths in the pursuit of a fancy. He thought he
+had been extremely patient, and told himself earlier in the evening that
+before the week was out things would have to be settled one way or the
+other. And he was not without weapons, either. Sir George could have
+unfolded a tale in that respect had he chosen to do so. The Baronet was
+proud, but there are times when pride has to take a second place, and
+such a crisis in his affairs had arrived. May would have been surprised
+to learn that Copley could at any moment sell the old home over their
+heads and turn them out to shift as best they might.
+
+She sat with her face on her hand, looking at the stage, but she was not
+listening to Melba's marvellous voice. Her mind had gone back to a
+somewhat similar scene two years ago when she was last in the same opera
+house. How different things had seemed then! How much happier she had
+been in those days! She roused herself presently to find that Copley was
+addressing her.
+
+"Oh, I beg pardon," she said. "I suppose the singing carried me away.
+What were you saying?"
+
+Copley uttered something appropriate. There was a hard look in his eyes
+as he took in the details of May's fresh beauty. She was just the wife
+for him. She had a fine appearance and good breeding and would take him
+into certain houses the _entr�e_ of which had as yet been denied him.
+They were going on afterwards to supper at the Carlton, and before he
+slept that night Copley would know his fate; indeed, he knew it already.
+He had a kind of instinct that May disliked him. But that, after all,
+was a small matter. When she learned the truth there would be no
+alternative. That her dislike might turn into hatred mattered nothing to
+Copley. He bent down already with an air of possession which brought a
+faint flush into May's cheeks. She was feeling rebellious.
+
+"You are enjoying it?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, yes. I should be a strange creature if I didn't. I have so few
+treats like this."
+
+"Isn't that your own fault?" Copley returned. "Surely, you must know
+that if you only liked to say the word----"
+
+A sudden outburst of applause drowned the rest of his speech, but to all
+intents May heard everything that he had to say. She blamed herself that
+she had not shown this man earlier that her feelings towards him were
+merely conventional. And now she would have to make up her mind one way
+or the other. Copley stood with a smile upon his face, evidently very
+sure of his ground. A longing to get away, to be alone with herself,
+came over May Haredale. In a way she was grateful to Copley for saying
+no more. She was glad when the performance was over and they began to
+move towards the stairs. Here a stranger bustled up and touched Copley
+on the arm. As he turned to the intruder his face changed. May thought
+he looked almost alarmed, but it was a trifle and she only noticed it
+vaguely. The recollection was to come back to her later.
+
+"One moment, Sir George," Copley said. "Would you mind waiting for me in
+the vestibule? It is a little business affair which won't detain me five
+minutes."
+
+Sir George passed on with his daughter, leaving the two men together.
+Copley turned sharply round upon his companion.
+
+"Now what is it?" he asked curtly.
+
+"Oh, I thought you would like to know," the other said. "I only got back
+last night. The first man I met this morning in the City was Aaron
+Phillips."
+
+"You don't mean that," Copley exclaimed.
+
+"I do, indeed. It is a thousand pities I haven't managed to find you
+before to-day. I have been chasing you from place to place in the most
+maddening fashion. However, Phillips is here, and so I thought I would
+come and warn you. No, no, I have made no mistake."
+
+"But the thing is impossible, Foster. You know as well as I do that
+Phillips was killed----"
+
+"Well, so we imagined. Anyway, the beggar's back again, and there's no
+getting away from it. And if he is allowed to talk, and we don't square
+him----"
+
+"Square him! Why, it would cost half a million!"
+
+"Well, suppose it does. Won't it be cheap at the price? Wouldn't it be
+better for us to plank that money down than be standing in--but you know
+what I mean. It's a most infernal piece of ill luck, but, after all,
+your position is by no means a bad one. You go everywhere, you are
+eagerly sought after. Besides, who is to know whether you are a
+millionaire or a pauper? You've got the reputation of being a rich man,
+and with brains like yours----"
+
+"I can't stop now," Copley said hurriedly. "I have some people supping
+with me at the Carlton, and it is impossible to put them off."
+
+The other man grinned.
+
+"I understand," he said. "I guessed who the lady was. I'll come round to
+your rooms at half-past twelve or a quarter to one, and then we can talk
+the thing over quietly. You can see for yourself that the matter won't
+keep."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+AN UNEXPECTED MEETING
+
+
+Meanwhile, Sir George and his daughter were waiting impatiently for
+Copley. As they stood, the fashionable stream hurried by them. The road
+outside was crammed with cabs and 'buses and motors, for all the
+theatres were discharging their audiences. The street was one seething
+mass when Copley joined his friends. They pressed together towards the
+pavement, and Copley could scarcely conceal his annoyance that his car
+was not in attendance. He supposed there was some misunderstanding and
+suggested that it would save time if they took a cab.
+
+"We might have some difficulty in getting two cabs," he said. "One of us
+had better walk."
+
+"I'll walk," Sir George answered. "I haven't had any exercise to-day,
+and it will give me an appetite for supper."
+
+May looked up vaguely alarmed. She had no fancy for a drive to the
+Carlton in the company of Raymond Copley.
+
+"Wouldn't it be better to walk along till we come to the end of the
+street?" she proposed. "There would be more chance of getting a cab when
+we are out of the crush."
+
+Without waiting for a reply she stepped on to the pavement. In his
+aggressive way Copley elbowed a clear path. The road seemed to be fuller
+than ever of vehicles. Then there rose the quick cry of a woman's voice,
+the sound of clashing metal, and before any one could realize it two
+motors had overturned. Instantly all was confusion, and five minutes
+later May found herself on the other side of the street alone and
+presenting a somewhat conspicuous figure in her evening dress and cloak.
+
+She was not frightened or alarmed. She had too much pluck and courage
+for that. She thought the best thing would be to turn down this dark
+side street and make her way to the Haymarket.
+
+She walked quietly and fearlessly along, the road getting narrower as
+she went. She passed one or two men who made audible remarks upon her
+appearance, but she did not heed them. And, then, almost before she knew
+what had happened, a man by her side began to pester her with remarks
+which brought the blood flaming to her face. That the nighthawk was not
+sober did not tend to improve the situation.
+
+She looked about for some one to appeal to, and with sudden thankfulness
+heard steps hurrying behind. Next moment she saw her tormentor lying on
+his back in the gutter with another man standing over him.
+
+"I am glad to be of assistance to you," the stranger said. "If you will
+allow me to walk with you as far as the corner of the street I will call
+a cab. I suppose you got separated from your party and this fellow
+followed you."
+
+"That is so," May replied. "I cannot sufficiently thank you."
+
+She paused in the midst of her speech, for her rescuer's face was
+shining out clear and distinct in the lamplight. At the same instant the
+stranger turned and their eyes met.
+
+"Harry," the girl murmured, "Harry!"
+
+"Well, yes," the stranger laughed awkwardly. "This is rather an
+unexpected meeting, isn't it?"
+
+May made no reply at the moment. She was studying her companion
+intently. She noticed how white his handsome face was. There was the
+suspicion of suffering in his eyes. His dress was neat, but worn and
+shabby, and yet there was an unmistakable air about Harry Fielden which
+proclaimed that he had been accustomed to better things. He stood
+half-defiant, half-smiling, and yet he held up his head as if he had
+nothing to be ashamed of.
+
+"Where have you been for the last two years?" May asked.
+
+Harry Fielden shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"It would be difficult to tell," he said. "In the first place, I tried
+Australia. But things were worse there than they are here. America I
+could not stand at any price; then I went to South Africa, where I
+managed to starve. I had one slice of fortune, but was cruelly used by a
+man I trusted. And now, if it be possible, I am poorer than ever. I am
+trying to get employment at a stud farm or racing stable. It is the only
+thing I really know."
+
+May Haredale listened with trembling lips. Raymond Copley would have
+been surprised had he seen the expression on her face. He might have
+been uneasy, too.
+
+"I am very sorry," the girl remarked. "Oh, my dear boy, how foolish you
+have been! To think what you wasted! To think of that beautiful old
+house!"
+
+"I try not to think of it," Fielden said. "I was all the fool you took
+me for, and worse. It was my misfortune that I had no one to look after
+me. When I came into a fine property at the age of twenty-one I had no
+knowledge of the world. And every blackguard and sponger who came along
+I accepted at his own valuation. Well, it is an old story, May--a fool
+and his money are soon parted. But, thank goodness! I never did anything
+to be ashamed of. I never wronged man or woman and I pulled up in time
+to pay all my debts. There is nothing left now but the old house, and
+that I couldn't sell because it is not worth any one's while to buy it.
+More for the sake of sentiment than anything else I have managed to pay
+my subscriptions to my clubs. I still have the freedom of Tattersall's
+and Newmarket, though I have known what it is to sleep out of doors, but
+not till this minute did I fully realize what I threw away. Ah, we were
+good friends in those days, May."
+
+May Haredale nodded. It was difficult to speak at that moment, for she
+and Harry Fielden had been more than friends. They had been brought up
+together from childhood, and had been together at many a dance and
+tennis party and many a clinking run with the hounds. Nothing had ever
+passed between them, but it was a tacit understanding that Fielden and
+May Haredale would wait for one another.
+
+When the crash came and Fielden disappeared, May had made no sign, but
+from that time she was more sedate and seemed to have left her old life
+and spirits behind her.
+
+"I had not forgotten you," she murmured presently. "We must try to do
+something for you, Harry. I will speak to father. And then there is Mr.
+Copley. He has a fine establishment near us and one of the largest
+racing stables in the kingdom. But you don't know him. He is a South
+African millionaire who has come into our neighbourhood since your
+time."
+
+"Oh, I have met some of them," Fielden said grimly. "They don't think
+so much of them out there as folk do at home. I fancy I know the name. I
+wonder if it is the same Copley I met on the Rand--but, no, that is out
+of the question. So you think he might find me something to do? You
+don't know what heartbreaking work it is, seeking occupation and finding
+none. And I am anxious to work, goodness knows. I am young and strong,
+steady and trustworthy, and there is no man living who knows more about
+horses than I do. I wonder if you would mind speaking to this man for
+me. I've got no pride now. I have had that knocked out of me. But
+perhaps you would not like me to come down into the old neighbourhood
+again. You might not care for it."
+
+"Oh, my dear boy," May said reproachfully. "How can you talk like that!
+You know that there are some friends who were ready to do anything for
+you. But you would not give them a chance. You disappeared without so
+much as saying good-bye."
+
+"Well, you can understand my feelings," Fielden answered. "However, I've
+got to go down to the old place to-morrow, in any case. There are some
+things in the house that I need, and I shall hope to meet Joe Raffle. It
+was very good of you to take Joe into your service. It was awfully kind
+of your father to buy most of my horses. I hope there is a Derby winner
+amongst them."
+
+"We think so," May exclaimed. "We have great hopes of a Blenheim colt.
+He hasn't been seen in public since the Middle Park Plate which he won
+handsomely enough. We think he is the best horse we ever had, and people
+appear to be of the same opinion. If he doesn't win the Derby I don't
+know what will become of us. But get Raffle to take you over to Mallow's
+to-morrow and he will show you the colt. It's only a matter of a few
+hundred yards, as you will recollect, from our lodge gates to Mallow's
+stables. Mallow is only a small trainer, but he suits us and is not
+expensive. I wish you would stay down for a day or two. We shall be back
+to-morrow night, and my father will be disappointed if he doesn't see
+you. And now, really----"
+
+"I am sorry," Fielden said. "I have no right to keep you talking here.
+Come along and I will get you a cab. And if I can manage to stay at the
+old place over to-morrow I will come and see you. How jolly if one of my
+colts should win the Derby for Sir George!"
+
+There was a tender smile on May's lips and a dash of colour in her face
+as she drove presently to the Carlton. Sir George was waiting with fussy
+anxiety. Copley looked disturbed and rather ill-tempered. They accepted
+May's explanation. Naturally, they put down her heightened colour and
+sparkling eyes to the excitement of her adventure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+A LIVING FORTUNE
+
+
+Harry Fielden would have shirked the visit if he could, but there was
+nobody whom he could trust to go down to the old home and procure the
+papers he required. He was glad to see Herons Dyke again, but, at the
+same time, he was half ashamed to meet the old faces. Many would have
+welcomed him gladly, but he had made an utter failure of his life, and
+pride stood in the way of meeting these acquaintances.
+
+There was nothing left but the house. Long ago the estate had passed
+into the hands of strangers. The stables had fallen into decay. The tan
+track round the park was overgrown with weeds and grass. He was
+surprised to find himself unrecognized. A dozen people passed him with
+no more than a casual glance. He had forgotten that two years' "roughing
+it" had changed him from a handsome boy into a stern, resolute man, with
+an expression far beyond his age. Even his moustache had altered him. It
+was true that May Haredale had recognized him readily enough, but that,
+surely, was different.
+
+He would go as far as Haredale Park Farm and look at the horses. He was
+all the more ready to do this, because he felt assured he would pass for
+a total stranger. It was possible Joe Raffle might identify him, but,
+then, the old head groom had known him ever since he could walk. And now
+Joe was Sir George Haredale's trusted right-hand man and had been so for
+the last eighteen months, since the death of his predecessor. It had
+always been a consolation to Fielden to know that Raffle had gone on to
+Mallow's, with the stud which had once been his property. They had not
+been a very brilliant lot and few of the horses had ever paid for their
+keep; but Raffle believed in the Blenheim blood and had always
+prophesied that some of the colts would do great things at the proper
+time.
+
+Fielden was amused to see the suspicious glances cast at him by more
+than one of the lads. Presently Raffle came himself, a short, sturdy
+man, bent with age, whitehaired, but with cheeks rosy as a winter apple.
+He was about to ask Fielden's business sharply, when his face changed
+and he led Fielden to one side. The old man was moved and with
+difficulty held his voice steady, but his keen blue eyes gleamed with
+pleasure.
+
+"I never expected to see this day, Master Harry," he said. "And one of
+those lads wanted to order you off the premises. Just think of it! And
+they told me you were dead. I met a man in London who said he knew for
+a fact that you were drowned in the Modder in South Africa."
+
+Fielden's face grew stern for a moment.
+
+"Your friend wasn't far wrong, Joe," he said grimly. "It was a near
+thing. But that is too long a story to tell now. I came down on
+business, and I don't know whether I was glad or sorry to find that no
+one recognized me."
+
+"Miss May would have been glad to see you," Raffle said.
+
+"Oh, we have already met. That was an accident, too. I told her I was
+coming to-day, and she gave me a cordial invitation to look at the
+horses. I couldn't resist a chance like that. Well, Joe, I hope that Sir
+George has done better with the Blenheim stock than I did. I understand
+he didn't give much for them. I am told he bought the whole lot, lock,
+stock and barrel, for a bagatelle. And now they say there is a Derby
+winner amongst them. Is that a fact, Joe? Or is it one of the fairy
+tales one is always hearing in regard to turf matters?"
+
+Raffle lowered his voice impressively.
+
+"It is no fairy tale, Mr. Harry," he said. "Barring accidents, we are
+going to win the Derby this year with a colt locally bred and locally
+trained. It is a Blenheim colt, too, and if you hadn't been unfortunate
+he would have been yours. He's only once been seen in public yet, and
+nobody but ourselves knows what he can do. Still, people will get
+talking and our horse stands at a short price in the betting."
+
+"I am glad to hear it," Fielden said heartily. "I am especially glad to
+hear it for Sir George's sake. You know almost as much about the family
+as I do. You know what Sir George could do with the money. We don't want
+to gossip, but I know Sir George is a good master to you and that his
+interests are yours."
+
+"That's true, Mr. Harry. I'd do anything for Sir George, who has been a
+rare good master to me. But he ain't you, sir, and he ain't the old
+squire, either. You see, I served under a Fielden from the time I was
+ten years old till I was close on seventy, and it was a bit of a wrench
+leaving Herons Dyke. And when I heard you were dead, it seemed to me,
+sir, that I had nothing else left to live for. I ain't one to show my
+feelings much, sir, but when I saw you in the yard just now I could have
+burst out crying like a kid. You ought never to have gone away, sir. You
+ought to have stayed here and faced it out. But, perhaps, you did well
+in South Africa. Maybe you have come back with a fortune. I'd like to
+hear you say so."
+
+"I think I am rather worse off than when I went out," Fielden smiled. "I
+had a fortune in my grasp, but was robbed by a pair of murderous
+scoundrels, who will have something to answer for later. And now, take
+me round and show me the horses. Let me see this Blenheim colt of which
+such great things are expected."
+
+Raffle led the way across the fields to the neat yard along the range of
+stables where Mallow trained for a small owner or two. Whatever the
+condition of the house and grounds, there was nothing lacking in the
+stables. They came at length to a loose box a little apart from the
+rest, and Raffle stripped the clothing off a great raking chestnut
+horse, showing a skin like satin gleaming in the sunlight. The
+expression on Raffle's face was almost motherly. His eyes shone as he
+laid his hand upon the horse's glossy neck.
+
+"There," he said proudly, "look at that! You are most as good a judge of
+a horse as I am, tell me if he doesn't look all the way a Derby winner.
+Just cast your eye over those shoulders, look at those quarters. And a
+real tryer he is, too, and as good-tempered as a lamb. I always knew we
+should do great things some day with one of the Blenheim colts, but I
+never expected anything quite as good as this."
+
+A quarter of an hour later the two left the box. So far as Fielden could
+see, Raffle had not overestimated the chances of the Blenheim colt. If
+everything went well for the next three months, Sir George's fortunes
+would be restored and there would be no more poverty at Harefield Park.
+
+Fielden was extravagant in his praise, but there was no answering
+enthusiasm upon Raffle's part. He was moody and thoughtful. There was
+something almost guilty in the glance that he turned upon Fielden.
+
+"What's the matter?" the latter asked.
+
+"No man ever yet did a foolish thing without being found out," Raffle
+muttered. "Let's walk across the park where we can be alone, because
+there is something I must say to you. If you hadn't turned up yet, Mr.
+Harry, it would have been all right, but seeing you have turned up, why,
+it's all wrong and I am bound to tell you. When you went away, you left
+your affairs in a muddle. There was money coming to you from
+Weatherby's, though perhaps you didn't know it, and up to this year they
+have kept up your subscriptions to one or two races, the Derby amongst
+others. Oh, I knew it, and I am going to tell you now why I kept the
+knowledge to myself. The year you went away so sudden you nominated more
+than one colt for the Derby and, of course, the money was all right.
+Well, after you disappeared and they said you was dead, nothing seemed
+to matter and I thought no more about things. Sir George took over your
+'osses, and it was only when this Blenheim colt began to shape so well
+that I began to ask myself a few questions. It was easy to bamboozle Sir
+George, because he is the worst man of business in the world. And I can
+prove every bit of it, sir; I can prove every word I am saying. And
+therefore it comes about that this Blenheim colt--this one that's going
+to win the Derby--belongs to you, or at any rate he was nominated in
+your name, which comes to the same thing. I daresay you will ask me why
+I have done this, and why I kept the secret, and I'll tell you. I really
+did it for the sake of Miss May. I would do anything for her, anything
+to put Sir George on his legs again. You see, I thought you was dead and
+out of the way and, after all said and done, I was doing nobody any harm
+by keeping my mouth shut. And yet now you have come back home again I
+feel a bit of a scoundrel."
+
+"It seems incredible," Fielden exclaimed; "it is a strange discovery for
+a pauper to make."
+
+"Well, sir," Raffle said doggedly, "there it is, and this wonderful
+chance is entirely in your own hands, pauper or no pauper."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+A GREAT TEMPTATION
+
+
+As yet Fielden could not realize it. The thing was so unexpected he
+found it hard to grasp Joe Raffle's meaning. He was too conventional to
+have much imagination. He had not thought it possible that fortune could
+have devised a method of restoring his old prosperity. But after the
+first shock of discovery it seemed feasible. Similar things had happened
+before, though, perhaps, not exactly on lines such as these.
+
+And now the position of things as they were at the time he left was
+coming back to him. He had a vivid recollection of the night when he
+first stood face to face with ruin, when he knew that he had come to the
+end of his tether. For Harry Fielden had not drifted into a mess with
+his eyes shut. He had known that things were getting desperate and had
+staked pretty well everything on a certain race and his horse had lost.
+When things came to be settled up there was just enough to pay his
+creditors in full. He recalled how he sat down one night with pencil and
+paper and worked out the whole thing fairly and squarely. He had had
+friends to dinner that evening. It was daybreak before the last hand had
+been played and Fielden found himself alone to face the dreaded
+disaster.
+
+How clearly it all returned to him now! He had not felt disposed to
+sleep, but had gone up to his room in the silent house and refreshed
+himself with a bath and changed his clothes, after which he had come
+down to the dining-room again. He had thrown back the curtains and
+opened the windows to admit the sunshine of a perfect day--the day of
+his ruin!
+
+But he had done nothing to be ashamed of. He had not disgraced himself,
+and no friend or tradesman was the poorer for his rashness. So leaving
+his affairs to the family solicitors, he quietly vanished from the scene
+of his folly.
+
+He did not know then--indeed, he did not know fully now--that out of a
+sum of money waiting at his banker's his various subscriptions and
+racing liabilities were being paid, for it had never occurred to him to
+withdraw the various orders he had given to his banker.
+
+Obviously Joe Raffle was speaking the truth as to the Blenheim colt,
+though the other part of the business still remained a mystery. But if
+he could believe his ears aright, then at that moment he was not an
+outcast and pauper, but one of the most envied men who had ever set foot
+upon a racecourse. At the lowest estimate, he was worth five thousand
+pounds. He could sell the Blenheim colt with all his engagements for
+such a figure before the day was out. He might return to the old house
+and restore some of its glories. He might have enough to keep him
+comfortably, and, above all, acquire a position that would entitle him
+to go to Sir George Haredale and ask for the hand of his daughter.
+
+This was all very well from one point of view, but there was another
+side. His prosperity would be Sir George's ruin. Still, the temptation
+was dazzling, and for a few minutes Fielden was afraid to trust himself
+to words.
+
+"You have done very wrong, Raffle," he said presently.
+
+Joe scratched his head contritely.
+
+"I know it, sir," he admitted. "I didn't realize how wrong I had behaved
+till I saw you come in the stable yard, and you could have knocked me
+down with a feather. But what else could I do? You had gone away and I
+heard you were dead. I had to believe it, because the man who told me
+gave me chapter and verse for it, and I felt as if I had lost a child of
+my own. By-and-by I was comfortably settled in Sir George's employ,
+having as much money as I needed for my wants, and never, so far as I
+knew, a single relation in the world. I said nothing about the colt,
+because I hadn't much opinion of it at first. Then I began to get as
+fond of Miss May as I used to be of you, sir. An idea came to me one
+night when I was sitting over my pipe--and, bear in mind, nobody else
+knew--and that was that, bar accidents, I had a Derby winner in the
+stable. For Miss May's sake I was willing to do much. There was no
+chance of anybody finding it out. And, after all, I was doing nothing
+wrong. You see, in the first place, nobody will be a penny the worse. As
+to Sir George and yourself, there is no reason why you shouldn't make a
+large fortune. It makes no difference to me, of course; I am long past
+troubling about that sort of thing. But now that I know you are alive it
+is another matter. Still, the colt's keep hasn't been much, and it's
+only a matter of luck that he don't happen to belong to Sir George.
+Besides, Sir George is expecting to win a fortune, and he is not the man
+to grudge you your share. You will have to tell him what I've told you,
+sir, and if Sir George wants proofs I shall have them ready when the
+time comes."
+
+"Nobody knows anything of this?" Fielden asked.
+
+"Not a soul, sir," Raffle said solemnly. "Nobody even guesses it, and if
+you hadn't turned up I should have gone down to my grave with the secret
+unspoken. Because, as I said before, sir, there's no harm done, and
+nobody any the worse. But, seeing that you have come back, why, the
+truth must be told."
+
+"And what will Miss Haredale say?" Fielden asked.
+
+Raffle's face paled perceptibly.
+
+"Ah, well, sir," he said, "that won't be very pleasant. I'd do anything
+in the world for Miss May, but she isn't you, and that makes a
+difference. Of course, I know what you would do if you had your own way.
+You would just say nothing about it and let Sir George put the money in
+his pocket. You would rather starve than do anything you didn't consider
+right. I can see it in your face now, I can tell by your eyes. But it
+isn't going to be, sir. You'll excuse me for speaking so plainly, but I
+couldn't rest comfortably in my grave if I thought you were in want,
+when, by every right, you ought to have a fortune in your pocket. It's
+no use you arguing, Mr. Harry, if you don't tell the truth, I shall."
+
+The old man's voice shook strangely as he spoke. His lips were
+quivering, but there was an air of determination about him which there
+was no mistaking. Nobody knew better than Fielden how obstinate Joe
+Raffle could be. There was nothing to gain by threats, and sternness
+would be worse than useless.
+
+"I am certain you have acted for the best," Fielden said soothingly.
+"And, as you say, there is nothing wrong in this little scheme of
+yours. Why, you might have kept the colt yourself and made a fortune
+over him. But, to use a pet expression of your own, my dear Joe, what
+you have told me has knocked me all of a heap. I must have time to think
+it over. I should be sorry to spoil an interesting situation like this
+by doing anything rash. Besides, there is plenty of time between now and
+the Derby--pretty well three months, isn't it? Has the colt any other
+engagements before Epsom?"
+
+"Only two," Raffle explained. "And then he'll be an eye-opener to some
+people. Now don't you do anything foolish, sir. If you go the right way
+about it you've got a hundred thousand pounds in your pocket."
+
+"Oh, I'll do nothing rash," Fielden laughed. "You needn't be afraid of
+that. But I must have time to think this matter over. I shall stay down
+here a day or two, though I had intended to go back to London to-morrow.
+I don't mind so much now that I find nobody identifying me, and there
+are several things at the house I want to gather together. I had no idea
+the old furniture was left. I suppose they didn't sell it because they
+had no instructions from me, and enough was saved from the wreck to pay
+my creditors without it. I'll come round in the morning and see you
+again, Joe. To-night I believe I am dining with Sir George. If anybody
+asks you who I am, you had better say my name is Field; it sounds like
+Fielden and is easy to remember. Seeing that I am so changed, nobody
+will connect me with the old family. Now I must be off."
+
+In a thoughtful mood Fielden turned towards the old house. He was glad
+no one recognized him, for the knowledge was likely to make his task all
+the easier. He had the key of the house in his pocket. The mansion
+appeared to have been left exactly as he last saw it. There was not even
+a caretaker on the premises. The estate around Herons Dyke had long
+passed into the possession of strangers. It presented a striking
+contrast to the neglected grounds and grass-covered paths which
+surrounded the old mansion where, for the last three hundred years, the
+Fieldens had kept open house and dispensed a lavish hospitality. But
+those days were gone for ever, they would never come back again, unless,
+perhaps----
+
+"What a chance!" Fielden muttered to himself. "What a wonderful stroke
+of fortune! And yet, I don't see how I can do it. There is no honourable
+course but silence."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE SHADOW OF DOUBT
+
+
+There were many things in the place which Fielden had forgotten. Here
+were boxes of cigars and cigarettes, while cards still lay scattered
+about and the glasses had not been removed. Fielden had learnt much in
+the hard school of adversity, and he began to realize that he had about
+him the means to secure a considerable sum of money. Despite the dust
+and gloom and air of decay, the library was intact. Fielden was
+surprised at this, for he had frequently heard his father say that the
+books were valuable. Perhaps it had occurred to nobody to look for rare
+books in the house of a man who gave himself over entirely to sport, but
+here they were and possibly a little later they might appear to
+advantage in a London auction-room. Fielden was not so sanguine as he
+once had been, but at a modest computation he thought they would fetch
+at least a thousand pounds.
+
+He went up to his bedroom and began idly turning out the drawers. At any
+rate he would be able to cut a presentable appearance at Haredale Park.
+He might venture in the open, too, for it was nearly dark. The lights of
+Haredale gleamed hospitably as he walked up the drive. He had had no
+formal invitation, nothing save May Haredale's suggestion, but he knew
+Sir George well enough to be sure of his reception.
+
+It all looked strangely familiar as the butler opened the door and asked
+his name. Fielden knew the butler's face well, but it was plain the
+latter did not recognize him. Yes, Sir George and Miss Haredale were at
+home. They had arrived from London late in the afternoon, but, so far as
+the butler knew, did not expect any guest. Still, so many people came
+and went to that hospitable house that the advent of a stranger caused
+no surprise in the butler's mind.
+
+"If you will give me your name, sir," he suggested.
+
+"Oh, tell Miss Haredale that Mr. Field is here. She expects me,
+because----"
+
+Fielden broke off suddenly, for May Haredale came across the hall at
+that moment. She smiled a welcome and held out her hand. She dismissed
+the butler, after giving instructions to him to take the visitor's bag
+upstairs.
+
+"I was almost afraid you wouldn't come," she said. "I feared you would
+be too proud or something equally absurd."
+
+"I plead guilty," Harry Fielden smiled. "Really I don't think I should
+have had courage to come, only I found that not a soul knew me with the
+exception of Joe Raffle. I have passed a score of people to-day whom I
+know intimately. But it is just as well, May. Why, even Mason, your
+butler, looked at me as if I were a perfect stranger."
+
+"But I recognized you," May said quietly.
+
+"Ah, you recognized me, and I was glad of that. I don't think I can tell
+you how happy that made me. When we met in London I felt for the first
+time for more than two years that I was not alone in the world. It makes
+one hard and bitter to be always amongst strangers who care nothing for
+one, to feel that if one dropped dead in the street no one would feel
+even a pang of regret. But I ought not to be talking like this. There is
+one thing I am going to ask you and Sir George, and that is, to keep my
+identity a secret. It is possible I may be here a good deal off and on,
+and that is why I am going to drop the last two letters of my name and
+call myself Field."
+
+It was with mixed feelings that Fielden stood by his dressing-table
+adjusting his black evening tie an hour later. His surroundings were
+bringing back his boyhood's associations vividly, every object was
+growing familiar. It was just the same when he came down to the
+drawing-room and found Sir George waiting him.
+
+Here was a change, at any rate. Those around him daily might not have
+seen much difference, but to Fielden Sir George had grown old and bent.
+There were lines of care about his eyes and his manner was painfully
+nervous. In this old man there was no suggestion of one of the finest
+sportsmen and most fearless riders in the county. Fielden had learnt
+much in the light of bitter experience. He knew great mental anxiety
+when he saw it, and he needed no one to tell him that he was face to
+face with it now. But Sir George's welcome was hearty. The ring in his
+voice and the pressure of his hand left nothing lacking in the way of
+sincerity.
+
+"Ah, my boy, this is an unexpected pleasure," he said. "I don't think
+you really know how glad I am to see you. You are almost the only one of
+the old stock left except ourselves. One by one they have passed away,
+and of the score of houses where I used to go as a boy there isn't one
+to-day which is not inhabited by new people. Most of them are sportsmen
+of a sort, but they haven't the old feeling for it. Well, perhaps I am a
+bit old-fashioned. And how you have changed! I give you my word for it,
+I should not have known you from Adam. Yet it seems only the other day
+that you came into one of the finest properties and proceeded to get rid
+of it after the manner of your kind. How we missed you! But it is no use
+crying over spilt milk. I hoped at one time that you and May--God bless
+me, what am I talking about! May tells me that you don't want to be
+known by your own name, and that we are to speak of you as Mr. Field.
+Perhaps it is natural. Now you are here, you had better stay a few days,
+and I'll see if I can find something for you to do. A friend of mine
+lives close by, Mr. Raymond Copley. He is new since your time, is very
+rich, has a fancy to keep a stable, and is looking for some one he can
+rely upon to take the entire management. He has had one or two men who
+have robbed him. I am sure I can recommend you; with all your folly and
+extravagance you never forgot what is due to your name."
+
+"You are very good, sir," Fielden answered. "The post you speak of would
+be a perfect boon to me. Besides, it is about the only thing I am
+capable of doing properly. But who is Mr. Copley and where did he make
+his money?"
+
+"South Africa, I believe. He is a millionaire with a taste for sport,
+not exactly what you would call a gentleman, but I believe him to be a
+thoroughly good fellow. I don't mind telling you, between ourselves,
+that I am under obligations to him. Things haven't gone very well with
+me, and I don't know how I should have pulled through if it hadn't been
+for Copley. He has been very generous and I only wish May could be more
+cordial towards him. I can't think why she doesn't like the man. It
+would be a splendid thing for her---- But, there. I am rambling again."
+
+Fielden turned his face aside. He was feeling a strange pain at his
+heart which he could not account for. But he understood what Sir George
+intended to convey. Beyond all doubt, Sir George Haredale was under
+great obligations to this newcomer and was warning Fielden there must be
+no more nonsense between May and himself. He was telling the latter
+precisely what his hopes for his daughter were.
+
+Of course there was nothing in it that Fielden could resent. He had had
+his opportunity and deliberately lost it. It was only during the last
+twenty-four hours that he realized what his feelings towards May were.
+If he had not been a fool, he would be rich and prosperous at this
+moment, with May for his wife.
+
+The strange sensation was with him all through dinner. He tried in vain
+to shake it off. It was not a cheerful meal, on the whole, for every now
+and then Sir George lapsed into moody silence and May's gaiety was
+fitful. The evening dragged on till ten o'clock before Sir George came
+into the drawing-room with slightly flushed face and eyes that were too
+bright. May looked anxiously at her father. So here, Fielden thought,
+was another skeleton in the closet. The discovery was a fresh stab to
+him. His own selfishness and folly were a reproach. It was a relief when
+the door bell clanged and the butler announced that Mr. Copley would
+like to speak to Sir George.
+
+"Ask him in," Sir George said unsteadily.
+
+Fielden glanced at May. He could see that her face had changed slightly
+and her eyes grown hard and cold. Then the door opened and Copley came
+in, big and self-important, with the air of a man entirely at home.
+There was something in his appearance which jarred upon Fielden,
+something that aroused a pang beyond mere jealousy. As Copley bent over
+May Haredale's hand and murmured something which he intended for a
+compliment, Fielden started back for a moment.
+
+"This is my young friend, Mr. Harry Field," Sir George said. "Harry, let
+me introduce you to Mr. Copley. I think I have found the very man you
+want for your stables, Copley. He is the son of an old pal of mine and
+has all the game at his finger-tips."
+
+Copley threw a half-contemptuous glance at Fielden and did not hold out
+his hand, for which discourtesy Harry felt grateful.
+
+"Excuse me a moment," Fielden said. "I have forgotten something. I'll be
+back presently."
+
+With his head in a whirl Fielden walked into the library. He was
+fighting hard for the mastery of himself.
+
+"Good God!" he muttered, "so it's that blackguard! What a blessing he
+doesn't know me by sight! Raymond Copley and May Haredale! Not if it
+costs me my life!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+A TRIAL SPIN ON THE DOWNS
+
+
+Harry Fielden spent a sleepless night and was glad when it was time to
+come down to breakfast. He congratulated himself upon the way he had
+restrained himself on the previous evening. He had even forced himself
+to be polite to Copley, though his one impulse had been to take him by
+the throat and choke the life out of him. His very presence in a house
+like Haredale Park was an outrage. He wondered what Sir George would say
+if he had known the real character of his guest. Possibly Fielden would
+have spoken freely, had not he remembered what Sir George had said as to
+the relationship existing between himself and Raymond Copley. Plainly
+the master of Haredale Park was under the scoundrel's thumb. No doubt he
+had lent him money, and probably the price of the assistance was to be
+May Haredale's hand. There had been no mistaking Copley's manner towards
+her. His air of cool proprietorship had sent the blood humming in
+Fielden's head and caused it to tingle in his finger-tips. Harry had to
+smile complacently whilst every instinct in his nature was crying out
+against the villain's presence. He had only to speak and he knew that
+Sir George would do his duty at any cost.
+
+But he dared not speak. He had no desire to ruin the man who had been so
+kind to him. It was far better to play a waiting game. But come what
+might, May Haredale should never marry that man. Sir George should be
+ruined a thousand times over and Haredale Park pass into the hands of
+strangers before that catastrophe occurred.
+
+It had been a relief to hear Copley say that he would not be down again
+till the end of the week. Therefore he had three days in which to think
+of some scheme. It was a bright, fresh February morning, with a touch of
+frost in the air, but the diamonds were growing soft and yielding to the
+sunshine. May Haredale was in excellent spirits. It was impossible not
+to catch the infection of her gaiety. Fielden put trouble on one side.
+There would be time for that later, he thought, as they rode out
+together over the Downs. They were out again in the afternoon and it was
+dark before they returned. It was like old times for Fielden to feel a
+good horse under him. The exercise and motion drove all gloomy thoughts
+away. Still, from time to time the shadow of distress lay heavily upon
+his shoulders.
+
+He strolled round to Mallow's after tea to have a pipe and chat with
+Raffle. Everything appeared to be going well, and the old man was in
+high glee.
+
+"We shall try the colt at daybreak," he said. "Would you like to come
+and have a look, Mr. Harry? I daresay there will be one or two people
+about, but I don't think they'll learn much. I've got a plan of my own
+on foot, and after to-morrow I shouldn't be surprised if you found the
+colt going a little queerly in the betting."
+
+Raffle chuckled as he spoke, but refused to be more explicit.
+
+"Oh, never you mind, sir," he said. "There are some things it is as well
+not to talk about. If you like to turn out to-morrow as soon as it is
+light, I think I can show you something worth looking at."
+
+Fielden nodded approvingly. He woke fairly early with the pale dull
+light of the wintry morning streaming through his window, crept
+downstairs into the deserted hall and let himself out by a side door.
+The grey mist hanging over the Downs lifted as the sun began to make his
+influence felt. A little later Fielden discerned a group of figures
+faintly sketched against the skyline, and could see two horses in their
+clothing. Then he picked out the form of Joe Raffle. There was a stretch
+of turf between two banks of gorse, and the horses began to move along
+the flat expanse. Fielden strolled up to the group, and was amused to
+see the suspicious glances turned in his direction.
+
+"That's all right, Mr. Mallow," Raffle muttered. "This gentleman is a
+friend of mine. Now, sir, will you go on to the top of the Downs and
+wait for us by the boundary stone? That will be the winning post. No
+reason, I suppose, to ask you if you know which is the colt and which is
+the old horse. That's pretty plain even in this light."
+
+"That's right enough," Fielden smiled.
+
+He walked rapidly towards the improvised winning-post, unslung his
+glasses and fixed them steadily upon the little specks in the distance.
+Presently they made a move in his direction and grew larger as they came
+along. Fielden could hear the thud of hoofs upon the turf. Then they
+flashed by him, the old horse lengths ahead. It came as a surprise to
+the watcher, for he had expected an entirely different result. What was
+Mallow doing? What scheme had that wily man in his brain? Fielden
+stepped aside into the gorse, so as to be out of the wind which had
+already extinguished two matches he had used in his attempt to light a
+cigarette. As he stooped, he heard voices from somewhere close by. The
+voices carried clear enough in the silence of the spot, and Fielden
+could hear every word. With an instinct of caution which he could not
+have explained he crouched down behind the thick shelter of a bush.
+
+He thought he had recognized one of the voices and now he felt sure of
+it. It was Raymond Copley beyond a doubt. Who the other man was Fielden
+had not the slightest idea.
+
+"Now what does that mean?" Copley was asking.
+
+"What does it mean?" the other man exclaimed with a sneer. "Why, it is
+as plain as the nose on your face. I felt certain what was going to
+happen when I advised you to come here this morning. The boy told me
+there was going to be a trial, and I wanted you to see for yourself. You
+are always too sanguine in these matters, Copley, and that's a fact. Now
+what do you think of the chances of your friend Sir George's colt?"
+
+"I don't know what to say," Copley muttered. "The colt seemed to be
+beaten fairly and squarely. I suppose there is no faking about it."
+
+"Faking! Sir George and his trainer between them haven't got brains
+enough for that. They belong to the old-fashioned school who pride
+themselves upon doing everything above board. And a precious good job
+for you and me, because they find the money to keep and train horses and
+we sail in when it comes to making a book. Perhaps you're sorry you had
+anything on the Blenheim colt."
+
+"Oh, you were quite right to bring me here," Copley replied. "I owe you
+one for this day's work. But the worst of it is I have backed that horse
+for a big stake, just when I don't know where to turn for ready money.
+If anybody knew my present position, a good many people would be anxious
+to have an interview with Raymond Copley, the South African millionaire.
+Then there's that scoundrel Phillips to be reckoned with. But come
+along, let us go before anybody sees us. After breakfast----"
+
+"Breakfast be hanged!" the other man broke out impatiently. "What's the
+use of worrying about breakfast with a bit of information like this in
+our pockets? The delay of half an hour may make all the difference in
+the world. Besides, there may be a dozen other people watching for all
+we know."
+
+"Well, what do you suggest?" Copley asked.
+
+"Suggest, who wants to suggest anything? What we have to do is to get
+back to your place as soon as possible and take the motor straight to
+town. By ten o'clock we can get our commission on the market at our own
+price. Then we can have as much breakfast as you like. That's the worst
+of you, Copley. You always think everything can wait. Now come on."
+
+The voices died away in the distance, and then Fielden straightened
+himself again. He was somewhat mystified by what he had seen. He was
+puzzled to know what Joe Raffle and Mallow were driving at. But no doubt
+the old man would tell him at the first opportunity. Some clever scheme
+was in the wind. It was just possible, too, that Raffle expected that
+Copley and his friend would be there. It was more than possible that
+Raffle knew the class of scoundrel he had to deal with. The old man was
+coming down the wide stretch of turf, and Fielden looked eagerly towards
+him. As he vaulted a patch of gorse, his left foot dropped on something
+soft, like a bundle, and he was thrown violently to his knees. Then he
+turned to find that he had stumbled upon the figure of a man lying at
+the foot of the gorse bush, snugly rolled up in a railway rug. Here was
+another tout, beyond doubt, another of the hateful tribe which has
+always been the detestation of every racing man. Fielden turned upon him
+savagely and demanded what he was doing there. He bent over the stranger
+threateningly, and the latter rose to his feet.
+
+"Keep your temper," he said. "I'm doing no harm. I'm not the only one
+who has earned a bit on the Downs this morning. Hands off, please. Why,
+bless my soul! if it isn't Mr. Fielden."
+
+Harry stared in amazement at the mention of his name. For a moment he
+did not recognize the dark unshaven features of the man. They seemed
+familiar, yet somehow he failed to connect them with time, or space, or
+locality.
+
+Then it suddenly came to him.
+
+"Aaron Phillips!" he exclaimed. "Now is it Luck that has sent you here,
+or Coincidence?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A LEAF FROM THE PAST
+
+
+Aaron Phillips was standing up with something like a smile upon his
+face. He was a short, slim person, swarthy and foreign-looking, except
+for the pair of keen blue eyes which bespoke the Anglo-Saxon in his
+blood. From the roots of his hair across to his left temple was a long,
+angry red furrow which looked like a comparatively freshly-healed wound.
+As to the rest, he was fairly well dressed, with that indescribable air
+of nattiness which usually pertains to those who belong to the _genus_
+"horsey."
+
+"Glad to meet you, Mr. Fielden," he grinned.
+
+"I shall be obliged if you won't use that name here," Harry replied.
+"For the present my name is Field, and I want you not to forget it. But
+how did you manage to get home again? I thought you were dead."
+
+Phillips indicated the scar on his forehead.
+
+"It was a near thing, Mr. Fielden, I beg pardon, Field. It wasn't the
+fault of those scoundrels, I can tell you. They left me for dead, and if
+I hadn't been picked up by some of the boys I should have died of
+starvation on the veldt. As it was, I had a very close shave, and so did
+Copley and Foster, for the matter of that. Our friends chased them all
+across the Colony and how they managed to escape was a mystery to me.
+Still, perhaps it is as well. There are more ways than one of taking
+revenge."
+
+The little man's eyes gleamed as he spoke. He glanced meaningly at
+Fielden and jingled a few coppers in his pocket.
+
+"Make them pay for it, you mean," Fielden smiled.
+
+"That's it, sir, you've got it first time. Now, as you know perfectly
+well, there are a dozen or more people out yonder who would give a good
+round sum to have Copley on the end of a rope, or within reach of a
+revolver shot. They are not the sort to give information to the police,
+because that is not the way we used to do things. Still, if I like to
+open my mouth widely enough I could make it deuced hot for Copley & Co.
+I could have them conveyed to Cape Town, and it wouldn't take me long to
+find evidence enough to give those two chaps ten years on the
+Breakwater. Yes, sir, I'd have done it, too, but there's a better way
+than that. It took me the best part of a year or more to scrape enough
+money together to pay my passage home. I had heard some queer stories
+about Copley, and I wanted to find out if they were true. What do I see
+when I reach London? Why, Copley with a set of offices in the
+city--Copley with a suite of rooms at a palatial hotel--Copley with a
+place in the country and a string of race-horses. Oh, I tell you, Mr.
+Fielden--Field, I mean--I rubbed my hands when I heard of it. Thinks I
+to myself, 'This is a better game than handing Copley over to the South
+African police.' I don't quite know yet how Copley has managed it, but
+here he is ruffling it with the best, spending money like water, and
+going to marry the daughter of a baronet in these parts."
+
+Fielden's face flushed angrily. He winced at this home thrust on
+Phillips' part. So already people were coupling May Haredale's name with
+Copley. It had not occurred to him that things had gone as far as that.
+However, Phillips could not be expected to know this. He was merely
+innocently repeating local gossip.
+
+"I suppose you mean to have some of this money?" he asked.
+
+"If you don't mind my using the expression, I am going to blackmail
+Copley. I am not afraid of the blackguard here. There is no chance of
+his trying on any of his murderous tricks in England. He knows I have
+come back, but as yet I have not waited upon him. I have had a hint to
+call from Foster, but I am not taking any of that, thank you. You don't
+catch me dropping into a police trap with a chance of being prosecuted
+and hustled out of the country before I know where I am. When I do
+strike it will be in a different way altogether. For the present, I have
+been looking around asking questions, because, you see, it will be of
+considerable advantage to me to find out where Copley is getting his
+money. That he is earning it honestly I don't believe. He couldn't do it
+if he wanted to. He is the sort of blackguard who would rather make five
+pounds dishonestly than a tenner by legitimate business."
+
+"I suppose you never found those plans?" Fielden asked.
+
+Phillips swore heartily.
+
+"Never, sir," he said. "They were in my portmanteau, as you know. I had
+the portmanteau in my possession when those blackguards attacked me, and
+they had to levant without it, so closely were they pressed. But when I
+was well again I asked for my baggage and no one could tell me what had
+become of it. It vanished in a most mysterious manner. If you ask me,
+the portmanteau was stolen by one of those thievish Kaffre boys. It
+makes me wild when I think of it. Probably it is concealed in a Kaffre
+hut. In the old portmanteau is a scrap of paper which is worth hundreds
+of thousands to us. I say us, because it is yours just as much as it is
+mine. I don't belong to your class, Mr. Fielden, but you played the
+game and were always a white man. And if those papers ever do come to
+hand, I shall do the fair thing by you. It doesn't follow because I
+happen to be the son of a sporting publican that I don't know the
+difference between right and wrong. But what's the good of worrying
+about that? We shall never see those papers again, and as far as we are
+concerned that diamond mine might never have existed. But what are you
+doing here?"
+
+"I used to live close by," Fielden explained. "Most of this was once my
+property. Sir George Haredale's trainer employs an old servant of mine
+and I came out this morning to see that trial. I might ask you the same
+question."
+
+Phillips' blue eyes twinkled.
+
+"Bit of a disappointment, wasn't it?" he asked.
+
+"What do you know about it?" Fielden demanded.
+
+"Oh, well, sir, we are not partners in this job, at any rate. If you
+like to keep your counsel, I am perfectly willing to keep mine. Old
+Raffle is as straight as they make 'em, but he is a downy old fox all
+the same, and pretty neatly he drew the feather over Copley's eye this
+morning. Oh, yes, I heard all those blackguards had to say; in fact, I
+followed them here. I am glad I came, because I heard something that
+confirmed my suspicions."
+
+"You mean as to Copley's movements?"
+
+"To be sure. I wanted to know where Copley is getting his money. I know
+he isn't paying his tradesmen, but that doesn't matter, for a man with
+a reputation for wealth can get as much credit as he likes. But Copley
+is flying at high game and must have the command of a good deal of ready
+cash. Now where does it come from? What sort of a swindle is on? Why
+were they so anxious to watch the trial of the Blenheim colt this
+morning? And, by the way, Mr. Fielden, you must give old Raffle a hint
+to keep his eye on the stable lads. Somebody has been betraying
+confidence. It doesn't matter this time, because Copley was fooled this
+morning as easily as if he had been a schoolboy. But I am getting a bit
+away from the point. I was going to tell you where Copley got his money.
+Well, it's a betting swindle, one of the biggest and most ingenious that
+has been attempted on the turf for many a long day. I just heard enough
+to put me on the track. But I've my work cut out before I reach the
+bottom of it. You have no occasion to love Copley----"
+
+"Indeed, I haven't," Fielden said bitterly. "I have every reason for
+disliking the man, every reason for exposing him before Miss--well,
+before things have gone too far. If I can help you, I will do so
+cheerfully."
+
+"That's right," Phillips said approvingly. "Now where can I see you for
+half an hour in the course of the afternoon? We mustn't stay talking
+here. There is old Raffle."
+
+Fielden thought it over for a moment or two. He was glad enough to meet
+this old South African comrade of his again. In several respects
+Phillips was anything but a desirable acquaintance. His upbringing had
+been none too strict, but, at the same time, he had a rough code of
+honour, and it was one of his proudest boasts that he never forgot a
+friend or a favour. Probably he had had his own reasons for leaving
+England suddenly, and no doubt those reasons had something to do with
+the turf. At any rate, he had a profound and intricate knowledge of
+racing matters, and there was no swindle or trick with which he was not
+familiar.
+
+"You had better meet me at Heron's Dyke," Fielden said. "You can be
+outside in the road about a quarter to five. There is nobody on the
+premises. I have the key in my pocket, and I daresay I shall manage to
+get a light from somewhere."
+
+Phillips disappeared amongst the high gorse. As Fielden stepped into the
+open he saw Raffle looking about for him. There was a shrewd smile on
+the old man's face, and he did not appear in the least disconcerted by
+the result of the trial.
+
+"Well?" Fielden asked. "What about your Derby winner now?"
+
+Raffle's eye contracted in a wink.
+
+"It's all right, sir," he said. "The trial was a great success. Did you
+happen to see anybody in the gorse?"
+
+"Yes," Fielden replied. "I saw Mr. Copley."
+
+"And a friend," Raffle chuckled. "I know all about it. And between you
+and me, sir, I got this up for the benefit of Mr. Copley, who is about
+the greatest rascal unhanged, and that's saying a good deal. It was high
+time you came back."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+ROGUES IN COUNCIL
+
+
+Raffle strode sturdily along, refusing to say another word. What
+deep-laid schemes the old man had in his mind Fielden could only faintly
+guess. At any rate it was good to know that Raffle was satisfied, and
+that some careful plan was afoot with a view to Copley's discomfiture.
+
+"Perhaps you are wise to keep your own counsel," Fielden said. "But I've
+learnt something this morning, too, Raffle. There is somebody in the
+stable who is disclosing secrets, and the sooner you know it the
+better."
+
+"I know it already," Raffle grinned. "It is all part of the scheme. They
+have got hold of one of the boys, and I am watching him carefully. I let
+him take away just as much information as I like. Don't you worry about
+me, Mr. Harry. I haven't been at this game for fifty years without
+learning a thing or two. I have always made it a rule to go straight
+myself, but that is no reason why I should keep my eyes closed to the
+doings of other people."
+
+"Quite right," Fielden said approvingly. "But what do you know about
+Mr. Copley? He is a stranger in these parts."
+
+"That may be, sir, but he is no stranger to me. I never forget a face,
+and I've been on every racecourse in the country during the last five
+and twenty years. The first time I saw Mr. Copley, he was being shown
+round the stables by Sir George. I didn't like him, and I didn't like
+his manner, and thinks I to myself, 'I wonder where I've seen _you_
+before?' Suddenly there flashes into my mind a little incident that
+happened at Lincoln. I can see it as plain as I can see this book in my
+hand. And then I knew that Mr. Copley, the African millionaire, was one
+and the same with the welsher that I had seen half killed at Lincoln a
+good many years ago. Well, it wasn't for me to say anything about it,
+because I can find you a score of men to-day, rich and prosperous men,
+who started life amongst the scum of the racecourse. I have been making
+a few inquiries amongst my old pals, and it is just as I expected. Mr.
+Copley may be a rich man now, but he is just as big a scamp as ever he
+was, and Sir George ought to know it. I tell you, Mr. Harry, it fairly
+makes my blood boil to see that blackguard swaggering about here and
+hanging around Miss May as if she belonged to him. It fair spoils my
+enjoyment and my food, it does. But you see how difficult it is for a
+man in my position to interfere. But your case is different."
+
+Fielden shook his head sadly. His case was very different indeed. More
+and more bitterly did he blame himself for the heedless, senseless folly
+which had brought him to his present pitch. How changed things might
+have been if he had only shown ordinary prudence! What would he gain if
+he went to Sir George with these vague stories about Copley? He could
+not doubt but that Sir George was deeply in Copley's debt, and that
+Copley had brought this about so that, when the time came, he could
+force May to marry him. These painful thoughts were uppermost in his
+mind as he strode back to the house. He could not shake them off, though
+May rallied him on his quietness and offered him the proverbial penny
+for his thoughts.
+
+"I know what is the matter," she said gaily. "You are fretting because
+you have nothing to do. But that won't be for long. Do you know that we
+are dining with Mr. Copley to-night, and that you have been included in
+the invitation? Mr. Copley telephoned from London this morning, and you
+were especially mentioned by name. I am sure if I put in a word for you
+the post will be as good as yours. Before long you will be occupying an
+important place in the racing world, and the rest is in your own hands.
+You have the consolation, too, of knowing that no one has recognized
+you."
+
+It was on the tip of Fielden's tongue to refuse. It was repugnant to his
+instincts to take service with a man like Copley. Yet, on the other
+hand, it was fair enough to fight this fellow with his own weapons.
+Through him Fielden had lost the chance of his lifetime. But for him and
+his rascally associates, Fielden and Phillips would have been rich men
+to-day. Moreover, if something were not done speedily, a fate which was
+worse than death awaited May Haredale. To turn his back upon a chance
+like this would be to precipitate the very calamity which he was most
+anxious to avert. Copley was the type of strong man who always gets his
+way. He was not the least scrupulous as to his methods, and Sir George
+Haredale was bound to him hand and foot. It would be far better to seize
+this coign of vantage, especially as Copley had not the smallest idea of
+the bitter enemy he was maintaining under his roof.
+
+Meanwhile, Copley and his friend Foster had returned from town. They
+reached Copley's establishment, Seton Manor, just before dark. They had
+not lost any time. Apparently they had done their work fairly well, for,
+according to the late evening papers, the Blenheim colt had receded
+steadily in the betting. People were asking themselves what had
+happened. Most of the public knew and respected Sir George Haredale. Not
+the faintest shadow rested on his reputation, and this fact had had
+somewhat of a steady effect on the market. But though a certain division
+had rushed in at these improved prices to back their fancy, there
+seemed to be an unlimited amount of money ready to be laid against the
+horse. At any rate, Copley was fairly satisfied. He had invested several
+thousand pounds against the Blenheim colt, which, in his opinion, was
+already as good as out of the running altogether.
+
+He came into what he called his library just before dinner and found
+Foster awaiting him. Both were in evening dress, both exceedingly shiny
+and glossy, and both carried more jewellery than was in accordance with
+good taste. The guests were not expected for half an hour, so Copley
+helped himself liberally to brandy and soda and lighted a fresh
+cigarette.
+
+"Any letters?" he asked.
+
+"Nothing of importance," Foster replied. "When I left you this morning I
+went round to see if I could see anything of Phillips. He wasn't at his
+lodgings, and they said he wasn't expected back till to-morrow. Now what
+are you going to do about that chap?"
+
+"Oh, let him go to the devil!" Copley growled.
+
+"My dear Copley, why do you always talk like that? Why do you think that
+every man is a fool except yourself? You appear to be very prosperous.
+Nobody can deny your courage. And because you are not afraid of Phillips
+you seem to think he isn't dangerous. I think he is. Suppose he goes to
+Scotland Yard and lays his information before the people there, and
+suppose they communicate with the authorities in Cape Town, the result
+will be an application for your arrest, and once you get out there you
+know what will happen. It will be all U.P."
+
+"Thinking about your own skin," Copley sneered.
+
+"Well, and what if I am? I haven't got a sanguine temperament like
+yours. Of course, we could buy Phillips off; at least we could buy him
+off for the time being and keep his mouth shut till we devised some plan
+for getting rid of him altogether. But he is a cunning devil, is Aaron
+Phillips, and has learnt how to profit by past experience. It is no use
+asking him to come to your hotel. He isn't going to walk into a trap
+like that, and he isn't going to wait much longer, either. If we could
+give him a thousand pounds just to go on with, why----"
+
+"A thousand devils," Copley exclaimed furiously. "Where am I going to
+get a thousand pounds? I mean, where am I going to get it just at this
+moment? I've got this place here, which isn't paid for. I managed to get
+the bank to advance the money till I could complete the purchase, and
+the furnishing was an easy matter. One can get as much credit as one
+likes in this country, provided one winks at extortionate charges. As I
+will never pay for the stuff at all, the West End tradesmen can charge
+what they please. But the fact remains that though people are tumbling
+over one another to get my custom I am fairly at my wits' end for ready
+cash. Of course, it will be all right when the flat season begins in
+earnest. With any luck there'll be a hatful of money to share between
+us before the October meeting at Newmarket. We ought to make over a
+thousand pounds at Mirst Park on Saturday week. I suppose you've got it
+all ready. Got the telephone in place? The worst of this game is that
+one has to take so many people into one's confidence."
+
+"That's all right," Foster explained. "Everything is in its place now. I
+went down to Mirst Park the day before yesterday. The house is finished
+and all the workmen have gone. The telephone is in good order, because I
+tried it. The man who fixed up the extension from the hall to the roof
+was a bit curious, but I managed to put him off the scent by some lie
+about the doctor's orders and a patient who had been recommended to try
+outdoor treatment. But we ought to have a mechanic of our own, Copley.
+If any hint of our little secret leaked out, the man who fixed that
+extended telephone would be certain to see it, and naturally he would
+ask himself a question or two. The fewer outsiders we have to deal with
+the better."
+
+"There's no doubt of that," Copley agreed. "Then there's nothing to
+settle now. Did you rehearse the bit in Covent Garden?"
+
+"Oh, yes. I was in the office we have taken next door to the Post Club,
+and went through the whole thing with Radley, who was stationed outside.
+There wasn't a hitch anywhere. I don't see why we shouldn't clear a
+thousand pounds; indeed, we might make a great deal more. But perhaps it
+would be just as well to be on the safe side. It would be a fatal
+mistake to arouse the suspicions of the bookmakers at the beginning, and
+if this scheme breaks down we've got another one."
+
+Copley smiled as he finished his brandy and soda. He threw the end of
+his cigarette into the grate as the door bell rang.
+
+"Come along," he said. "Here are our guests. Let us go into the
+drawing-room and wait for them. We must assume respectability even if we
+have it not."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+IN THE TOILS
+
+
+In spite of his dislike of Copley, Fielden could not see much to object
+to in his manner as he came forward to receive his guests. He was,
+perhaps, a trifle loud and domineering, perhaps a little too familiar in
+the way in which he held May Haredale's hand in his. Foster more or less
+obliterated himself. It was his r�le in company to play the confidential
+servant. He was quiet and subdued, though nothing escaped his sharp
+glance. The dinner was excellent. Everything was in good taste, as
+Fielden was forced to admit. The talk, for the most part, was lively and
+was kept principally to the topic of sport. Afterwards there was a move
+towards the billiard-room, and ere he realized it, Fielden found himself
+engaged in a game of pool with Sir George and Foster, while May Haredale
+and Copley looked on. A moment or two later these two vanished on a
+pretext of Copley's that he wished to show May some sporting pictures he
+had lately acquired. The pictures were duly inspected, but Copley made
+no move to rejoin the party.
+
+"Hadn't we better go back?" May suggested.
+
+Copley turned an admiring glance upon the girl. There was no mistaking
+the expression of his face. May had more than her fair share of courage,
+but she was feeling a bit restless and nervous. She was wondering why
+she disliked this man so much. She had had nothing but kindness and
+courtesy at his hands. She knew that he had helped her father more than
+once. Yet her instinct told her that Copley was not to be trusted. There
+was a boldness about him that repelled her, something in his glittering
+eye from which she recoiled. Now she knew almost before the words were
+spoken what Copley was going to say.
+
+"The others are not likely to miss us for a bit," he said. "Besides,
+there is something I have to talk to you about. To be perfectly candid,
+I asked you over here this evening on purpose. I wonder why it is that
+you avoid me so."
+
+"I was not aware of it," May murmured.
+
+"But, indeed, you do. I have noticed it more than once. Surely you must
+know why I come so frequently to Haredale Park. I am not much of a
+ladies' man, Miss May, and I never have been. I have led a rough kind of
+life. I know so little of the atmosphere of drawing-rooms. But every man
+recognizes, when the time comes, when he meets with the woman who is
+made for him alone, and that is the point I have reached. I think I
+could provide you all you need. You will have a fine house and a good
+position, and everything you want. I daresay this is a rough way of
+putting it, but it is none the less sincere for that."
+
+It was sincere enough, as May had to admit. Copley's assurance had
+vanished. He was speaking from his heart. The man was rogue and
+scoundrel through and through, but had fallen deeply in love with May
+Haredale. He was prepared to go any lengths to make her his wife. It was
+the only piece of honesty and sincerity that he had ever displayed since
+he was old enough to know the distinction between right and wrong.
+
+May stood silent and trembling. She was not insensible to the compliment
+Copley was paying her. She knew that he meant every word he said, and
+she knew, too, that there must be a hard fight before she could convince
+him that the thing he so ardently desired was impossible. She had an
+uneasy feeling, too, that Copley had not yet played all his cards. "I
+ought to thank you, I suppose," she said. "In a sense you are doing me
+an honour, and this is the first time that any man has asked me such a
+question, and naturally I feel disturbed. But what you ask of me is
+quite impossible."
+
+"Why impossible?" Copley asked grimly. "Oh, I didn't expect you to jump
+at me; I know you are not that sort of girl. Perhaps that is one of the
+main reasons why I am so anxious to make you my wife. But if there is no
+one else----"
+
+"There is no one else," May said with a sorrowful sincerity which was
+not lost upon her companion. "There is no one else, and there never will
+be. If it is any sort of consolation to you, Mr. Copley, I shall never
+marry."
+
+"Never is a long day," Copley smiled. "At any rate, as long as there is
+nobody else in question I shall feel encouraged to go on. I am a very
+persistent man, and in the end I always get my own way. I'll ask you
+again in a week or two, and, perhaps, when you have had time to think it
+over----"
+
+"No, no," May said firmly. "There must be no thinking it over. I could
+not marry you. I could not care for you enough for that and I would
+never marry a man to whom I could not give myself wholly and entirely.
+It is the same to-day, it will be the same next year. Mr. Copley, I ask
+you not to allude to this distressing topic again. If you do, I shall
+have no alternative but to treat you as a stranger."
+
+There was no mistaking the sincerity of May's words. Her natural courage
+and resolution had come back to her. She met Copley's glance without
+flinching. Her little mouth was firmly set. Even Copley, with all his
+egotism and assurance, knew that the last words had been said.
+
+A sudden blind rage clutched him. His thin veneer of gentility vanished.
+He stretched out a hand and laid it upon the girl's arm.
+
+"So you mean to defy me," he said hoarsely.
+
+"Defy you!" May cried, indignantly. "What do you mean? Have you
+forgotten that you are a gentleman? Anybody would think to look at you
+and hear you speak that you were playing the villain in some sensational
+melodrama. You have paid me the compliment of asking me to be your wife,
+and I have done my best to decline in such a manner as to give you as
+little pain as possible. You will be good enough to take me back to the
+billiard-room and not to allude to this matter again."
+
+Copley laughed derisively. He had forgotten himself. The love and
+passion in his heart had died away to a sullen anger. Never since he had
+known May Haredale had he felt such a wild longing to possess her. Well,
+if the girl would have it, then he must speak openly and freely. She
+must be made to understand that here was her master, whose lightest wish
+she must learn to obey.
+
+"You don't understand," he said. "I suppose you think you have only to
+raise your hand and pick and choose. Ah, you are mistaken, my dear young
+lady. If you don't believe me, ask Sir George. He promised to speak to
+you on my behalf, but I see he hasn't done so. Probably he shirked it.
+Now I shall have to tell you myself. Do you know that at the present
+moment I am master of Haredale Park? I don't imagine you are acquainted
+with business, but you know that your father is not a rich man. Has that
+fact escaped you?"
+
+"I am aware of it," May said coldly.
+
+"Very well, then. Where do you suppose he has found the money to pay his
+racing debts? Do you suppose it dropped from the clouds? During the last
+twelve months, your father has had from me something like thirty
+thousand pounds. Even a rich man can't always put his hand on large sums
+of money like that. And I should have refused to part with the money if
+it had not been for your sake. But when a man is in love, he is guilty
+of all sorts of follies and extravagances and when a man like me is in
+love he does not stick at trifles. Now try to realize my position. Try
+to realize that if I say the word there is an end to Haredale Park as
+far as you are concerned. I am not boasting. I could turn you both out
+to-morrow if I chose, and what would become of you then? Ask yourself
+the question. You needn't answer it now; you can take time to do so."
+
+May Haredale trembled from head to foot. She had half-dreaded,
+half-expected this, but the blow was no less crushing now that it had
+fallen, and she could see from the grim expression on Copley's face that
+he meant every word he said. She had read of similar situations in
+novels, but they had sounded cold and unconvincing, and little like the
+real thing now that she was face to face with it.
+
+"You would never do it," she faltered.
+
+"By Heaven, I would!" Copley cried. "Ah, you do not know what manner of
+man I am. Why, when you look at me like that, instead of melting I grow
+all the harder. I must make you my wife. You little know the sacrifices
+I have made to bring this about. I never thought that I could be a fool
+for the sake of a woman. I could almost laugh at my own folly, but it
+has become part and parcel of my very existence, the only object in the
+world that is worth attaining. Well, it is no use talking, for I could
+go on in the same strain all night. It is for you to decide. You can
+please yourself whether your father is turned out of house and home, or
+whether your prosperous and happy future----"
+
+"Prosperous and happy future," May echoed scornfully. "The words on your
+lips sound like blasphemy. It seems almost incredible that a man with
+any sort of pride should stoop to such a trick as this to force a woman
+to marry him, when, from the bottom of her heart, she loathes and
+detests him."
+
+Copley jeered.
+
+"Oh, go on," he said. "Let it come out. Treat me as if I were dirt under
+your feet. But you will think better of it before a week has passed.
+Tell your father what I have been saying to-night, and talk it over
+with him. Perhaps he will be able to persuade you better than I can. Let
+us go back to the billiard-room."
+
+May turned coldly away, but her eyes were dim, and all the world seemed
+slipping away from beneath her feet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+CONFESSION
+
+
+Fielden was not enjoying his game of billiards. It was a favourite game
+of his, and one which he had not had much opportunity of exercising
+lately, but he would have given something for an excuse to get out of
+it. The reason was obvious why Raymond Copley had made an excuse to get
+May out of the room. His instinct told him what was going on, and if he
+had had any lingering doubt on the subject it would have been dispelled
+by the most casual glance at Sir George.
+
+For Haredale had lost all geniality. He became silent and depressed.
+From time to time he glanced anxiously towards the door. If such a thing
+were possible to a man of his position, and with a record like his, it
+might be said that he looked as if he had been committing some crime and
+was in deadly fear of being found out.
+
+There was no longer room for hesitation in Fielden's mind. There was a
+conspiracy between Sir George and Copley against May Haredale's
+happiness. Fielden was boiling. It seemed incredible that a man like Sir
+George could deliberately become a party to such a scheme as this. And
+so the game went on, with two people at least not taking the faintest
+interest in it. Then the door opened and May Haredale entered.
+
+Fielden shot a swift glance in her direction. He saw how pale her face
+was, how rigidly haughty and set were her features. There were traces of
+tears in her eyes, but so far as Fielden could see he had no cause to
+despair. Whatever had been said or done, Copley had not gained much. His
+face showed that. Defeat was written all over it. He was not the man to
+put up with disaster without showing it, and Fielden knew in that moment
+that so far, at any rate, things had not gone well with his host. Sir
+George saw it, too, for his jaw dropped, and he turned almost a guilty
+face towards Copley. For a moment there was an awkward silence.
+
+"It is getting very late," May said. "Don't you think we had better be
+going?"
+
+Haredale looked at Copley as if waiting for a lesson.
+
+"It is not so very late," he remarked.
+
+"Well, it seems so to me," May said. "Besides I am very tired. I am sure
+Mr. Copley will excuse me."
+
+Copley murmured something more or less appropriate. He was not used to
+taking the trouble to disguise his humiliation.
+
+"If you must go, you must," he said. "I'll come round after breakfast
+and see you to-morrow morning, Sir George. I have something important
+to say to you. Perhaps you will be there, too, Mr. Fielden. I fancy I
+can put something in your way. I want some one to take a general
+superintendence of my stables. Sir George tells me you are thoroughly
+up to the work, and that I can place every confidence in you. You seem
+to be the sort of man I am looking for, and, though I am interested in
+racing, I have very little time to spare to look into the details."
+
+It was hard work to return thanks for this ungracious speech, but
+Fielden managed it somehow. He was feeling strangely elated, and hoped
+that nothing of his emotions found expression on his face. He was glad
+enough to find himself at length seated in the brougham with his friends
+on the way back to Haredale Park. It was a singularly silent ride, for
+May never spoke a word the whole time and Sir George was ill at ease.
+When they reached home May turned to Fielden.
+
+"I hope you will excuse me a moment or two, Harry," she said. "I have
+something to say to my father. It won't take many minutes. Perhaps you
+will wait for us in the library. I think you will find everything you
+want there."
+
+Sir George stood nervously in the hall shuffling from one foot to
+another. It seemed to take him a long time to get out of his overcoat.
+He turned to May testily.
+
+"Surely, there is nothing you have to say to me to-night," he said. "It
+will keep till to-morrow."
+
+Without reply May turned towards the drawing-room and Sir George
+followed. He closed the door carefully behind him. She crossed to the
+fireplace and stood facing her father. Her face was firm, though her
+lips trembled slightly, and the task before her was by no means a
+pleasant one.
+
+"I hardly know how to begin," she said. "It is so difficult for me in my
+unfortunate position. I have never ceased to regret the death of my
+mother, but I cannot remember feeling the want of her so much as I do
+now. I suppose you can guess what happened to-night. You know what Mr.
+Copley said to me."
+
+Sir George shook his head. His attempt to appear unconcerned was so
+grotesque a failure that, in spite of her unhappiness, May could not
+repress a smile.
+
+"You are very transparent," she cried. "You make a bad conspirator,
+father. You know perfectly well what happened to-night. You know why we
+were asked to dine with Mr. Copley. He has done me the honour to ask me
+to be his wife. Now don't pretend to be surprised, because Mr. Copley
+had your full sanction; in fact, he told me he had discussed the matter
+with you more than once."
+
+"And you accepted him?" Sir George asked eagerly.
+
+"We will come to that presently. Now let me ask you a question. Suppose
+that your position was as good as it was twenty years ago, that there
+were no mortgages on the estate. In that case, what would you have said
+to Mr. Copley if he had expressed a wish to become your son-in-law? You
+wouldn't have turned him out of the house, because we don't do things
+like that. But your reply would have been no less unmistakable. You
+would have made Mr. Copley feel the absurdity of his ambition. He would
+never have been asked to come here again. Now isn't that so?"
+
+Sir George shuffled about uneasily.
+
+"Other times, other methods," he answered. "You see the condition of
+things is quite altered. Really, some of our best women marry rich men
+who have nothing particular to boast of in the way of pedigree. I can
+call a dozen cases to mind."
+
+"Yes," May retorted. "And I can call a dozen cases to mind where you
+have expressed the strongest indignation with parents who have
+encouraged marriages of that sort. You have stigmatized the thing as a
+sale. Why, you refused to shake hands with Lord Middlebourne when he
+told you that his daughter was going to marry young Blackley. Yet, in
+the face of all this, you entered into a conspiracy with Mr. Copley, a
+conspiracy which you must know would be fatal to my happiness."
+
+"You, you didn't refuse him?" Sir George gasped.
+
+"Refuse him! Of course I did. I hope I did not say too much. But I let
+him know that the thing was impossible. I told him that in no
+circumstances could I become his wife. I have felt that this was coming
+for some time, and I blame myself for permitting things to go so far.
+Mr. Copley took it very badly. He lost his temper. He threatened me. He
+even went so far as to say that, unless I thought better of my reply, he
+would turn us out of Haredale Park."
+
+Sir George turned a white and anxious face towards his daughter.
+
+"Did he say that?" he asked hoarsely.
+
+"I have already told you so. But, of course, this is ridiculous. You
+would never have been so foolish as to place yourself in the power of a
+man like Mr. Copley. It is very well to know such people, and I daresay
+you have found him useful in business. But as to the rest---- Why do you
+look at me like that? You don't mean to say that his story is actually
+true?"
+
+Sir George seemed to have some difficulty in speaking. When at length
+the words came they were free enough.
+
+"It is true," he said. "My dear child, you must not blame me unduly. I
+have been terribly unfortunate of late. Everything I have touched has
+gone wrong. I am almost afraid to look at my betting book, and if the
+Blenheim colt does not win the Derby, then I shall be something worse
+than a pauper. You don't know what hopes I build upon this. If it comes
+off all right we shall be rich and prosperous. But it has been an awful
+struggle to keep my head above water so far, and when Copley offered to
+help me in an open-handed way, I dared not refuse. Of course, I had not
+the least idea then that he had given you even more than a passing
+thought. It never occurred to me that he was lending me this money
+merely to have a hold upon me, and I thought it possible you might care
+for him. There is always the chance----"
+
+"Oh, you didn't. I cannot believe you would ever think so meanly of me
+as that."
+
+"Well, I don't know," Sir George said, stung into retort. "Anyhow, it is
+unfortunate that Harry Fielden should come back just now."
+
+The hot blood flamed into May's face.
+
+"That is unjust and ungenerous," she cried. "In any case, my reply would
+be just the same. I never did care for anybody but Harry Fielden, and I
+never will. You know that. There is not the slightest chance of his ever
+being in a position to keep a wife. But we are talking in a circle. I am
+more than sorry to hear what you say, but if the worst comes to the
+worst we shall have to dispose of everything and leave Haredale Park.
+For nothing shall induce me to marry Raymond Copley."
+
+"Well, there's an end of it all," Sir George said. "This makes a beggar
+of me. But don't decide like that. Think it over and give me your final
+answer in the morning."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+ON THE EDGE
+
+
+If Harry Fielden had hoped to see May again that night he was
+disappointed. She was tired, Sir George said, and hoped that Fielden
+would not mind if she did not come into the library. He was a little bit
+under the mark himself and would go to bed. So Fielden was left to his
+uneasy thoughts with the hope that he might learn something in the
+morning. But glancing at May across the breakfast table he could read
+nothing from the expression of her face. She was a little silent, but
+otherwise her features were tranquil, and it was not till an hour or so
+afterwards that Fielden found himself alone with her.
+
+"I hope you are better?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, there's nothing whatever the matter with me," May said in her
+candid way. "I am only worried, that's all. You have been here quite
+long enough to see that things are not going with us as they should. It
+will be a terrible thing if our colt fails to win the Derby. Indeed, I
+don't know how we shall be able to carry on till the end of May in any
+case. What a wretched business it all is! How foolish people are to risk
+their happiness on the speed of a horse! But the Haredales have always
+been gamblers. I suppose it is in the blood. Put on your hat and take me
+for a walk across the Downs. I need something to blow the cobwebs away."
+
+Fielden was eager. For some time he walked in silence by the girl's
+side, waiting for her to speak. He had a feeling that, sooner or later,
+May would confide in him. She stopped suddenly and raised her eyes to
+his.
+
+"I am going to ask you a question," she said. "I want you to put
+yourself in my place for a moment. Suppose that the honour and fortune
+of the family rested in my hands, and it was for me to say whether the
+Haredales were to leave this old place in poverty and disgrace, or
+whether they were to stay on occupying the old position, what would you
+do?"
+
+"It depends on circumstances," Fielden said.
+
+"Of course it does, my dear boy. I didn't expect you to make such a tame
+reply as that. Surely you must know what I mean. It is for me to decide.
+I have the opportunity of bringing into the family the necessary money
+to set everything right. But at a price."
+
+"As usual," Fielden, said sadly. "The price happens to be yourself."
+
+"You have guessed it. The price is myself. I suppose it would be no news
+to you if I told you who the man was."
+
+"Not after last night," Fielden said between his teeth. "So Raymond
+Copley has asked you to marry him. I suppose it is the old story which
+one has read in books and newspapers a thousand times. Copley has got
+your father under his thumb and has threatened to ruin him, unless you
+consent to be his wife. I am not a very shrewd person, but I felt sure
+of this when we came home last night. You refused Copley, of course, and
+he took his refusal in the way such a cad would. He threatened you and
+said he had your father on his side. And now you are hesitating what to
+do. You have said that no power on earth shall force you to consent,
+that you cannot save the family honour at such a price. You are right,
+May. It is a vile thing to ask of a girl. It is so mean and
+dishonourable. Heaven knows, I care for your welfare. I never knew how
+much I did care till we met in London the other night. Then I realized
+for the first time the price I am paying for my folly. If I hadn't been
+a fool, you would be my wife to-day, and it would have been my pleasure
+and privilege to help Sir George out of his trouble. Can you ever
+forgive me?"
+
+May turned a tearful face towards Fielden. Impulsively she held out her
+hands to him, and he caught them almost fiercely. They were alone on
+the wide stretch of Downs. Not a soul was in sight. Neither knew how it
+happened, but a moment later Fielden's arms were about the girl, and she
+was crying unrestrainedly upon his shoulder. There was only one thing
+for it, and that was to kiss the tears away and bring the smiles back to
+May's lips.
+
+"Now we have done it," Fielden said ruefully. "I am a nice fellow to
+talk about other men being dishonourable. I ought to be well thrashed
+for giving way to temptation like this. Fancy a man in my position
+daring to make love to any girl. But you knew what my feelings were."
+
+"I was sure," May whispered.
+
+"But what are we to do? It would be another matter, I suppose, if it
+were three months later and the Blenheim colt had won the Derby. Then,
+perhaps, Sir George would forgive me and make the best of it for your
+sake. As it is, I have only succeeded in complicating matters. You are
+resolved, of course, that nothing will induce you to change your mind so
+far as Copley is concerned. But will you have strength enough to do it,
+May? I don't think you realize the pressure which would be put upon you
+when you find that Haredale Park will have to go, when you find yourself
+in lodgings----"
+
+"Never," May cried passionately. "I refuse even to discuss it. The idea
+is unthinkable."
+
+Fielden pressed the point no longer. He really had not the heart to do
+so. Sufficient unto the day was the evil thereof. But it was with mixed
+feelings that an hour or so later he walked across the fields to Seton
+Manor. Copley was waiting to receive him. The latter was in his hardest
+and most businesslike mood. There was something repellent about the
+expression of his face. The library reeked strongly of tobacco and
+spirits. From the ruddy tinge on Copley's face he had partaken of more
+than one brandy and soda already.
+
+Fielden hoped there was nothing in the expression of his face which in
+any way betrayed his thoughts. Fancy a man like this married to a girl
+like May Haredale! Copley was braggart and bully to his finger-tips--a
+man without heart, or conscience, or feeling. Nay, he was worse than
+this, as Fielden very well knew. For the moment, it was on the tip of
+Harry's tongue to say he had thought the matter over and had decided to
+decline Copley's offer. But more prudent thoughts prevailed. It would be
+as well to be as near Copley as possible, to be on the spot, to act when
+disaster threatened. Besides, Fielden, to some extent, was in league
+with Aaron Phillips, and if there was anything in the way of rascality
+afoot, it might be possible to detect it. It would be a fine thing to go
+to Copley with the evidence of his rascality in plain black and white,
+and agree to silence on the condition that this persecution of Miss
+Haredale ceased.
+
+"Ah! you have come," Copley said in his blunt way. "Well, I have
+arranged everything for you. I want you to take over the entire
+management of my stable. The last man had four hundred a year and the
+run of the house, and I am prepared to offer you the same terms.
+Everything will be left in your hands. As I told you last night, my
+racing stable is only a side-show, and I don't want to be bothered with
+it. You can make a start next week at Mirst Park. I have horses running
+in races both days, and I shall probably run down myself. But you know
+the ropes well enough."
+
+"I think you can leave it to me," Fielden remarked.
+
+"Very well, then, that's settled. You can ask the housekeeper to give
+you a room. You can have all the meals you want, and the horses will be
+yours to handle as you like. I must wish you good morning, for I have a
+score of things to occupy my attention before I motor to town at six
+o'clock. I think that will do. Good day."
+
+Fielden took his leave, hardly knowing whether to be pleased or not. He
+spent the next hour or so in the stables, interviewing the stud groom
+and the helpers, who seemed to know all about the new arrangement. He
+said little or nothing about it, but was somewhat surprised to find what
+a poor set of horses Copley owned. For the most part they were little
+better than platers. There might be a racer or two amongst them, but
+only for small meetings. The groom was quite open in his comments, and
+to these Fielden listened discreetly. He was free, presently, to go over
+to Haredale Park and get his belongings together. He strode across the
+Downs and passed the wide stretch of turf where the trial of the
+Blenheim colt had taken place. He was hurrying down the slope when he
+came face to face with Aaron Phillips.
+
+"I was looking for you," the latter said. "I haven't been letting the
+grass grow under my feet since we met last. I am beginning to get a hold
+of the game. We shall be able to make those fellows sit up before long.
+I suppose you couldn't manage to get away on Friday and Saturday next
+for the two days' racing at Mirst Park? If you can, I shall show you
+something that will open your eyes."
+
+"As it happens," Fielden explained, "I am going there. I have just been
+appointed a kind of general manager to Mr. Copley. I have to thank Sir
+George Haredale for this. As you can imagine, Phillips, it is not a
+congenial occupation. But there are urgent reasons why I ought to accept
+it. We have a horse or two entered for the Mirst Park meeting, and I
+shall go with them. Now, then, what is it?"
+
+Aaron Phillips' face lightened.
+
+"What a stroke of luck!" he exclaimed. "In that case, I need not detain
+you now. But I'll contrive to see you on the course, and then I think it
+will be our turn."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+A LION IN THE PATH
+
+
+Copley did not appear to be so busy as he had professed when he
+dismissed Fielden so unceremoniously. He lighted a fresh cigar and sat
+down moodily over a mass of accounts. He pushed these aside presently,
+and took up a copy of the _Sportsman_, which he proceeded to read with a
+perplexed frown on his moody face.
+
+"I cannot for the life of me understand it," he muttered. "The trial was
+fair and square, and I see no reason why the boy's information was not
+to be relied upon. But that colt is more firmly established in the
+betting than ever. I can't recollect anything like it. It seemed a dead
+sure thing to lay that money against the horse. And, yet, though I laid
+over ten thousand pounds against him, in this morning's paper he is at a
+shorter price than before. Well, if the public like to be such fools,
+it's their look-out, not mine. Still, it's unpleasant. I wonder if
+Foster has learnt anything this morning."
+
+Foster came in a moment or two later. His usual smile had deserted him,
+and he looked troubled and anxious.
+
+"I wanted to see you," said Copley. "I can't for the life of me
+understand this betting. Here's the Blenheim colt backed for a ton of
+money again. Why, in the face of the commission we have put on the
+market, he ought to be fairly knocked out."
+
+"Oh, I've seen it," Foster replied. "I've sent for the boy. I wonder if
+that young rascal played us false. But, no, I don't think he would dare
+do that. Besides, he stands to win a pot of money himself. At any rate,
+I have sent for him, and if there was anything about the trial that was
+not fair we shall know it in half an hour."
+
+For the next hour or so the two conspirators sat discussing the matter.
+Then there came to them a diminutive youth, shrunken and clean-shaven,
+with the air of one who has passed all his life in the atmosphere of a
+stable. His little wizened face was white with agitation, and he stood,
+with his eyes cast to the ground, waiting for Copley to speak.
+
+"What is it?" the latter asked roughly.
+
+"I don't know, sir," the boy said humbly. "I don't know how it was done.
+Ah, that there Raffle is a deep 'un. I made sure as the trial the other
+morning was all open and above board, and now I find as how it wasn't
+the Blenheim colt we saw at all. It is no use asking me to explain,
+gentlemen, and it is no use bullying me, for the more you do that the
+more muddled I get. It is only a word or two I 'eard between Raffle and
+the 'ead lad that put me on the scent. We've got two or three 'osses in
+the stable as like the Blenheim colt as two peas. They are nearly all
+the same blood, you know. What old Raffle is a-driving at, I dunno. But
+it looks as if one colt was changed for another at the last moment, and
+nobody would have been any the wiser if I hadn't 'eard that little
+conversation this blessed morning."
+
+Copley and Foster exchanged glances. It was no use to scarify the boy,
+for the conspiracy was none of his making, and he was obviously telling
+the truth; indeed, he had been well paid to bring information to Copley
+and had nothing to gain by further deception. But what was the meaning
+of it all? Why had Raffle chosen to bring off a mock trial? So far as
+Copley knew, Raffle had no reason to suspect the honesty of the stable
+boy. He could not know that he was in Copley's pay, nor could he have
+known, either, that Copley and Foster would witness that early morning
+trial. Could it be that there was some one else in the field whom Raffle
+wished to deceive? At any rate, whether that was so or not, Joe Raffle
+had put both Copley and his accomplice in a hole. After witnessing the
+trial they had laid against the colt to an enormous amount, and, after
+all, Sir George Haredale's horse might win the Derby. They dismissed
+the boy with strict injunctions to keep his eyes open and let them know
+the latest developments. Then they talked the matter over to see if they
+could find some way out of the trouble.
+
+"It's a bit of a facer," Copley muttered. "I am bound to confess I never
+expected anything like this. I wonder what that old fox Raffle was
+driving at? Whom is he trying to deceive? I'd give something to know."
+
+"What does it matter?" Foster asked impatiently. "Wilfully or not, he
+has deceived us. As I figure it out, we stand to lose something like
+five thousand pounds. If that horse starts fit and well for the Derby we
+shall be in a rare mess. And there's nothing to beat the colt. It would
+be maddening to be done at the beginning of the season. Fancy having to
+upset all our plans because of a misfortune like this!"
+
+"Unless we could stop the colt," Copley suggested.
+
+Foster looked keenly across the table at his companion.
+
+"That's not a bad idea," he said thoughtfully. "If the Blenheim colt
+lost the Derby we should win ten thousand pounds at least. At the price
+the horse stands in the betting to-day, we could lay another twenty
+thousand pounds without knocking him altogether out of the betting. I
+don't call to mind a case in which the public have been more infatuated
+about a horse. Why, our commission never shook him at all. Suppose,
+without anybody knowing it, we could guarantee that the horse didn't
+start. In that case, we could lay a hundred thousand pounds against him,
+with the absolute knowledge that it would be only a question of time
+before we scooped up the money. Our Mirst Park scheme is a mere fleabite
+to it."
+
+Copley's sombre eyes lighted a little.
+
+"Yes, if we could only do it," he sneered. "But the age for that game is
+past. There is no chance of hocussing a horse, or laming him, or bribing
+a stable boy, or squaring a jockey. That was all very well in the old
+days, when meetings were few and far between, and we hadn't got an
+enlightened Press that watches everything as a cat watches a mouse. It's
+no use wasting time over idle dreams of that sort, Foster. Poor as he
+is, Sir George wouldn't even hear of such a thing."
+
+"Think not?" Foster asked. "Well, I believe myself that every man has
+his price. I have never found anything to the contrary. I thought you
+were a fool to come down here at all. I thought you were a fool to allow
+yourself to be fascinated by that girl, but now I begin to see a way of
+turning it to account. I don't suppose she'll marry you. I never thought
+she would."
+
+The big veins on Copley's temples thickened.
+
+"Stow that," he said hoarsely. "You are going too far. I'll not listen
+to a word of it. It is no business of yours. If you have anything good
+to suggest, I shall be glad to listen to it, but I'll thank you to leave
+Miss Haredale's name out of the discussion."
+
+"Oh, very well," Foster said sulkily. "But, in this case, one thing
+leads to another. To gain Miss Haredale you found money for her father
+when we could have done with it ourselves--indeed, we wanted it pretty
+badly. Now is your chance to get it back, and more. Sir George can't pay
+you. He could as easily repay a million. He will find, too, that it is
+impossible to coerce Miss Haredale into marrying you. Don't get wild. I
+don't want to introduce the young lady's name more than I can help, but
+I am bound to speak of her. You will find that she will hold out to the
+end, and that, if need be, she won't object to leaving Haredale Park.
+But Sir George will cut up rough when the time comes. He is chockful of
+family pride. He is the sort of chap who is wedded to the family home,
+and when the pinch comes you'll find him ready for anything. Of course,
+he will make a fuss. He will ask you how you dare suggest such a thing
+to him, but it will come right in the end."
+
+Copley glanced contemptuously at the speaker.
+
+"What are you talking about?" he exclaimed. "What are you driving at?
+Do you take Sir George for an utter fool? Do you suppose that he is
+likely to scratch a horse he has backed to win or lose everything he
+has?"
+
+"Well, why not? He backed the colt at a very long price, and I don't
+suppose he has put down more than a thousand altogether. On the other
+hand, he owes you at least forty. Suppose you ask him to pay that back
+at once. Suppose you let him know that if he doesn't you will turn him
+out of his house a mere beggar. Suppose, if he consent, you offer to
+wipe out his debt and give him, say ten thousand pounds, the day after
+the colt is scratched. You needn't do it now; you can wait a month. Then
+you can put the screw on at once. He'll kick, jib, order you out of the
+house, but he will knuckle under in the long run. If he doesn't, then
+I'm a fool and know nothing about human nature. Why, the thing is so
+easy and perfectly safe not a soul will know anything about it. The colt
+pulls up lame one day at exercise, he is reported to be coughing, and
+before the fools who back horses know what has happened the pen has been
+put through the name of the favourite. You've got the game entirely in
+your hands. Then we can get our commissions out all over the country and
+make a fortune without a penn'orth of risk. By Jove! it makes me tremble
+only to think of it. If the thing is properly worked, we should divide
+half a million between us. Now, what have you got to say to that?
+Doesn't it sound right?"
+
+Copley brought his fist down upon the table.
+
+"By gad," he exclaimed, "I'll do it, Foster!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+"AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN"
+
+
+As most people are aware, the camp-followers of the turf are a large
+body whose ways of earning a living are, to say the least of it,
+peculiar. This noble army numbers folk of all kinds, from the member of
+a swagger West End club to the humble seller of cards on the various
+courses. Amongst these, in his place, came Aaron Phillips. If he had
+been asked, he would probably have said that he was a professional
+backer of horses, a description which covers a wide field and embraces
+many methods of getting a living--more or less honestly.
+
+In all likelihood Phillips would have resented the imputation that he
+was not a sportsman, and have declared emphatically that he was nothing
+else. He had been connected with racing ever since he could recollect,
+but had never been across a horse in his life, and would have found it
+impossible to pick out the good points of an animal. But he was fond of
+horses in his way. He had heard them talked about for years, and most of
+the frequenters of his father's public-house were either followers of
+racing or indirectly mixed up with the "sport of kings." He had been
+born, too, in the vicinity of a classic course and had always taken the
+greatest interest in the dramatic side of the turf. There was not an
+ingenious swindle but he had the details of it by heart.
+
+For some years before his departure for South Africa he had followed
+racing from one course to another. Though he had never done anything
+deliberately dishonest, he was up to every dodge, always seemed to have
+money in his pocket, and was invariably well dressed. The fact that his
+mother had belonged to one of the leading Romany tribes Phillips found
+greatly to his advantage. He was never above passing the time of day
+with such nomads as he encountered, and more than once had benefited by
+this politeness. Had he ever wanted a useful and faithful tool,
+something uncommonly smart in the way of a human ferret, he knew where
+to put his hand on such a person. Strange as it may seem, there was
+never a great fraud connected with the turf that was not freely
+whispered amongst its humble followers long before it reached the ears
+of the authorities. More than once Phillips had listened to the outline
+of a story which would have astonished the magnates of the Jockey Club
+if they could have heard it. And it was by such means that he had
+managed to pick up the threads of a plot which, before long, seemed
+likely to promise sensational disclosures. It was an additional
+satisfaction to Phillips to know that the main persons in this plot were
+his old enemies Raymond Copley and Foster. He had followed up the clues
+in his patient way, and at last had something really definite to go
+upon.
+
+It might be inferred that Phillips already had these two in the hollow
+of his hand. But he had learnt patience in the hard school of adversity,
+and had no intention of throwing away the chance of making money for the
+mere sake of revenge. At any moment he might have pricked the glittering
+bubble which Copley had blown, and laid both scoundrels by the heels in
+gaol, but that would have entailed loss of time and a considerable
+sojourn in South Africa, without any material return beyond that of
+triumph over his enemies. Now he was beginning to see a way to crush
+both Copley and Foster, and fill his own pockets at the same time.
+
+He was not without his peculiar code of honour. Harry Fielden had
+defended him at one time and he was not going to forget it. Fielden
+would have been astonished to learn how much Phillips knew about his
+affairs. He knew, for instance, all about May Haredale. He knew that
+Copley was infatuated with the girl and was prepared to go any lengths
+to make her his wife. He knew too, pretty well what was in old Raffle's
+mind, and chuckled as he thought of it. And now the time had come to
+fire the first shot.
+
+He turned out of his lodgings on a sunny Friday in February, and made
+his way to Russell Square. He was more carefully dressed than usual and
+wore a dark, quiet-looking suit, with a grey overcoat and felt hat. His
+gloves were neat, his boots well polished, and, save the horseshoe pin
+in his white cravat, there was no suggestion of the racing man about
+him. He turned presently into Kelly Street, and, knocking at the door of
+a certain house, asked for Major Carden. The Major, he was informed, was
+just finishing breakfast, but would see Mr. Phillips.
+
+It was the usual room in a lodging-house--shabby Axminster carpet, dingy
+horsehair furniture, with the inevitable lustres on the mantelpiece. The
+tablecloth was none too clean, though on it was a vase or two of
+flowers, tastefully arranged. At one end of the table sat a stout
+pink-faced person with a carefully-trimmed grey moustache. He was a
+typical specimen of the retired military man, bluff and hearty in
+manner, with a pair of faded grey eyes faintly tinged with pink.
+Evidently, too, he had been accustomed to mix with the best people, as
+he would have phrased it himself. Probably, he still belonged to a good
+club, and no doubt found it exceedingly difficult to make both ends
+meet.
+
+The second person at the breakfast table was an exceedingly pretty
+girl, who looked none the less refined and attractive because her black
+dress was of the plainest. She was chattering gaily as Phillips came in.
+She appeared to have a proper respect and affection for her father,
+whose words she seemed to hang upon. The Major looked up from the table
+and nodded genially.
+
+"You are punctual, Phillips," he said. "I am afraid I am a little late
+this morning. Alice, my dear, this is Mr. Phillips. He is the
+distinguished journalist I was telling you about last night. We are both
+connected with the same papers."
+
+As the Major spoke, he winked swiftly at Phillips, and the latter
+smiled. What the Major was driving at he hadn't the remotest idea.
+
+"Oh, yes," he murmured. "The Major and I are old friends."
+
+The girl smiled pleasantly. She appeared a trifle shy, and gave Phillips
+the impression that she had no friends, and that her young life was, for
+the most part, a constant sacrifice for her selfish and dissipated
+father. She rose presently, and with an excuse left the two men
+together. Immediately she was gone the Major crossed the room and
+produced a bottle of brandy, from which he helped himself liberally.
+Phillips curtly refused.
+
+"I met some old friends last night," the Major said. "I am afraid I was
+just a little--well, you know how it is."
+
+"I do," Phillips said shortly. "But what did you tell that lie for? What
+have we got to do with journalism?"
+
+"My dear sir, there are times when one must dissemble. I know I am a bit
+of an old scamp, but, you see, my daughter doesn't know it. I wouldn't
+for worlds like her to know the life I am leading. She is a good girl
+and believes in me, and I have managed to give her a fine education. She
+is the only thing I have in the world to care for. She is the only thing
+that has kept me from going headlong to the dogs. I daresay when I am
+done with, some of my relations will look after her. Meanwhile, they
+take precious good care to keep me at arm's length. I don't blame them,
+either. I hit upon the journalistic dodge to account for my late hours.
+I was afraid you might give me away. I am bound to tell you this, and I
+hope you will respect my confidence. Well, now, what do you want me for?
+Sit down a minute."
+
+"I have come to put a little money in your way," Phillips replied. "I
+gave you a hint of what I was after the night before last. They tell me
+you are a member of the Post Club."
+
+"Oh, yes," Carden replied. "I have managed, somehow or other, to keep
+myself on the club books. Not that I go to the Post very much, because I
+can't afford it. If I meet a young friend occasionally who is anxious to
+see life, I take him there to lunch, on the strict understanding, of
+course, that he repays me."
+
+"Then I want you to take me there. I would like to lunch there to-day,
+and I wish you to introduce me to Mr. Rickerby, the commission agent. It
+is a very simple matter. If you can bring this about and get me half an
+hour's conversation with Rickerby after lunch, I'll give you a tenner
+and pay for the lunch besides. There's no risk and no responsibility as
+far as you are concerned."
+
+The Major pondered the matter.
+
+"What are you up to?" he asked presently.
+
+"That," Phillips said, "is no business of yours. But I assure you that I
+am up to nothing wrong. Nothing I can say or do will get you into
+trouble. I don't mind telling you there is a big swindle on foot to rob
+the leading bookmakers and commission agents and I am trying to expose
+it. If I do, there will be a good round sum of money for me, and if I
+fail, I shall be none the worse off. Now, are you game?"
+
+The Major smiled. At that moment ten-pound notes were scarce, and
+Phillips' offer came in the nature of a windfall. But it was not part of
+his diplomacy to accept the suggestion too eagerly.
+
+"I think so," he said. "I don't see why I shouldn't accommodate you.
+Perhaps, later, you might have something else to put in my way."
+
+"Very well, then," Phillips replied. "I need not detain you now. I'll
+meet you at the club at half-past one."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE POST CLUB
+
+
+There are several smart betting clubs in London, but none smarter or
+more up-to-date than the Post Club. Like most institutions of the kind,
+it is somewhat mixed and largely devoted to the purposes of gambling.
+All sorts and conditions of men can be met there, from the magnates of
+the turf down to small bookmakers. At the same time the subscription is
+a heavy one and the entrance fee large. It is so large, indeed, that the
+police have never been bold enough to raid the club, which is conducted
+on the best principles. Betting on the tape goes on to an enormous
+extent, and there on most afternoons of the racing season nearly all the
+chief commission agents can be found. The club premises consist of a
+billiard-room, dining-room, and smoking-room, the last fitted with
+several tape machines, which bring the result of the day's racing
+directly from the course. Great wagers are constantly being made and
+sometimes enormous bets effected even after the horses have been
+dispatched by the starter.
+
+Till after lunch the club is very quiet as a rule. On the first day of
+the Mirst Park Meeting not more than half a dozen racing men were in the
+dining-room. At a little table near the door sat the Major and his
+guest, discussing a dainty luncheon to the accompaniment of a choice
+brand of champagne. The Major was beaming. This was a pastime after his
+own heart, and seeing that the luncheon was costing him nothing he was
+doing the thing very lavishly indeed. There was something almost regal
+in the way he spoke to the waiters. His manner was bland and florid,
+and, beyond all was the consciousness of the five-pound note in his
+pocket which Phillips had given him to pay for the repast. They sat for
+some little time, when the door was flung violently open and a large man
+in an impossible waistcoat came into the dining-room.
+
+Full-bodied and scarlet, he had an air of prosperity and in an
+aggressive way suggested money. Most persons in the sporting world were
+familiar with that huge personage in the striking waistcoat, for it was
+none other than Mr. Rickerby, of a firm of turf accountants, who
+advertised that they recognized no limit. In early life Mr. Rickerby, or
+Rick, as his friends styled him, had been a butcher. He had failed at
+that principally because he spent most of his time backing horses or
+arranging prize-fights. After he had passed through the Bankruptcy Court
+he began with a small silver book and, having a real genius for
+figures, together with a striking presence, an enormous voice and
+amazing audacity which amounted almost to simplicity, he soon made
+headway in his new profession. In a short time he took a partner who had
+been a smart accountant, and now had a suite of palatial offices in the
+Strand, where he kept a large staff of clerks, and where telephone
+messages were pouring in almost day and night. Rickerby was a leviathan,
+and though he by no means despised the small fish that came into his
+net, revelled in big bets and dramatic wagers.
+
+He nodded to the Major with a mixture of insolent familiarity and
+fawning politeness. Occasionally the Major was of use to him. Besides,
+Carden was well connected and Mr. Rickerby had a profound admiration for
+the aristocracy. He would have passed on only, at a sign from Phillips,
+Carden detained him.
+
+"Come and lunch with us, Rickerby," he said. "Try this new brand of
+champagne. Waiter, lay a place for Mr. Rickerby. Bring another bottle.
+No, on second thoughts, you had better bring a magnum. Rickerby, let me
+introduce my friend Mr. Phillips. He is just home from the Cape."
+
+Rickerby touched an imaginary forelock.
+
+"Proud to make your acquaintance, sir," he said. "Do you do anything in
+our line?"
+
+"Well, I have," Phillips said. "I used to follow racing closely enough
+before I left England. Out yonder, from my point of view, I found
+something better. Still, there is nothing so fascinating as the great
+game. I daresay I shall make a wager or two before the season is over. I
+suppose one can't make bets here?"
+
+"Not unless you are a member," the Major explained. "The committee are
+most particular about that kind of thing. They must think of the police.
+But I've no doubt Rickerby will be glad to accommodate you."
+
+"Certainly, sir," Rickerby said. "Up to any amount you like. The Major's
+introduction is good enough for me, and a telegram or letter will always
+receive attention."
+
+Gradually the conversation became more general. Luncheon was a thing of
+the past, and cigars and coffee had been set out in the smoking-room.
+Phillips seemed to find Rickerby a mine of interesting information, for
+he plied him with diplomatic questions. Under the influence of the
+champagne and brandy Rickerby expanded.
+
+"Swindles, my dear sir!" he exclaimed. "There is no end to them. We drop
+on a dozen dodges every year of which the public know nothing. Why don't
+we prosecute? Because it isn't worth while, and the police are not
+sympathetic. Moreover, why should we let the public know of ways and
+means by which they might rob us? Ah, I could tell you of one or two
+men, and big men, too, in some of the West End clubs who would find
+themselves in a pretty tight place if some of us only liked to open our
+mouths. But what's the use? Why throw good money after bad?"
+
+"But don't you get done?" Phillips asked.
+
+"Well, very rarely," Rickerby responded, "but there are others in the
+club, who seem to me to lay themselves out for that sort of thing.
+There's a chap here called Selwyn, a rich young Australian fool, who
+thinks he knows everything. He's just the type of mark that the
+broken-down racing man prays for. He's in the hands of one or two here
+who are robbing him of thousands. He's soft enough to make bets five
+minutes after a race has been run. I've tipped him a hint once or twice,
+but bless you, it's no use. It is waste of breath to tell Selwyn that
+the men in whose hands he is are manipulating the telephone or wire and
+always betting on a dead certainty. One or two of the bets have been
+offered to me, but I am not taking any. I daresay you may think I ought
+to expose these people, but I've got something better to do."
+
+"I should like to ask you one question," Phillips said. "Have you
+noticed by any chance if the people you are speaking about are
+particularly lucky in their bets on races run at Mirst Park?"
+
+Rickerby looked admiringly at the speaker.
+
+"Ah!" he exclaimed, "you know more than I gave you credit for, but
+perhaps you are in the habit of studying this kind of thing. Now I come
+to think of it, I do recollect hearing it said that Selwyn had dropped a
+lot of money to these men last Mirst Park Meeting. If you really know
+anything, Mr. Phillips, I think you ought to say so."
+
+"Oh, I won't go quite so far as that," Phillips said modestly; "it's
+only an idea that occurred to me which I was reminded of by something I
+read when I was in South Africa. But mightn't this be a coincidence?"
+
+"I think not," Rickerby replied, "you could hardly say that of a series
+of bets in which Selwyn always loses and which are never made till after
+the race is run."
+
+"Extraordinary," Phillips said. "But I can't see how it can be anything
+more than a mere coincidence. I suppose you do a tremendous lot of late
+betting."
+
+"My dear sir, that is exactly what the club is for. Some of us wouldn't
+be able to live without it. But, all the same, we don't bet a second
+after the official time of starting."
+
+By this time the smoking-room was filling up rapidly. Two or three score
+of men had come mainly to hear the result of the afternoon's racing and
+to make their bets up to the very last moment that wagers were accepted.
+Phillips, apparently perfectly satisfied with what he had heard, lounged
+in one corner smoking a cigar, watching the crowd of sportsmen keenly
+out of the corner of his eye. He seemed to have one glance, too, for the
+weather outside, which had changed somewhat, for the sky was overcast
+and flakes of snow were falling. A little later the room was almost in
+darkness and the whole world seemed to be lost in a white drift. The
+clock over the mantelpiece pointed to nearly twenty minutes past three.
+The result of the three o'clock race had been announced, and, so far as
+Phillips could tell, there had not been one sensational incident in the
+way of a bet.
+
+"Your friend Selwyn is evidently not present to-day," Phillips observed,
+as Rickerby dropped into a seat by his side.
+
+"Oh, yes, he is," the bookmaker retorted.
+
+"That's very interesting," Phillips said. "I wish you would introduce me
+to Mr. Selwyn. I think a little later I shall be able to show him a way
+of saving money."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+JOLLY & CO.
+
+
+Phillips slipped out of the club by and by, and for a while walked up
+and down opposite, studying the building in which the Post Club was
+situated. It was a large block of offices on five or six floors, mostly
+given over to merchants and dealers whose business was in connexion with
+Covent Garden Market. Moving up and down as if waiting for a friend,
+Phillips was making an exceedingly careful scrutiny of the building.
+
+"It isn't as easy as I thought it was at first," he said. "I've got a
+pretty shrewd idea, for which I have in the main to thank that
+snowstorm. It is evident that Rickerby is perfectly right, and that
+there is some cunning plot afoot to rob this Selwyn. I wonder whether
+Rickerby was alluding to Raymond Copley. It can't be anybody else. Now
+it is clear the gang cannot make late bets during a snowstorm or thick
+mist or anything of that kind. I should like to know how they manage to
+get the name of the winner into the club before the horse is past the
+post. But that I must leave for the present. The point I have to find
+out now is how the man upstairs who comes to do the betting gets his
+information. If there was another block of buildings opposite the club I
+could understand it, because it would be easy to signal from one window
+to another. But there's nothing opposite except the Market with a lot of
+porters hanging about, and I don't suppose they have anything to do with
+it. The puzzle beats me for the moment. Still, having got so far, it is
+hard if I can't get to the bottom of it. The signal must come from
+somewhere in the block of buildings where the club is situated. Well,
+that gives me something to go on with anyhow, and I haven't much time to
+spare, especially as I must meet Fielden to-morrow at Mirst Park. I
+suppose there is only one thing to do, and that is to find out the name
+and occupation of every firm which has an office under the roof. The
+first thing I need is a Post Office Directory."
+
+With the aid of this book he managed to winnow down the doubtful firms
+to five or six. The rest he found were established houses engaged in
+legitimate trade, the others being more or less new-comers whose
+callings were rather nondescript. By a stroke of good fortune, just
+before five o'clock Phillips obtained the assistance of a clerk in a
+fruit concern, whose firm was in the block of buildings in which the
+club was housed, and the doubtful firms were reduced to two. Standing
+outside looking up at the club, the windows of which were now in
+darkness, Phillips saw that next door were a couple of windows bearing
+on their wire blinds the legend, Jolly & Co. There was a light behind
+the blinds, so that the lettering stood out clear and distinct.
+
+"I think I am getting on," Phillips commented. "Now, how am I going to
+find out about Jolly & Co.? It is a bit too dangerous to ask casually
+for Mr. Jolly. But, stop. Most of the people have left, and it is any
+odds the light has been used by the charwoman who is cleaning out the
+offices. It won't do any harm to go up and see."
+
+Phillips put his plan into execution. He came at length to the second
+floor, and stopped at a door at the end of the passage which led to the
+rooms occupied by the Post Club. On the door the name of Jolly & Co. was
+painted in white letters. From behind it came the sound of scrubbing.
+Phillips entered boldly. The room was furnished as an office. There were
+a table and a chair or two, and in a corner an American roll-top desk.
+Beside the desk was a telephone which, from its glittering newness, had
+not been long erected. Attached to the receiver in the place of the
+usual short flex was a cord at least eight or nine feet long. It was a
+small matter in itself, but it did not escape Phillips' keen glance. He
+wondered what it was for. It was certain that it was not attached to
+the receiver by accident.
+
+In one part of the room an old woman was kneeling down scrubbing the
+floorcloth.
+
+"Is Mr. Jolly here?" Phillips asked.
+
+"No, sir," was the reply. "He went away early. I saw the key of the
+office hanging up soon after half-past three."
+
+Phillips smiled. He was beginning to understand now. There had been
+snowstorms most of the afternoon at intervals, and this, no doubt, had
+interfered with the campaign against the bookmakers.
+
+"That is very annoying," Phillips said. "I particularly want to see Mr.
+Jolly. I have some very important business with him. Can you tell me
+where he lives?"
+
+The old woman shook her head emphatically.
+
+"No, I can't, sir," she said. "I haven't any idea where he lives. And,
+besides, he is mostly a stranger to me."
+
+"He hasn't been here long, then?"
+
+"No, sir. He came last autumn and, of course, I does for him like I do
+for the other gentlemen. He stayed till about the end of November, then
+he told me he had to go abroad for the winter. He has only been back
+about a week."
+
+Phillips thought his time was not being wasted. Everything appeared to
+be going his way.
+
+"I am very sorry," he said, "but, really, I must find him. It is most
+awkward, seeing that he is a stranger to me. Would you mind telling me
+what he is like? If you can give me a description of him I might make
+inquiries in the neighbourhood. It is possible he may be in one of the
+hotels close by playing billiards or something of that sort."
+
+"Well, that's possible," the old woman said. "I know Mr. Jolly is fond
+of a game of billiards, because my little boy has had to fetch him once
+or twice. He is young and clean-shaven, looks like a boy almost till you
+get close to him, and then you can see what a lot of wrinkles he has
+round his eyes. He might easily be mistaken for an actor. Dresses very
+well, he does, except he wears a steel watch-chain."
+
+Phillips gave the old woman a shilling and departed. He had found out
+all he was likely to discover. He had already moved towards the door
+when a sudden thought struck him.
+
+"Oh, by the way," he said, "I wish you would let me have the number of
+your telephone. If I can't come here again I shall telephone Mr. Jolly
+in the morning."
+
+The old woman intimated that the number was on the top of the telephone,
+and Phillips made a note of it. Then he went away, on the whole very
+well satisfied with his afternoon's work. He had yet, however, to verify
+a certain suspicion, and this he could not accomplish till late in the
+evening. It was eight o'clock or more before he turned into a public
+telephone call-office and rang up the number which he had copied in
+Jolly's office. He was not surprised to find that he received no reply,
+but it was not a reply he was after. What he really wanted was to get in
+connexion with the Exchange. He managed this presently. It was growing
+late, and there was no great pressure upon the office.
+
+"I am sorry to trouble you," he said, "but I can't get anything from
+this number. Can you tell me if Mr. Jolly has a wire between the office
+and his house?"
+
+The assistant amiably replied she would ascertain. In a few moments she
+spoke again.
+
+"No wonder you couldn't get a reply," she said. "Jolly & Co. are not
+connected with the Exchange at all. We switch them on by arrangement for
+business purposes, but their wire is a private one. It has only been
+recently erected."
+
+Phillips drew a sharp breath. He was expecting sensational developments,
+but this information fairly staggered him.
+
+"I am much obliged to you," he said. "But I am very anxious to get on to
+Mr. Jolly. You say the wire is a private one. I suppose it goes from the
+office to Mr. Jolly's own house. Where is that?"
+
+"His place is called The Nook, Mirst Park."
+
+Once more Phillips was taken aback. The whole plot was opening up before
+his eyes. Many important matters remained to be cleared up, but he felt
+he was getting on with a vengeance.
+
+"I didn't know where he lived," he said, "but many thanks for this
+information and all the trouble you have taken. Would you mind putting
+me in connexion with the Nook?"
+
+The assistant was still obliging. For the best part of five minutes
+Phillips stood there with the receiver at his ear, and the longer he had
+to wait the more satisfied he appeared to be. Then, presently, the thin
+voice at the other end of the wire began to speak to him again.
+
+"I am very sorry," she said. "But I have rung half a dozen times and
+can't make anybody hear. Probably they have left the receiver off the
+instrument. I can try again presently."
+
+"A thousand thanks," Phillips said. "But I won't trouble you. I'll call
+round at the office in the morning. What a stroke of luck! Now for Mirst
+Park."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE NOOK
+
+
+On second thoughts, Phillips deemed it more prudent to remain in town
+overnight. There would be no difficulty in reaching Mirst Park to-morrow
+in time to open his campaign. Besides, when he came to think it over
+there were a good many things yet to be done. He ate his modest dinner
+in his modest lodgings and then sat down over a cigarette to think out
+the result of his day's work. The more he cogitated the more satisfied
+he was with his rate of progress.
+
+He had got past the age when a man burns for revenge and that sort of
+thing. He infinitely preferred to make Copley smart and put money in his
+own pocket at the same time. As for his diamond-mining adventure, he
+expected to hear no more of that. He had been robbed of his precious
+plans and had no hopes of seeing his missing portmanteau again, but,
+like a prudent man, he was not inclined to cry over spilt milk.
+
+He had thought it all out before morning, and shortly after ten o'clock
+set out to call upon Major Carden again. To his surprise he found that
+the Major had already breakfasted and was making preparations for going
+out. A big fur coat was carelessly thrown across an arm-chair, and
+Phillips smiled when he saw it. Probably the Major had struck a
+prosperous line. Possibly some of the ten-pound note had been laid out
+at an adjacent pawnbroker's.
+
+"I didn't expect to see you this morning," the Major said genially.
+"Most infernally cold, isn't it? Looks like snow, too. Still, one must
+take the rough with the smooth when one goes racing."
+
+"So you are going racing?"
+
+"Well, I had thought of it. I don't often get the chance of treating
+myself, and my idea was to run down to Mirst Park this afternoon. You're
+going, aren't you?"
+
+"Oh, yes, I am going down on business. But I wanted you to stay in town
+and do a little commission for me."
+
+The Major's florid face fell.
+
+"That is very awkward," he muttered. "You see, I promised to take my
+daughter with me. She is fonder of that kind of thing than I am, and the
+poor child seldom has an outing. In the old days of my prosperity Alice
+had her own horse, and deuced good across country she was. Can't you
+manage to put it off till to-morrow, Phillips? I shall be greatly
+obliged if you can."
+
+Phillips reflected for a moment.
+
+"Very well," he said. "I daresay it can be managed. I will see you on
+the course this afternoon and let you know what my address is. If you
+are discreet and cautious over this little matter there is a fair sum of
+money in it for you. You can drop me a note to-night, because there is
+no pressing hurry, and you can get the information this evening or early
+to-morrow. What you have to do is to go round to the Post Club and find
+out all the heavy bets which were made there with Selwyn in connexion
+with to-day's racing at Mirst Park. You must let me know with whom the
+bets were made and who made them. I think that is all. But I shall see
+you on the course later, and if anything crops up in the meantime I
+shall let you know."
+
+There was nothing to prevent Phillips from making his way to Mirst Park.
+Half an hour later he took train from Waterloo and, arrived at his
+destination, proceeded to look out for lodgings. He had his own reasons
+for preferring rooms to an hotel. He needed to keep himself as quiet as
+possible. This matter satisfactorily settled, he turned his steps to the
+course, which was as yet practically deserted. There was little to
+indicate that a race meeting was in progress, excepting the shows and
+roundabouts and booths outside the stands and paddocks. There were the
+usual loafers picnicking on the grass, the usual litter of torn
+betting-tickets and papers scattered far and wide. Phillips passed
+along, looking eagerly about him. He wanted somebody who could give him
+certain information. He stood on the centre of the course, some four or
+five hundred yards from the ring. He appeared to be admiring the
+landscape, which was pleasant enough under the brilliant sunshine,
+though this was interspersed now and then by ominous-looking clouds
+which seemed to threaten snow later.
+
+As most people know, Mirst Park course is situated in a kind of theatre,
+with rising ground behind the stands, so that it is possible for
+everybody to obtain a perfect view of a race from start to finish.
+Peeping out of the trees here and there were a few good-class houses,
+one of which, standing higher than the rest, towered over the top of the
+grand stand. There was the suggestion of a smile on Phillips' face as he
+adjusted his racing-glasses and made a close inspection of the house in
+question. He could see that it possessed a flat roof with a parapet
+around it. Phillips was still intent upon his examination when a
+policeman with a fine air of detachment strolled by.
+
+"The best natural course I have ever seen," Phillips said with
+enthusiasm. "Have you got many like this in these parts, officer?"
+
+"Not that I know of," the policeman said. "I suppose you have never been
+here before."
+
+"I am from South Africa," Phillips said. "We've got nothing like this
+out there. I should like to have one of those houses yonder. It must be
+nice to sit in your own house and be able to watch all the races,
+especially in weather like this. Now there's that place at the back of
+the stand. I suppose you know who that belongs to. Some man with money,
+I expect?"
+
+"I can't tell you, sir," the policeman replied. "I've lived here most of
+my life, but that house yonder has been empty for a long time. I
+understood it was taken by some Colonial gentleman last autumn, but I
+don't think he has been in it yet. Of course, I don't know for certain,
+because my beat is on the other side of the Common, and I am only on
+duty here on race days."
+
+"Just so. What is the name of the house?"
+
+"Let me see," the policeman said, reflectively. "Oh, I know. I think
+they call it The Nook."
+
+The officer passed on, and Phillips replaced the racing-glasses in their
+case. Fortune was still on his side. He made his way through the woods
+up into the road which ran in front of the houses, and came at length to
+a pair of iron gates with the name of the house, The Nook, painted on
+them in gilt letters. The place appeared to be fairly well looked after.
+The paths were trim, but, so far as Phillips could see, there was little
+traffic through the gates and no sign whatever of wheels, either of cabs
+or motors. Peering through the shrubs, he noticed that the windows were
+fitted with curtains and blinds as if the house were inhabited. There
+was, perhaps, some risk in what Phillips was about to do, but he was
+prepared to take the consequences. He walked briskly up the drive until
+he came in front of the house. Most of the blinds were up. He saw
+evidences of refinement and luxury in the blinds and curtains, though it
+struck him as rather significant that the gardens had not had much
+attention bestowed upon them. Phillips hesitated before ringing the
+bell. It was an old-fashioned bell, with a drop-handle, and he could
+hear it clanging through the house with a hollow sound which suggested
+emptiness. As he expected, no reply came, though he rang two or three
+times. It was impossible for any one to see into the living-rooms, for
+the house was built upon a slope and the front door was approached by a
+flight of steps. Just as Phillips was turning away a man emerged from
+behind a belt of shrubs, followed by a truculent-looking bull-terrier.
+He looked like a gardener, though there was in his appearance that
+faint, intangible something which suggested a close familiarity with the
+turf. He eyed Phillips sourly and suspiciously, and none too politely
+requested to know his business.
+
+"Are you employed here?" Phillips asked.
+
+"Yes, I am," the man growled. "I am the gardener. And there's no one at
+home, if you want to know."
+
+Phillips' assumption of annoyance was artistic. He turned away
+impatiently.
+
+"Then Mr. Ronaldson is not here now?" he asked.
+
+"Never heard the name," the gardener responded.
+
+"But he used to live here. I knew him well in South Africa. He gave me
+his address two years ago and asked me to look him up if ever I came to
+England. I suppose he has gone somewhere else then. Do you happen to
+know the name?"
+
+"No, I don't," the gardener said sulkily. "We've only been here a few
+months, and my master hasn't come into the house yet. He's a stranger,
+too. You had better make inquiries in the village."
+
+Phillips expressed his thanks. He had found out pretty well all he
+wanted to know, and felt that if this repellent person had entertained
+any suspicions they were lulled to sleep by this time. He stood
+examining the repulsive-looking bull-terrier. He alluded to the animal's
+points approvingly. He spoke, too, as a man who knew what he was talking
+about. One or two remarks elicited the assent of the gruff gardener, who
+smiled slightly.
+
+"Yes, he's a good dog," he said. "And capital in the house."
+
+"Keeps the burglars away," Phillips laughed.
+
+"Oh, I daresay he would if I left him here. But I don't live on the
+premises. I only look round to see that things are all right. I believe
+the servants are coming in next week."
+
+"But why not have a caretaker?" Phillips asked.
+
+"Oh, there's no occasion for that. They're more trouble than they're
+worth."
+
+Phillips nodded and walked leisurely away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+A FAIR DAY'S SPORT
+
+
+At Mirst Park there was not very much for Fielden to do. The horses he
+had brought with him were a moderate lot, and, in the words of the
+stud-groom, there was not a racer amongst them. With his intimate
+knowledge of horse-flesh Fielden wondered why Copley kept such an
+indifferent stable, and where he got his animals. They were even worse
+than the ordinary run of equine rubbish usually foisted on the
+millionaire whose ambition it is to figure as a patron of the turf.
+Perhaps the whole thing was a blind. Perhaps the stud at Seton Manor was
+merely intended to cover Copley's rascality in another direction. At any
+rate, Fielden watched the first two races with mingled feelings of
+contempt and amusement. He had seen his employer's horses figure in both
+in the sorriest fashion, and till the four o'clock race was free to do
+as he pleased.
+
+It was strange to move about the paddock, by the weighing-room and on
+the stand, rubbing shoulders with a score of men whom he knew well. The
+course was familiar to him, too. Were the past two years but a dream,
+and had he never left the scene of his former recreations? But no one
+recognized him. He strolled about listening to the roar of the
+betting-ring and the cries of the multitude, or threaded his way in and
+out among the horses. He even spoke to one or two jockeys whom he had
+once known, but none seemed to identify him.
+
+Despite the crowd and the horses, the ladies on the stand and the
+members in the enclosure, however, it was a lonely business, and his
+face lightened as he caught sight of May Haredale seated by herself on
+one of the stands. He made his way eagerly to her side. She turned and
+smiled upon him. There was a healthy flush on her face. Her eyes were
+sparkling, and yet there was a suspicion of anxiety about her which
+Fielden had noticed more than once lately.
+
+"Why are you alone?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, it has only been the last few minutes," May explained. "We have a
+colt running in this race, and my father has gone to give instructions
+to his jockey. By the way, how badly your horses have cut up to-day. No,
+I am not particularly interested in this race, and I haven't so much as
+a pair of gloves on it."
+
+"Then what do you say to a stroll?" Fielden suggested. "It is cold, and
+we look like having another fall of snow. I couldn't see the three
+o'clock race for the snow. Positively I hadn't the faintest notion what
+had won till I saw the numbers go up. Let us walk across the course to
+the starting-point and back. We shall have plenty of time."
+
+May consented, and soon they were beyond the enclosure and past the
+white posts and rails towards the patch of gorse across the Downs, where
+the starter was already fidgeting about on his cob. Away from the noise
+and excitement of the ring the flush faded from May's face, and her eyes
+seemed inexpressibly sad.
+
+"What's the matter?" Fielden asked anxiously. "We all change as we grow
+older. I suppose I am different from what I used to be. But I don't like
+to see you so quiet. It is so foreign to your nature, May. There was a
+time when you were all laughter and sunshine. Oh, dear, what a fool I
+have been, to be sure. How different things might have been if I had
+only had a little common sense. You don't know how I blame myself."
+
+"Were you altogether to blame?" May asked. "I don't think so. You had no
+one to look after you from the time you were at school till you came
+into your property. You were merely a boy then, and you behaved like
+one."
+
+"Oh, I know, I know," Fielden sighed. "But that's all past and done
+with. But don't talk about me. I am far more interested in you. I hope
+nothing has happened to increase your anxiety. You know what I mean."
+
+May looked irresolutely at her companion.
+
+"I ought not, perhaps, to tell you," she said. "I ought not to tell
+anybody. But, then, well, you are Harry Fielden, and I have known you
+all my life. If you didn't care for me quite as much as you do, if I had
+not cared for you--but, there, we need not go into that. It is my father
+who has worried me. It is extraordinary what a change has come over him
+lately. He used to be so kind to me, to let me do as I liked, and even
+when we were so poor that we didn't know where to turn for money he was
+always happy and cheerful. Why, a few months ago he would have laughed
+at the idea of my marrying a man like Mr. Copley. Now he is almost eager
+for it."
+
+Fielden made no reply for a moment. A wave of indignation came over him.
+He caught his lip between his teeth and bit it fiercely. A year or two
+ago he would have smiled at the suggestion that Sir George would
+sanction a match between his daughter and a man like Copley. But during
+the hard and bitter months of his wanderings he had learnt some amount
+of cynical wisdom. He was no longer inclined, as he had been in the old
+days, to take every man at his face valuation. And, no doubt, when the
+pinch came, Sir George was just like the rest. He would speak loudly
+enough of his willingness to give up the old house and live in humble
+lodgings rather than have any slur cast upon his honour. But it would be
+different when this pretty theory came to be put to the test. Fielden
+forgot all about the racecourse. He heard nothing of the shouting crowd.
+The horses streaming to the post conveyed nothing to his eye.
+
+"I want you to be candid with me," he said. "Is Sir George putting
+pressure upon you to marry that blackguard?"
+
+There was something so vehement in Fielden's speech that May looked at
+him in astonishment.
+
+"Surely you are going too far," she said. "Mr. Copley is not a
+gentleman, of course----"
+
+"I tell you, he is a scoundrel," Fielden interrupted. "Believe me, May,
+I would not have spoken unless I had been bound to. That man is not fit
+to go into any respectable house. I cannot say more than that at
+present, because the secret is not altogether mine. But this much I tell
+you: Had there been no such person as Raymond Copley I should be a rich
+man at the present moment. I know that, but for the merest accident,
+there would be blood on that man's hands. You must not marry him, May.
+You must not give him the slightest encouragement. When I think of your
+associating with that rascal my blood boils. If the worst comes to the
+worst, I must tell Sir George what I know myself. It is with the
+greatest reluctance I entered Copley's employment; indeed, I only did
+so because there are certain things I want to find out and this seemed
+to provide a favourable opportunity. Otherwise, I would rather get my
+living by selling race-cards and sleep under a furze bush. But do you
+mean to say your father really insists on this?"
+
+A rush of tears filled May's eyes.
+
+"That is what it comes to," she rejoined. "It is only the last two days
+that I have noticed such a change in my father. Harry, do you think it
+is as bad as he says it is? He tells me that unless I consent to marry
+Mr. Copley we shall be ruined and be turned out of the house without so
+much as a penny. It seems incredible. I can't understand a man with an
+atom of self-respect who would compel a girl to marry him against her
+will. It isn't as if I were rich, or intellectual, or beautiful."
+
+Harry thought he could understand. Indeed, any man could understand who
+looked down into the pretty, pleading, anxious face that was turned up
+towards Fielden.
+
+"There is no accounting for people like Copley," he said. "He is the
+kind of man that has not an atom of consideration for anybody but
+himself. He has no heart or conscience, and the more unattainable a
+thing is the more he longs for it. He cannot win you; therefore, you are
+the one thing in the world that he passionately desires. God help the
+woman, however fascinating and beautiful, who becomes Copley's wife! It
+would mean years of brutality and neglect and self-contempt. You
+mustn't, May. I understand the duty you owe to your father, but no man
+has a right to exact such a sacrifice as that. Don't you think I had
+better see Sir George and give him a hint of the sort of man Copley is?"
+
+May shook her head resolutely.
+
+"I am afraid that would do more harm than good," she said. "I must fight
+my battle alone, Harry, and if you interfered my father might forbid you
+Haredale Park. He has already hinted that, if you had not come home
+again, I should have been willing to become Mrs. Raymond Copley, and if
+I were not allowed to see you I don't know what I should do. There is
+nobody else I could confide in. But I will let you know how things go
+on. We had better go back. I feel better for this confession."
+
+But it seemed a hopeless business, and Fielden's face was sad and gloomy
+as he strode alongside May towards the stand.
+
+Ah! but hope was not dead yet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+AN EVENING VISIT
+
+
+For once Sir George Haredale did not seem to be in the least pleased to
+see Fielden. He was standing on the lower steps of the stand talking to
+Major Carden with the air of one who is conversing with an old
+acquaintance. By Carden's side was his daughter, eager and interested,
+following all that was going on around her with the zest and enjoyment
+of a child.
+
+"Oh, here you are," Sir George said fussily. "I was beginning to wonder
+what had become of you. Carden, this is my daughter. Major Carden and I
+were at Eton together. We used to do a good deal of racing before you
+were born."
+
+The Major took off his hat with a flourish.
+
+"Charmed to meet the daughter of my old friend," he said, "charmed. Ah,
+those were pleasant days when one had youth and strength and a banking
+account which appeared to be inexhaustible. Now I deem myself fortunate
+if I can steal a day off occasionally to get down to a suburban
+racecourse. Let me present you to my daughter. My dear Alice----"
+
+"But I know her already," May Haredale cried. "We were at school
+together. I had no idea that my father and yours knew one another. I am
+so pleased to see you again. Father, Alice Carden was my greatest friend
+all the years I was at Eastbourne. We parted promising to write to one
+another regularly, but somehow or another we have never corresponded.
+But now that I have met you I won't lose sight of you any more. Major
+Carden, you really must let Alice come and stay at Haredale Park with
+me. I want her for a long visit."
+
+Carden professed himself to be delighted, and this in all sincerity. He
+began to see visions of a snug and comfortable time, away from dingy
+lodgings and vilely-cooked food to which he had never become accustomed.
+The two girls paired off, and the Major strolled towards the paddock
+gates, for he had noticed Phillips there, evidently waiting for a chance
+to speak to him.
+
+"Got any instructions?" the Major asked.
+
+"Nothing fresh," Phillips explained. "I want you to do exactly as I
+asked you, and if you can manage it this evening, after you get back to
+town, so much the better. I have written my address on the back of this
+card, and it is possible I may be here for two or three days longer. I
+want you to find out what wagering there was to big money with Selwyn at
+the Post Club to-day, and wire to the address on this card. It is more
+than probable that, before the week is out, I may be able to put a good
+thing in your way. I suppose I can come round and see you whenever I
+like."
+
+The Major thought that would be all right. It would be just as well,
+perhaps, to get his daughter out of the way. With diplomacy he might
+contrive to expedite the invitation to Haredale Park, so that he could
+have the ground clear without fear of interruption. He returned to the
+place where his daughter was waiting for him.
+
+At a sign from Phillips, Fielden came forward.
+
+"Well," he asked, "how are you getting on?"
+
+"Splendidly," Phillips replied. "I have been far more fortunate than I
+anticipated. We will get some fun out of Copley and Foster yet. From
+your point of view I daresay you may think I am wrong. But I mean to
+make money out of this. I will expose Copley and fill my purse at the
+same time. You wonder what I am driving at? Can you manage to stay here
+over to-morrow?"
+
+"I think so," Fielden said.
+
+"That's good. In that case we can push our investigations farther and,
+with any luck, before the week is out we shall not only know where
+Copley gets his money, but how he makes it. Of course, we know that he
+doesn't even begin as a millionaire; we know that he is an unscrupulous
+adventurer. But he has the command of ready money, and we wish to know
+how he makes it. As a matter of fact, I know that already. But there are
+a few weak points in my case, and we can't make a definite move till
+these are cleared up. Now I want you to have dinner with me in my
+lodgings. I told my landlady I might have a friend staying with me, and
+she will be ready to put a bedroom at your disposal."
+
+"Why this mystery?" Fielden asked.
+
+"Oh, it is no mystery. I only want to interest you. After dark we shall
+indulge in a little quiet burglary, that is, if you don't object."
+
+"It is not an alluring prospect," Fielden said.
+
+"Of course it isn't," Phillips agreed. "But when you are dealing with
+scoundrels it is necessary to use their own weapons. I presume you are
+as interested as I am in the exposure of Copley and Foster and all their
+methods."
+
+"Up to the hilt," Fielden said between his teeth. "Poor as I am, I would
+give all I possess to bring that about. I would give five years of my
+life to manage that between now and Derby Day. And if necessary I can
+find some money. I am better off than I expected, but I intended to keep
+the money for a start in life later. Still, if you want it and will
+promise to put it to a good use, I will give you every farthing
+cheerfully. You have only to say the word."
+
+Phillips chuckled.
+
+"Oh, there's no occasion to do that, sir," he said. "Keep the money in
+your pocket. I shall have enough and to spare before long. I mean to
+drag Copley's plunder from between his teeth. I will take all I can get
+from him, and when the time comes we shall drop a hint in the proper
+quarter, and there will be an end to Raymond Copley. Within three months
+you will see that man in gaol. You needn't be alarmed for Miss Haredale.
+She is as safe from that man as if she were the daughter of the King. I
+had better be going, because it is as well that we should not be seen
+talking together for too long. I have scribbled my address on the back
+of this card, and shall expect you about half-past seven."
+
+Fielden asked no more questions, but returned to his friends with a
+vivid sense of curiosity. He listened to Major Carden's flamboyant talk,
+and as he bowed to Alice Carden could not help thinking what a pretty
+and refined girl she was. He made his excuses for not returning to
+Haredale, and was faintly amused to see how relieved Sir George appeared
+to be.
+
+"No, I can't get back to-night," he explained. "I have several things to
+do here. But I hope to see you on Sunday, if I may be allowed to come
+over."
+
+"Of course, you may," May smiled, as she held out her hand. "Miss Carden
+is coming to stay with me to-morrow. I have persuaded her to come at
+once. I am ashamed to have neglected her so long."
+
+Fielden finished his business, saw the stud-groom and the horses safely
+on the rail, and then went to the retired part of the village where
+Phillips' lodgings were situated. It was little more than a cottage, but
+the place was neat and clean, and the cooking left nothing to be
+desired.
+
+"It is only a bit of fish and a steak," Phillips said cheerfully, "but
+you will find it beautifully served, and as to the wine, well, I got
+that myself, and I know it is everything it should be. Please sit down
+and make yourself at home. We can discuss matters over our cigars.
+There's nothing like racing to give you an appetite. I only hope it
+won't snow before morning."
+
+"I hope not," Fielden said. "To all intents and purposes the racing was
+spoilt this afternoon by the snow, and it is very odd that no one saw a
+yard from start to finish of the three o'clock race. It was most
+annoying."
+
+"Was it?" Phillips asked. "Well, I confess I didn't find it so.
+Yesterday at the time of the three o'clock race I was at the Post Club,
+and, singular to say, we had the same blinding snowstorm in Covent
+Garden. Now it surprises you, but from your point of view and mine that
+snowstorm was the most fortunate thing that could have happened. When I
+sat smoking my cigar in the Post Club there came to me the inspiration
+of a lifetime. I seemed to see in a flash exactly what had happened, and
+soon I shall know to a dead certainty. You must restrain your curiosity
+for a little longer. You will probably know all about it before you go
+to bed. Try one of these cigars. They are excellent."
+
+Fielden had hardly got his cigar aglow before the landlady came in with
+a telegram, which Phillips opened eagerly. There was a smile of triumph
+on his face as he handed it to Fielden.
+
+"What do you make of that?" he asked.
+
+"I can make nothing of it," Fielden said. "It is a wire to the effect
+that no important wager was made this afternoon on the three o'clock
+race at the Post Club, and is signed Carden. I presume that is our stout
+friend with the florid face and ingratiating manner, who was talking to
+you this afternoon. But how it helps us I haven't the ghost of an idea."
+
+Phillips rose and threw his cigar in the fire.
+
+"Come," he said. "It is time to start. You haven't much longer to
+wait."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE EMPTY HOUSE
+
+
+There was just enough moonlight for Phillips' purpose, but not enough to
+render his task dangerous. Fielden asked no questions, partly because he
+deemed it would be useless, and partly because he did not wish to spoil
+what appeared to have in it the making of a dramatic adventure. His
+spirits were rising, and he was looking forward keenly to something in
+the way of enterprise. He and Phillips had been in more than one tight
+place together, and he had every confidence in his companion.
+
+They made their way along the main street in silence, and came presently
+to the deserted racecourse. There was very little evidence of the
+afternoon's sport, nothing but a few partially dismantled tents and
+booths, and the extraordinary remnants of reeking humanity that always
+haunt a race meeting.
+
+They went across the heath, and by and by Phillips pulled up in front of
+the avenue to The Nook.
+
+"This is the place," he said quietly.
+
+"Oh, is it?" Fielden asked. "Perhaps you had better tell me before we go
+farther who lives here."
+
+"That is precisely what we've come to find out," Phillips said coolly.
+"I've got a pretty shrewd notion, but that isn't good enough for me.
+I've told you that there's a gang of clever swindlers in England who
+have put their heads together to rob the betting ring of an enormous sum
+of money. Operations began last autumn, but the flat-racing was nearly
+finished, so that they did not make quite such a haul as they had
+anticipated. Still, they made enough to keep themselves in luxury all
+the winter and to find the necessary funds for carrying on the campaign
+in the spring. It is a big combine, and unless something is done to stop
+it, these people will make colossal fortunes. Mind you, one or two of
+the large bookmakers have a suspicion, but up to now they haven't been
+able to prove anything. Indeed, without egotism, I may say they would be
+powerless without me. I got some vague idea of the scheme three years
+ago from a man who is now dead. Then when racing began again this year I
+fancied I could see a trace of the same idea in this business. I knew I
+was right when I discovered that Copley was operating on a large scale.
+I lunched at the Post Club with a member who gave me an introduction to
+Rickerby, the financial agent. You remember him?"
+
+"I ought to," Fielden said drily. "Goodness knows, his firm had enough
+of my money. But go on."
+
+"Well, I pumped Rickerby. I don't mind telling you that I went to the
+Post Club on purpose. He has been pretty hard hit. He believes he has
+been the victim of a swindle, and he is right, though it was no part of
+my policy at the time to tell him so. He can't very well refuse to take
+big bets, even when he feels there is something underhand going on. Only
+a short time ago he was hit for some thousands of pounds by one of the
+gang, and, moreover, had to pay the money."
+
+"This sounds very interesting," Fielden said, "but what has it to do
+with our present adventure?"
+
+"Oh, I am coming to that," Phillips went on quietly. "You see, these
+bets are always made in the same way. One of the conspirators, who is
+actually a member of the Post Club, strolls into the smoking-room some
+five or six minutes before--well, we'll say before the three o'clock
+race. He hangs about till the horses are about finishing and then, in
+the most casual way in the world, makes a bet. Now, mind you, this bet
+is booked before the race is finished, as a careful comparison of the
+time shows. Yet the horse has won, and the man in the smoking-room of
+the Post Club knows it before the judge has given his decision."
+
+"Impossible," Fielden exclaimed.
+
+"I know it seems impossible, and twenty years ago you would have said
+the telephone was impossible, and people would have scouted the idea of
+wireless telegraphy. But they both came, like the phonograph and other
+wonders."
+
+"Oh, that's all very well," Fielden smiled. "But you are not going to
+ask me to believe that this thing is done by thought-reading or anything
+of that sort? You won't tell me that this famous member of the Post Club
+is a clairvoyant who sees the race finished while it is being run?
+Because, if that were the case, the favoured person would have no need
+of a syndicate to help him; he would do it all by himself."
+
+"I am not suggesting anything of the kind," Phillips said. "There's
+nothing occult about the business. The thing is capable of explanation,
+and I am in a position to give it, except for the finishing touches,
+which make this dodge almost a work of genius. I know who is at the
+bottom of it, I know who is working it, and I know how the information
+is conveyed to within a few feet of the tape machines in the Post Club.
+But how that information is filtered to the man inside is the thing that
+beats me at present. But so much I have found out. In the very next
+office to the smoking-room of the Post Club is a firm who call
+themselves Jolly & Co. Now Jolly & Co. only took their office last
+September or October. There is not the slightest sign of any business
+being done there, because I have been in the office myself. Taken in
+conjunction with what I have told you, it must strike you as an odd
+thing that this mysterious Jolly & Co. shut up the office and went
+abroad last year after the flat-racing was over. Probably Jolly & Co.
+went off to make a bit in the Riviera, or Egypt, or some other
+fashionable resort where fools and money congregate. It is an odd thing
+that during the January meeting at Mirst Park Jolly & Co. should turn up
+again and resume operations in Covent Garden. Now I called to see Mr.
+Jolly. He had left his office, but I guessed that before I called, or I
+shouldn't have ventured. The first thing I saw was a telephone with an
+unusually long flex to it. I don't quite understand why this flex is so
+long, but I can make a shrewd guess. It cost me an hour or two and
+plenty of hard thinking to get farther in my investigations, but I found
+late in the evening that Jolly & Co.'s telephone was a private wire
+leading from Covent Garden to his residence at Mirst Park. Now do you
+begin to understand?"
+
+Fielden shook his head.
+
+"It begins to smell suspicious," he said. "I am bound to confess it
+looks very like a deep-laid conspiracy. But I must confess myself too
+dense to follow it."
+
+"Oh, it requires explanation. But luck favoured me in my investigations,
+and I managed to pick up a good many unlooked for clues. Still, the
+fact remains that from this house here to an office next door to the
+Post Club there is a private telephone. Now a child would admit that no
+one would have a private telephone from here to an office in London, at
+a cost of something like a hundred and fifty pounds a year, merely for
+the sake of sending domestic messages. I came here to have a good look
+at The Nook, as this house is called, and I found, not altogether
+unexpectedly, that nobody was living here. I was told by a gardener that
+the tenant had not yet taken possession, though it has been furnished
+for some time. I had rung the bell a few times, and when the man came
+professed I had called to see some one who used to live here.
+Considering that it is supposed to be a fully-furnished house, that bell
+made a great deal of noise. I am ready to bet that the house is
+practically empty. At any rate, I have come here to find out for myself,
+and as I believe there is nobody on the premises our task ought not to
+be difficult."
+
+"I don't like it," Fielden said. "It smells very much like burglary, and
+if we were discovered we should find some difficulty in giving an
+explanation which would satisfy the police. Isn't there any other way?"
+
+Phillips waved the suggestion aside impatiently.
+
+"You can go back if you like, sir," he said. "As for me, I will see this
+thing through. We might never have such an opportunity again. And,
+besides, I want to have a look at that telephone. I think we shall find
+something that will open our eyes. I am not in a position actually to
+prove it, but I am convinced that Jolly & Co. will be found to be part
+and parcel of Copley and Foster. Now you understand why I am so anxious
+to enter the house. Still, if you prefer to remain outside and leave the
+matter to me----"
+
+"Oh, no," Fielden said hastily. "Having come so far I won't turn back. I
+am taking it that you are correct in thinking the house is empty."
+
+"Of course it is, there is no question about that. The gardener told me
+so, and I see no reason to doubt his statement. I wouldn't miss this
+chance for anything. Even if I get nothing out of it, I should like to
+know how this swindle is being worked. But come along, we are wasting
+time. There is enough moonlight to help us without using lights, which
+is so far fortunate. It may be a little awkward for you, connected as
+you are with Copley, but it is all in the game."
+
+"Lead on," Fielden said curtly.
+
+They turned into the avenue and came presently to the front of the
+house. Somebody had evidently been in since Phillips' visit, for all the
+blinds had been pulled down. Then they walked cautiously round, looking
+for a weak spot where they could effect an entrance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+INSIDE
+
+
+The adventurers managed to squeeze through a scullery window, the latch
+of which had not been secured, and a moment later were in the house. As
+Phillips had surmised, the place was empty. There were, however, cooking
+utensils in the kitchen, a quantity of plates and dishes and glass, with
+two baskets containing a small supply of cutlery and silver. Floorcloth
+had been laid down on the kitchen floor and a carpet in the hall, and
+there were carpets on the stairs, but three of the four living-rooms on
+the ground floor were empty. But the fourth room was comfortably
+furnished. A fire was still burning in the grate, and on the tiled
+hearth Phillips detected the ends of two or three cigarettes. There was
+a faint aroma of tobacco on the air, not the sort of tobacco likely to
+be consumed by a caretaker.
+
+"It is just as I told you," Phillips chuckled. "I felt sure we should
+find the house empty."
+
+"Yet you are not altogether right," Fielden replied. "Somebody has been
+here recently, and somebody who knows how to appreciate a good
+cigarette. Besides, look at that fire. I don't like it, Phillips, and
+wish we were well out of it. We don't happen to be in South Africa now."
+
+"Oh, that's all right," Phillips said cheerfully. "No doubt the fire was
+lighted this morning by the gardener, and no doubt also one of the
+conspirators has been here. In fact, I should have been disappointed if
+I hadn't found traces of him. It isn't necessary for our friends to come
+often, but they couldn't very well work their scheme unless they were on
+the spot when racing is taking place at Mirst Park. I wonder what our
+friend thought of the snowstorm about three o'clock. I guess that must
+have upset his calculations a bit. Now look at this."
+
+Phillips bent down to the fireplace and lifted one of the cigarette
+ends, which he handed to Fielden.
+
+"Do you know anybody who smokes these?" he asked.
+
+"I think so," Fielden said after close inspection. "They are
+particularly expensive cigarettes, and can't be had unless specially
+ordered. The only man I know who smokes them is Raymond Copley."
+
+"Precisely. And you may bet your boots this is one of his. At any rate,
+it is a curious coincidence, and tends to confirm what I have already
+told you. I should be greatly surprised if Copley were not here this
+afternoon. Now let us get a bit farther. There is nothing to detain us
+after we have examined the telephone. I am afraid we shall have to use a
+match, but, then, we are bound to take certain risks."
+
+By the aid of a box of vestas the telephone instrument was found in the
+hall. It presented no special features. It appeared to be the kind of
+hanging instrument to be seen in hundreds of offices and private houses.
+
+"Nothing remarkable about that," Fielden said.
+
+For the moment Phillips made no reply. He fetched a chair from the
+kitchen and mounted it. After the expenditure of two or three matches,
+the ends of which he was careful to deposit in his pocket, he broke into
+a smile.
+
+"Ah, I expected something like this," he said. "There is an extension to
+this instrument. If you look in the angle of the wall you will see that
+it goes up to the ceiling. To tell you the truth, I am glad to find
+this, because it bears out what strikes me as a very plausible theory. I
+was rather disappointed to find the telephone here at all. But now I can
+understand why it was placed in this particular spot. We have a cunning
+lot to deal with, and it was to be expected they would not do things
+like other people. Let us go upstairs and see how far this extension
+goes. To the roof, unless I am mistaken."
+
+The exploration proved troublesome, but the extension was traced to the
+second floor and thence along the ceiling, where it finally disappeared
+through a skylight which gave on to the roof. An iron ladder was
+attached to the skylight, and Phillips pointed out to his companion that
+the ladder appeared to have been regularly used. The iron rungs were
+worn bright, the sides were clean and shiny.
+
+"Come along," Phillips whispered. "We must get out on the top. But be
+cautious and display as little light as possible. I daresay we can
+manage with a solitary match."
+
+They found themselves on the roof presently. By feeling about they could
+trace the flex of the extension to a square wooden box screwed down to
+the leads. The box did not appear to be locked, and it was easy for
+Phillips to fumble about inside it until he drew out a cylinder of gutta
+percha with something glittering at either end.
+
+"Stoop down and light a match," he whispered, "and hide the flame under
+your coat. Now, then, bend down here. That's right."
+
+The match burst into flame under cover of Fielden's coat. The feeble
+light displayed another telephone receiver attached to the end of a
+somewhat long flex.
+
+"You can blow out the match," Phillips went on, "and don't forget to put
+the end in your pocket. It is just as well to be careful when dealing
+with such a gang. Perhaps you begin to understand? You don't know, I
+expect, that this roof commands the whole racecourse, and enables one to
+see everything from start to finish. Now a man could sit down here on
+this box and watch the race with the telephone receiver to his mouth. If
+he were a really good judge of racing--I mean, if he were any good as a
+judge of a finish--he would be able to spot the winner in nine cases out
+of ten fifty lengths from home, and therefore, if there was some one at
+the other end in the office of Jolly & Co., the result of a particular
+race would be known in London before the horse was past the post. Do you
+follow?"
+
+"Yes, that's all very well," Fielden objected, "but that does not
+account for the fact that----"
+
+"That the information is conveyed in the smoking room of the Post Club.
+Of course it doesn't. That, I confess, is where I am beaten for the
+present. I am certain that a second later the confederate in the Post
+Club knows what has happened. Don't ask me to tell you how the final
+touches are put on, because I don't know. But, knowing as much as I do,
+we shall soon find out, and I think you will admit that we haven't
+wasted our evening. You understand now why either Copley or a
+confederate was here this afternoon. The man, whoever he was, came with
+the intention of sending the result of the three o'clock race to Covent
+Garden. Why the three o'clock race is always picked out for this
+swindle we don't know, but that will be made plain sooner or later. They
+didn't make anything yesterday or to-day, because on both occasions the
+race was run in a snowstorm. It was the snowstorm that first put the
+idea into my head; in fact, it was the snowstorm that led me here at
+all. And now, let us go back to my lodgings and discuss the matter over
+a cigar."
+
+The telephone receiver was replaced in its box, the lid shut down, and
+the investigators began their descent to the lower rooms. They had not
+forgotten to be cautious and walked as quietly and carefully as if the
+house were occupied, which was, perhaps, as well, for as they reached
+the first-floor landing there came the scratch of a match downstairs. It
+was only a slight noise, but in the empty house it boomed loudly in the
+ears of the explorers. The match had been struck to light the gas, for a
+moment later the hall blazed up brightly, and Fielden and his companion,
+looking over the banisters, saw two men in the hall.
+
+"Have you made up a fire in the dining-room?" one of them asked. "You
+haven't? Well, do so at once. I am half frozen. It's precious poor fun
+motoring from London on a night like this. Did you bring in the hamper?"
+
+Phillips started at the sound of the voice.
+
+"This is awkward," he whispered. "I wish to goodness we had gone five
+minutes sooner. It will be worse for you than for me if we are found
+out. Did you recognize that voice?"
+
+"Copley," Fielden muttered. "I'd give something to be out of this. The
+other man is Foster, of course. I wonder what ill luck brings these
+fellows here to-night. Still, as all these rooms are empty they are not
+likely to come upstairs. But they mean to stay, or Copley would not have
+been so fastidious about the fire."
+
+"They are going to make a night of it," Phillips replied. "Judging from
+that remark about the hamper, they have brought supper with them,
+expecting somebody else, very likely. Well, there is nothing for it but
+to wait. If we could only put out the gas in the hall we might have a
+chance. We can slip down while they are at supper and leave by the way
+we came. We must have that gas out."
+
+"They would only light it again."
+
+"Not if I plug the burner. I'll go and look for a piece of wood. It is
+likely the carpenters have left some behind: they generally do. If I can
+find a piece about four feet long, the trick will be done."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+THE EAVESDROPPERS
+
+
+To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away. While
+he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been
+made up downstairs. With grim amusement he watched Foster open the
+hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation
+of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper. There were sundry
+bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had
+been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared
+with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of
+glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth. Judging from the smell,
+Copley was smoking in the dining-room whilst his accomplice was
+preparing the supper. Matters had progressed thus far when Phillips
+stole gently back, carrying a long very thin slip of wood from a broken
+board, the end of which he had whittled to a fine point.
+
+"I've found it," he said. "If I lean over the banisters I can jam the
+point of this stick into the eye of the burner, and put out the gas.
+They won't be able to light it again for a while. Is it safe?"
+
+The sudden pop of a cork was heard.
+
+"Sounds like it," Fielden whispered. "I think Foster carried in
+everything and they are at supper. Now is your time."
+
+Phillips leant over the banisters, and at the second attempt thrust the
+sharpened end of the long strip of wood into the eye of the burner.
+There was a feeble flicker or two, and then the whole place was wrapped
+in darkness. He was only just in time, for almost on the same instant
+Foster came out of the dining-room. They heard him muttering that the
+gas had gone wrong, and watched him, faintly outlined by a match, strive
+in vain to light the gas once more. After the third attempt he abandoned
+the effort with an oath and went back to the dining-room. Straining
+their ears, the two men on the landing could hear Copley's reply.
+
+"Choked up with dust, I suppose. But never mind so long as we are all
+right. Sit down and eat. I daresay those other fellows will be some time
+yet."
+
+Phillips whispered in his companion's ear.
+
+"I think we shall be safe. What do you say to creep away now we have the
+opportunity? Or would it be worth while to stay outside the dining-room
+and listen to what they're talking about? It is pitch dark, and we can
+slope at any moment."
+
+Fielden was feeling reckless. It did not matter what happened. Without
+further ado they tiptoed into the hall where, by the aid of the intense
+stillness and a door ajar, they commanded all that was going on. Copley
+sat at one end of the table, facing Foster at the other. For some time
+the two men ate steadily with an appetite sharpened by their drive
+through the cold air. When the meal was finished Copley pushed his chair
+aside and strode over to the fireplace. Would Foster remove the supper
+things? He had begun to gather the plates and dishes together when
+Copley stopped him.
+
+"Oh, never mind the things," he said impatiently. "Let the man remove
+them in the morning. He can finish up what is left. We have more
+important matters to attend to. Take a cigar and sit down by the fire.
+What is the next move?"
+
+"We have had cruel bad luck," Foster replied. "Who would have expected
+to have two race-days ruined by snowstorms? A prophet could not have
+foreseen anything like this. I reckon we have lost twenty thousand
+pounds the last two days."
+
+"It's a bad start," Copley answered. "We didn't have the luck, and we
+haven't made the money. I was on the roof yesterday and to-day, and I
+declare to you I couldn't see a single incident in the race. I've never
+seen two such blinding snow showers. It was simply maddening to stand
+there and feel a fortune supping through your fingers, all on account of
+the snow. And that's not the worst, Foster. It will be another month
+before there will be two days' racing at Mirst Park, and we can't count
+upon a single penny till then. I tell you frankly I don't know where to
+turn for ready cash. It's all very fine to have tradesmen breaking their
+necks to get my custom, but that doesn't fill my purse with the needful.
+It's very odd that a man in my position can procure almost any article
+of value he pleases, but when it comes to raising a bit of cash
+everybody's suspicions are aroused at once."
+
+"Well, philosophy won't help us," Foster said. "We must annex some ready
+money to carry us over the next month, at any rate. The same ill luck
+can't happen at the next meeting. Such a coincidence couldn't happen
+twice. Don't forget that if we can manage to hang on for four weeks we
+shall make enough to carry us on to the Derby, and after the big race is
+run we shall be in clover. If you work your cards properly the Blenheim
+colt is bound to lose, and with this knowledge we can lay against the
+horse as long as anybody is fool enough to take our bets."
+
+"I haven't forgotten that," Copley said. "Of course, I haven't spoken to
+Sir George about it yet, but I have asked him to dine with me on Sunday
+evening at Seton Manor, and I shall put on the screw then. He'll kick at
+first. He'll talk about the blood of his ancestors and the honour of his
+race and all that kind of rot, but he is bound to give in. If I asked
+him to-night he would say he would rather leave Haredale Park and beg
+his bread before he would do anything to be ashamed of. We have both
+heard people talk like that before now, but when it comes to the point
+Sir George will sing another tune. They all do."
+
+"Provided the lady does not change her mind," Foster said with a grin,
+which caused Fielden, listening at the door, to clench his fists. "You
+mustn't lose sight of that fact, Copley. Miss Haredale dislikes and
+despises you. But though she vows that nothing in the world will induce
+her to marry you, circumstances alter cases, and when she knows she is
+no longer mistress of Haredale Park, it is possible her frowns may turn
+into smiles."
+
+Copley laughed unpleasantly.
+
+"I haven't lost sight of these things," he said. "Miss Haredale has the
+bad taste to dislike me exceedingly. I would give anything if I could
+induce her to change her mind. I believe I might even grow honest and
+lead a respectable life. Still, that would be beastly monotonous. Your
+plan is the best. I had better accept my dismissal and leave Miss
+Haredale to go her own way. Then I can put the screw on Sir George and
+compel him to find some excuse for scratching his colt. When he sees
+that I mean to have my money and discovers the sheriff in possession, he
+will not be long in inventing a reason why the Blenheim colt should not
+run that shall be consistent with his confounded dignity. You can leave
+that safely to me, Foster. My word, how cold it is! I wish you would
+shut that door. The draught is cutting my legs off. I daresay----"
+
+What Copley was about to say was lost to the listeners in the hall by
+the closing of the door. They could hear nothing save a murmur of voices
+which conveyed nothing to their ears. Phillips touched his companion's
+shoulder.
+
+"Here's our chance," he whispered. "The sooner we are off the better. We
+cannot learn anything more this evening; indeed, there cannot be much
+more to learn."
+
+They stole cautiously along the hall, through the kitchen and outhouses,
+and were soon outside safe under cover of the darkness. It was black
+enough now that the moon had gone down, and they could move freely into
+the road and across the heath to the village.
+
+"Well, what do you think of these precious rascals?" Phillips asked.
+"Don't you agree that we are deep in the secrets of a vile conspiracy?
+We can't leave it where it is."
+
+"Most certainly not," Fielden said. "At present I am thinking more about
+Sir George Haredale than of anybody else. A year or two ago I should
+have scorned the idea of his doing anything dishonourable. But I have
+learnt worldly wisdom, and can imagine how it would be if Sir George
+were suddenly face to face with poverty. He is completely under Copley's
+thumb. If these two men bring off their coup, they will make an enormous
+fortune. But it must be prevented at all costs, Phillips. Think out some
+scheme of checkmate, and I shall be your debtor for the rest of my
+life."
+
+"I think I can manage that," Phillips said. "I'll tell you what my plan
+is when we get back to my rooms."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+A SOLDIER OF FORTUNE
+
+
+Major Carden sat over the breakfast which his daughter had prepared for
+him. He had been unusually late the night before, and showed it in the
+additional pinkness of his cheeks and the slightly red rims under his
+eyes. Not that he was feeling much the worse for the previous evening's
+pleasure; indeed, in his philosophical moments, the Major was fond of
+speculating which was the wiser--to take his fill of enjoyment's cup
+with its concomitants in the morrow of suffering and tribulation, or
+abandon such courses, however delightful. One mode of life was jolly to
+a point, but, on the other hand, the man who exercised prudence and some
+measure of control had a compensation in his economy. As a matter of
+fact, the Major never had been economical. "Sufficient for the day is
+the evil thereof" summed up his religion to its fullest extent. After a
+stimulant he knew he would be himself again, so he ate his breakfast
+with a zest that was truly amazing after the carousal of the night.
+
+For Major Carden always appeared to be in the best of health and
+spirits. Beyond his impecuniosity he had little to trouble him, and at
+the moment things appeared to be going very well indeed. He saw his way
+to make money out of Phillips, and had also been offered a roving
+commission on the Continent to purchase horses for the Army. This would
+entail his being away for three or four months, but his travelling
+allowance was liberal, he would put up at the best hotels, and enjoy
+himself in a manner consonant with his mission and dignity. He would
+tell his daughter that he was going abroad on some journalistic
+commission, for the Major, to do him justice, would have been loth for
+Alice to know all the expedients he resorted to in earning his
+precarious living.
+
+His love for his daughter was the one wholesome spot in his otherwise
+shady existence. He had been a selfish man all his life, had spent his
+own fortune and his wife's, and had broken the heart of that unhappy
+woman in a gentlemanly way. There had been no violence, no open
+unkindness, but the refinement of neglect that undermines health and
+spirit. When the crash finally came the Major removed to London with his
+young daughter. He told her just as much as he considered necessary,
+with the consequence that she regarded him as one of the best and most
+self-denying of men. Alice had few friends, and none knew anything about
+the Major's means, so that the journalistic fiction remained
+unassailable, and Alice could speak freely of her father as adding high
+intellectual qualities to his other gifts. His frequent late absences
+from home were explained in this way, and if he never said anything
+definite about his work, his diffidence might be attributed to natural
+modesty.
+
+In the circumstances, therefore, the Major was not sorry his daughter
+had had an invitation to spend a holiday at Haredale Park. He had
+thought of inviting himself also, but his new commission put that out of
+the question. After he had finished his breakfast he helped himself to a
+liberal dose of brandy and soda, and had just lighted his first cigar
+when his daughter came in.
+
+"You are very late," she said with playful fondness. "I declare you grow
+worse and worse."
+
+"Not my fault, my dear," the Major protested. "These things are
+inevitable amongst newspaper men. I thought I should be at home by
+eleven, but something important turned up at the last moment and they
+told me off to attend to it. They are good enough to say they can depend
+on me, Alice. That is one of the advantages of being steady. If anything
+goes wrong at the office the first thing they say is, 'Where is
+Carden?'"
+
+Alice smiled affectionately. To her this was quite natural. For a girl
+who had spent so many years in London she was wonderfully simple.
+
+"I suppose it can't be helped," she said. "How few men there are who
+would have endured your misfortunes and turned to and made a living as
+you are doing! I wish I were clever."
+
+"Oh, so you are, my dear, so you are," the Major said magnanimously.
+"The great thing is pluck and perseverance. Without egotism, I think I
+am endowed with those qualities, and to some extent so are you, and you
+will make a name as an artist yet. Stick to it, my child, stick to it.
+At the same time, it is good to have an occasional change, and I am glad
+you are going to Haredale Park. I suppose you can manage to put your
+painting pupils off for a week or two? Probably you will find it lonely
+when I am away. I shall only be able to run over from the Continent
+occasionally."
+
+"Oh, I shall miss you," Alice said. "But I shall be safe enough. The
+landlady is always motherly, and she will see I come to no harm."
+
+The Major dismissed the subject with a flourish of his cigar. He had
+rather feared his daughter might give way to tears. He thought she might
+ask him to take her along with him and so put him to the pain of
+refusal. Possibly the girl was looking too eagerly forward to her visit
+to Haredale Park to think of anything else. She had not forgotten the
+days when Major Carden was a man of position and they occupied a fine
+house in the country, when she had her horse and plunged into the dear
+delights of country life. It was good to feel she was going back to it,
+even though it was only for a little time. She had already made her
+modest preparations. She only hoped there would not be too many visitors
+at Haredale Park. But May Haredale had assured her they lived very
+quietly and had not many friends.
+
+"I am getting nervous about it," she said. "It will seem so different to
+the life I have been leading here. If I had only foreseen this I might
+have saved up and bought myself another dress or two. Still, I know I
+shall enjoy myself."
+
+"Of course you will," the Major said heartily. "But you won't get much
+gaiety at Haredale. They don't go in for society much. You see, there
+are very few of the old families left. Times change, my dear, and we
+change with them. I don't suppose, plainly speaking, that Sir George is
+much better off than I am. I happen to know that much depends upon the
+Blenheim colt winning this year's Derby. I was in the Post Club
+yesterday with one or two of my----"
+
+The Major coughed hastily as if his cigar smoke had gone the wrong way.
+
+"What am I talking about?" he exclaimed. "Anybody would think I am still
+interested in sport. Do you know, beyond an occasional day at a small
+meeting, I have no time for that sort of thing. I was in the Post Club
+on business, purely on business. It is a very sad thing to see young
+men wasting so much of their time and money on horses. But I can't
+prevent them from talking and am bound to hear the gossip that goes on.
+That is how I came to know so much about Sir George's affairs. Every
+penny he can scrape together goes on the stables, so you'll probably
+find that Miss Haredale leads a very quiet existence."
+
+"I am glad to hear it," Alice said. "I shall be happy with her. She was
+the greatest friend I had at school, and I can't understand how I ever
+managed to lose sight of her. Is it a nice place?"
+
+"Very pleasant," the Major said critically. "It is a grand old house,
+full of works of art and furniture and that kind of thing. Of course,
+all these things go with the estate, so that Sir George could not
+dispose of them, which is a precious lucky thing for the heir, for there
+won't be too much for him when the time comes. The stables are very
+fine, too, and Sir George has some of the best cattle in the country.
+Oh, I have no doubt you will enjoy yourself. When do you go?"
+
+"To-day," Alice said.
+
+The Major appeared to be slightly embarrassed.
+
+"Oh, yes," he said, "I had forgotten. It is a trifle awkward, because I
+have only a little money just now. The cashier at the office is so
+careless. He omitted to draw my cheque on Friday. Till to-morrow I am
+not sure whether I shall be able to spare money for your fare. Next
+week it would be quite different."
+
+Alice Carden kissed the speaker affectionately.
+
+"How thoughtful you are!" she said. "You are always thinking about other
+people. But please don't worry about that. I have saved a little, and
+shall have enough to keep me for the next two or three weeks and bring
+me home again."
+
+The Major expressed his gratification. For once at least he was sincere.
+It was most unfortunate, he said, that he should be in temporary need of
+cash. He laid strict injunctions upon Alice to spend what she had freely
+and not for one moment to forget that she was a Carden; if she wanted
+more money she was to write to him without hesitation. He saw her off at
+Waterloo presently. He paid for the cab in the most lordly fashion, and
+insisted on his daughter travelling first class, though he had not the
+money to pay for the ticket. But Alice was looking forward too eagerly
+to her holiday to notice these things.
+
+"Good-bye," she cried. "You will have left for the Continent before I
+come back. But don't let the thought of my being alone in London
+interfere with your pleasure. I should like to feel you were not
+troubling about me."
+
+"I'll try, my dear," the Major said. "Good-bye."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+A CHANGE OF AIR
+
+
+About the same time that Major Carden was sitting over his breakfast,
+Sir George Haredale was gloomily contemplating his own. He had read most
+of his letters, and had impatiently pushed aside the sheaf of bills and
+applications for money which poured like a flood upon him at every post.
+Some of them were peremptory and some imploring. But they had been
+coming in for so long that the master of Haredale Park was more or less
+hardened to them. But one communication was distinctly out of the common
+and worried him excessively.
+
+"What the deuce does it mean?" he soliloquized irritably. "And who are
+these people, Absalom & Co.? I never had any dealings with them.
+According to their note-paper they call themselves financial agents, but
+the whole thing looks more like a communication from money-lenders. Yet
+I don't see how I owe them anything. They write to remind me that in
+virtue of an assignment made by Mr. Raymond Copley of a certain date I
+am in their debt to the extent of more than forty thousand pounds. What
+the dickens is an assignment? And what does Copley mean by doing a thing
+of this sort without consulting me? These people hope I shall make
+arrangements to liquidate the debt in the course of the next fourteen
+days. Why, they might just as well ask me to find as many millions. But
+I daresay there is nothing really alarming about the thing if I only
+understood it. I wish I had a head for figures. I wish my father had
+given me a business training. Still, Copley will put it right. Perhaps
+he is annoyed at the way that May has been behaving. But I hardly think
+he will visit her folly upon me. However, I must say the thing is
+alarming."
+
+Sir George shuffled the letter into his pocket as the door opened and
+May entered. She was dressed for going out and was buttoning her driving
+gloves round her wrists. Outside on the gravel stood a smart cob in a
+Whitechapel cart.
+
+"Where are you going?" Sir George asked.
+
+"To the station to meet Alice Carden. She will be here for lunch."
+
+"I had forgotten her," Sir George murmured. "To tell you the truth, my
+dear, I am rather sorry you asked her."
+
+"But I was always fond of Alice."
+
+"Yes, of course, why not? The girl is all right. But, between ourselves,
+Carden is a bit of a bad egg. He comes of an old family, and I recollect
+when his position was as good as ours. But he muddled his money away.
+He always affected the society of those sportsmen who are ready to do
+anybody. He made the mistake of regarding everybody as a fool except
+himself, and naturally he came to grief. Those fellows always do."
+
+"But he belongs to one or two good clubs," May protested.
+
+"Oh, I know that. He was never actually found out. He was mixed up in
+one or two very queer transactions, but contrived to keep clear of
+trouble himself. There are scores of men who meet him on familiar terms,
+but precious few ask him to their houses. Still, the girl is coming
+here, and we must make the best of it. But I wouldn't ask her again if I
+were you. You can easily drop the acquaintance after the next week or
+so."
+
+May discreetly refrained from discussing the matter further. There was a
+strong vein of loyalty in her nature. She liked Alice Carden, and was
+not disposed to visit any of the father's shortcomings on the daughter.
+She had almost forgotten what Sir George said during her drive to the
+station. It was a crisp day, and a frosty sun was shining. There was an
+exhilaration in the air almost like champagne. Before the station was
+reached May put her troubles behind her, not a very difficult matter for
+a girl in her twentieth year who boasts of a fine constitution and a
+perfect flow of animal spirits. Her cheeks were glowing, her eyes
+sparkling, as she advanced to meet Alice Carden.
+
+"I thought I would come for you myself," she said. "I brought a cart
+which I am driving. Now if you will pick out your boxes we'll get a
+porter to put them in the trap for you."
+
+"My boxes," Alice laughed. "Behold my humble belongings. I have come
+down here with one dress-basket which contains all the finery I have. I
+hope you haven't many dinner parties and that kind of thing, for,
+positively, I have only one evening dress, and I am afraid that that is
+hopelessly out of date. Still, if you have any special functions, it
+will be easy to plead a convenient headache."
+
+May laughed as she took up the reins.
+
+"Calm yourself," she said. "I assure you there will be nothing of that
+sort. We have dropped out of gaieties. For one thing, most of our old
+friends have left the neighbourhood, and my father doesn't care for new
+people. We three will probably dine alone every night of your stay, and
+we can ride and drive, and I can give you a day or two with the hounds
+if you like."
+
+Alice Carden protested sincerely that she wanted nothing better. It was
+pleasant to find herself once more driving down the country roads behind
+a good horse. It was like old times when she came to Haredale Park and
+surveyed the room which had been appropriated to her use. It was exactly
+as her father had described. Here was the old oak, the long rambling
+passages, the china and pictures and ancient furniture, all in the
+setting where they had been fixed the best part of two centuries ago.
+Here was the open landscape in front of the mullioned windows. Here were
+the woods and fields and lawns, and in the distance the stables where
+Sir George Haredale's stud led its luxurious existence.
+
+It was pleasant to sit in the dining-room before a well-appointed lunch
+with the fine silver on the table, the vases of flowers, and the
+beautiful glass. Whatever Sir George's feelings on the subject of his
+daughter's guest were, there was nothing in his manner to which the girl
+could take exception. He was natural, courtly and charming, as he always
+was, and appeared to take the keenest pleasure in Alice Carden's
+arrival. So far as she could see, there was no sign of trouble, no grim
+shadow to forecast the ruin hanging over the house. The butler and a
+footman or two moved about the room. The sunshine poured through the
+painted windows. Altogether it was a household to be envied. Alice's
+spirits rose accordingly. She meant thoroughly to enjoy herself, and
+when lunch was over professed herself willing to fall in with any plan
+May had to suggest.
+
+"Well, let us have a ride," the latter said. "We will go over the Downs
+towards the sea and come back by Seton Manor. Now run away and get your
+habit on. I will have a horse saddled for you which is not too fresh.
+You used to be a daring rider at one time, but it is as well to begin
+cautiously. In a day or two you shall have a hunter after your own
+heart."
+
+They rode out in the keen sunshine and broke across the wide expanse of
+Downs, and Alice Carden gave herself up to the exquisite enjoyment of
+the hour. It was good to feel the elastic movement of the cob, to listen
+to the thud of his hoofs on the turf and catch the breeze streaming in
+her face. They turned presently as the sun was setting, and jogged more
+quietly homewards. A little later, as they came to Seton Manor, a string
+of horses clothed and hooded were turning into the stables. Alice pulled
+up.
+
+"Who lives there?" she asked.
+
+Some colour crept into May Haredale's cheeks.
+
+"Our neighbour, Mr. Copley," she explained. "He is a newcomer and a
+great lover of horses; he is very rich, having made a large fortune in
+South Africa, and I suppose this is one way of getting rid of his
+income. Like most beginners at the game, he has hardly any good horses,
+but that is probably because he hasn't time to look after them himself."
+
+"Is he a friend of yours?" Alice asked.
+
+"Oh, well, he comes over to Haredale Park pretty frequently. My father
+has struck up a sort of intimacy with him. Between ourselves, I detest
+the man. He goes everywhere in virtue of his money, but he is not a
+gentleman, as anybody can see. I am going to tell you a secret, Alice,
+which you must not tell to a soul. Mr. Copley is anxious to marry me.
+Needless to say, I have given him very little encouragement."
+
+"Of course, you wouldn't," Alice said. "You haven't forgotten what you
+used to tell me at school. Don't you remember how you confided in me
+about Harry Fielden, and how you used to read part of his letters? I
+never knew what became of him."
+
+"No, I never told you. Well, perhaps I will to-night before we go to
+bed. It was a very unfortunate business altogether. There was nothing
+wrong about Harry. He was merely very reckless and extravagant, and got
+rid of his money and went abroad. He hadn't a single penny left, and
+there was an end of my romance. It sounds very commonplace, but it is
+just as serious to me as if it were one of those pretty stories we read
+in books. So now Harry has nothing and I have nothing, and some day or
+other I shall end, I suppose, in marrying a man for the sake of a home.
+But you may be certain it won't be Mr. Raymond Copley."
+
+"How very sad!" Alice said sympathetically. "Do you ever see Mr.
+Fielden?"
+
+"Oh, yes," May laughed unsteadily. "In fact, he is coming towards us
+now."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+A STRANGE VISITOR
+
+
+Interest as well as sympathy lit up Alice Carden's eyes. She looked with
+something more than curiosity at the well-set-up young man who came
+striding across the turf towards them. May reached over and laid an
+impressive hand upon her friend's arm.
+
+"I am not sure I meant to tell you so much," she whispered. "I spoke on
+the spur of the moment. Harry came back to England unexpectedly a little
+time ago, and I met him by accident in London. It was a bit romantic in
+its way, but I'll tell you about that later. He came down here to his
+old home to get some of his belongings, and, to his surprise, nobody
+recognized him. I was the only person who knew him, excepting an old
+stud-groom who had been in the employ of the Fieldens for the last fifty
+years. When he found that no one knew him, he thought he might procure
+some congenial occupation in his own neighbourhood. It was part of the
+same romance that he should obtain this employment at the hands of Mr.
+Copley. But, of course, he does not pass in his own name. Please to
+recollect that he is Mr. Field. Now, my dear, you have the whole story
+in a nutshell. It is like the plot of a novel. I am the beautiful
+heroine, beloved by the rich bounder, while my heart is given to the
+handsome penniless young man of good family who is in the villain's
+employ. Don't think me heartless because I speak so lightly of it, and
+don't forget to behave as if I had not told you this story. Mr. Field is
+an old friend of ours, and that's the only thing you have to remember."
+
+Alice Carden promised to act discreetly. There was no time to say more,
+for Fielden was beside them, and Alice found herself bowing to him as if
+he were a new acquaintance.
+
+"You have not been here before?" he asked.
+
+"This is my first visit to Haredale," Alice said. "But I have seen you
+before, Mr. Field. Don't you remember you were with my father and Sir
+George at Mirst Park a day or two ago? We were not introduced then."
+
+"Oh, I have not forgotten it," Fielden laughed. "I understand you are an
+old friend of May's, I mean Miss Haredale's. Would you mind if I came
+over to-night after dinner?"
+
+May flashed a glance at the speaker.
+
+"We shall be delighted," she said. "I fancy my father told me he
+expected Mr. Copley, too."
+
+Fielden said nothing for a moment or two; then it suddenly occurred to
+him that he had forgotten an important matter which would detain him
+that evening. He understood what May had hinted to him. He knew it was
+hardly prudent for him to be much at Haredale Park whilst Copley was in
+the neighbourhood. By way of turning the conversation, he suggested that
+the girls should dismount and inspect the stables.
+
+"Nothing I should like better," Alice cried.
+
+"Then come on," Fielden said eagerly. "Let me help you down. You will
+find the stables everything to be desired. They are modern, luxurious,
+and nothing appears to have been overlooked. From first to last they
+must have cost about twice as much as the house. We have a dozen helpers
+more than are necessary; indeed, things are conducted on a most lavish
+scale."
+
+"And the horses?" Alice asked. "Are they----"
+
+"Well, as to the horses, the less said about them the better. They are a
+pretty moderate lot. Perhaps later we may weed them out a bit. But come
+and see for yourself."
+
+It was growing dusk by the time the inspection was over. Then the two
+girls walked back towards the archway which led into the wide
+stable-yard. Outside the gate two of the stable helps were engaged in an
+altercation with a seedy-looking tramp in an advanced state of
+intoxication.
+
+"Excuse me for a moment," Fielden said, "I must see what is wrong. Now,
+my man, what are you doing here?"
+
+It was easy for the girls to notice what was going on and to hear every
+word that was said. At the tones of authority in Fielden's voice the
+tramp looked up and made a ludicrous effort to pull himself together.
+Over his right eye there was a fresh cut, from which the blood was
+trickling. The helpers, too, showed signs of punishment, and a desire to
+fling out the stranger, but they dropped back as Fielden appeared.
+
+"I came to see Mr. Copley," the tramp said.
+
+"Mr. Copley isn't here," Fielden said curtly. "Still, if you want him,
+it would be as well to ask for him in a proper manner. What do you mean
+by pushing yourself forward in this fashion?"
+
+"I didn't," the tramp said sulkily. "I never said nothing to these men
+till they ordered me out, and one of them shoved up against me. I don't
+stand that from any one, guv'nor, and so I tell you. If you don't
+believe me, try it on yourself."
+
+Fielden was conscious that the blood was mounting into his cheeks. He
+returned for a moment to where the two girls were standing and walked
+with them into the road.
+
+"I think you had better leave us," he said. "I must give that fellow a
+lesson, and this is no place for either of you."
+
+"I hope you won't get hurt," Alice Carden said. "It is curious, but I
+know that man quite well by sight. He used to be in my father's
+regiment; in fact, he was his servant. He comes to our rooms in London
+occasionally and my father helps him with a few coppers and some clothes
+now and again. I am afraid it is another case of degradation caused by
+drink."
+
+"It looks like it," Fielden said. "This man was probably one of the
+Major's racing-touts, one of those broken-down creatures occasionally
+employed on more or less shady jobs. But he must be taught decent
+manners. I don't think you need be afraid for me. I'll try to come over
+to lunch to-morrow."
+
+Fielden saluted the two girls and returned to the spot where the tramp
+was swaying about defiantly.
+
+"Now what do you want?" he demanded once more.
+
+"What do I want?" the fellow sneered. "Well, I want a sovereign, and I
+am not going till I get it. If Mr. Copley was here I could have ten
+sovereigns. Yes, and he would be glad to pay me, too. You think, because
+I have been unfortunate that I can't get any money. You are wrong, young
+man, you are wrong."
+
+"Well, you won't get any here," Fielden said. "If you have anything to
+say to Mr. Copley you had better wait. He will be here at five o'clock,
+but you must wait outside."
+
+"Me wait outside! Who are you talking to? I don't wait for no man, not
+even for Raymond Copley. I have got to get back to London to-night
+anyhow. You just give me a sovereign or two and tell Mr. Copley you've
+done it. Tell him if I have any more of this sort of thing he had best
+look for somebody else to play building houses with fruit baskets in
+Covent Garden. Tell him that. If I have any more of this to put up with
+he can get somebody else to monkey with his fruit baskets. You needn't
+say more than that."
+
+In spite of the man's intoxication he knew what he was talking about,
+and was plainly desirous of conveying something definite. There was a
+malignant look in his eye which Fielden did not fail to notice.
+
+"Oh, be off," he said impatiently. "I won't have any row here. Are you
+going, or shall I turn you out?"
+
+The intruder answered with a furious oath. He was anxious, he said, to
+see any man on the face of the earth who could do a job like that. He
+lurched violently at Fielden, and the next moment was sprawling on his
+back with the haziest knowledge of what had happened. Then, at a sign
+from Fielden, the two helpers took him by the shoulders and legs and
+carried him into the road. He rose muttering and threatening. He shook
+his fist towards the stables and lurched off until he was swallowed up
+by the darkness. Quite unconscious that his knuckles were cut and
+bleeding Fielden went about his work. It was only when Copley himself
+appeared and asked what had happened that Fielden looked at his damaged
+hand.
+
+"Oh, that's nothing," he laughed. "A tramp came here not long since
+asking for you and demanding a sovereign or two as if you were his
+banker. The fellow was insolent, and I had to knock him down, but I had
+no idea my knuckles were cut. Needless to say the man didn't get his
+sovereign, though he did leave a queer message for you. It is
+astonishing what strange things men say when they are in liquor."
+
+"And what did this one say?" Copley asked.
+
+"Oh, he said if he could see you he would get as many pounds as he
+liked. He went on to remark that if he had to put up with any more of
+this you could find somebody else to monkey with your fruit baskets at
+Covent Garden. Idiotic, wasn't it?"
+
+Fielden spoke carelessly, but he kept an eye upon Copley. He saw the
+latter start, remarked the queer look on his face, and how his eyes
+gleamed with anger.
+
+"Absurd," he said. "I suppose the fellow thinks I am interested in
+Covent Garden. But there is no accounting for the vagaries of a drunken
+man. Anyway, it's not worth thinking about. Anything fresh to report?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+THE DERELICT
+
+
+Raymond Copley went back into the house in a thoughtful mood. The
+much-envied and much-talked-of millionaire was not particularly happy.
+He had a good deal to occupy his attention and had reached a crisis in
+his affairs which was likely to prove awkward unless something turned up
+speedily. It was easy, as he often cynically observed, to obtain almost
+unlimited credit upon the strength of his fictitious wealth, but
+exceedingly difficult to raise even a hundred pounds in the City. He had
+practically no security to offer his bankers, and dared not do anything
+that would suggest to an outsider that he was in want of ready cash. One
+or two of his schemes lately had ended in failure, and, so far as he
+could see, it was almost impossible for him to hold out for the month
+which intervened between now and the next meeting at Mirst Park.
+
+Now here was a fresh cause of annoyance which he had not anticipated.
+Unfortunately for the ultimate success of Copley's schemes, they
+necessitated the employment of more than one subordinate, and these
+subordinates had to be paid. Moreover, they were drawn unavoidably from
+the refuse of the population, so that they were a standing source of
+danger, for it is hazardous to depend upon people who are usually ready
+to sell their services to the highest bidder. One of them had been so
+audacious as to turn up at the very gates of Seton Manor and demand
+money. Luckily, he had not said enough to rouse suspicions. His remarks
+to Fielden might easily be ignored as the ravings of a drunken wretch.
+Certainly they did not convey much intelligence. So far all was safe.
+
+But it was a warning, and a warning that Copley did not care to
+disregard. Happily, he thought, Fielden was not a curious man, or he
+might have inquired farther into the incident. He might even have been
+disposed to speculate a sovereign or two, and the tramp might have been
+in a sufficiently reckless mood to sell information at that price. The
+thing must be looked into at once.
+
+Foster sprawled in the library with a copy of the _Sportsman_ in his
+hand and a cigarette in his mouth. He looked up carelessly at his
+employer, but seeing there was something amiss put down the paper and
+waited for Copley to speak.
+
+"What has gone wrong?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, everything," Copley said savagely. "Has a single thing gone
+straight since the Mirst Park meeting? Here am I in a big house,
+furnished regardless of expense, with scores of tradesmen tumbling over
+one another to serve me, and yet I haven't a ten-pound note to call my
+own. As if that was not bad enough, that blackguard Chaffey has turned
+up here."
+
+"I suppose he wants money," Foster asked.
+
+"Well, that was the idea, no doubt. I didn't see him myself, but I
+understand he was drunk and objectionable, and Field turned him out.
+They had a bit of a scrimmage, and I hope Field gave the fellow a
+lesson. At any rate, he went off quietly in the end."
+
+"Then why worry?" Foster said.
+
+"Why worry? What a question! I forgot to tell you the worst. Chaffey
+came here demanding money. He said if I had been at home he could have
+got as much as he wanted. Imagine what Field must have thought. He would
+conclude that I was under obligations to the scamp, but, as you know, I
+haven't exchanged a dozen words with him. Everything has been done
+through you, and I must say I can't congratulate you on your choice."
+
+"You never do when things go wrong," Foster retorted. "Would you have
+had me employ a gentleman? Did you want a man of intelligence, who would
+have asked many questions of himself. Chaffey is the man for us. But you
+are making a great fuss about nothing."
+
+"Well, what do you think of this? Chaffey told Field that if he had any
+more of this sort of thing I could get somebody else to monkey with my
+fruit baskets in Covent Garden. Ah, I thought you would change your
+tune. Imagine a remark like that in a sporting public-house! Scores of
+people would smell a rat instantly. They would get on the track of
+money-making, especially if Chaffey happened to mention my name in
+connexion with the affair. If they only found him with money and plied
+him with drink, he would tell them all he knew."
+
+"Which is precious little," Foster said coolly, as he lighted a fresh
+cigarette. "Chaffey doesn't really know anything. Still, we must make
+him understand that we won't stand this kind of thing. What do you
+propose to do?"
+
+"Why, follow him, of course. He can't be far away. He is sure to have
+gone to some pothouse. He went down the London Road, and the best thing
+is to go after him at once. Let us take the car and make excuses that we
+shan't be back in time for dinner. You think I am making much ado about
+nothing. But my nerves are not what they used to be. Come along."
+
+Foster made no objection. In truth he was almost as uneasy as his
+employer. By and by they were rolling along the road in a car, stopping
+under some pretext or other at every public-house. They came presently
+to a small place where they heard news of the man they were after. He
+had left a short time before; in fact, he had been violently ejected,
+because he had no money to pay for the drink he had consumed. Half a
+mile farther on the motorists espied a shadowy outline staggering down
+the middle of the road and lurching from side to side, singing as he
+went.
+
+"That's the man," Foster whispered. "Stop the car and I'll get out and
+tackle him."
+
+The tramp paused when he found himself within the radius of the powerful
+lights. He stood trying to collect his scattered senses, until, finally,
+he got some hazy idea of whom he was talking to. His face grew hard and
+sullen, and he looked none the better for a swollen eye and a cut
+forehead.
+
+"Oh, it's you, is it?" he said. "This is a nice way to treat a
+gentleman. Here am I, miles away from my happy home and not a penny in
+my pocket."
+
+"What are you doing here?" Foster asked.
+
+"That, sir," said the tramp with great dignity, "is my business. I have
+private occupations of which you know nothing. You are taking advantage
+of my poverty. Don't forget that I was in as good a position as yourself
+at one time."
+
+"You might easily be better," Foster said contemptuously. "Still, you
+haven't told me what brings you here, and why you made a disturbance at
+Seton Manor."
+
+"I was at the Lington Meeting," Chaffey answered. "I lost all I had and
+was tramping back to London when I recollected that Mr. Copley lived
+close by. I thought I would borrow a pound or two from him, and that's
+why I called. It would have been all right but for those stable men.
+Would you care to be treated like a dog? I lost my temper. You'd have
+lost yours if you had been in my place. And that's all about it. I don't
+want to make any trouble if you treat me properly. Give me a few pounds
+and I'll go back to London the first thing in the morning."
+
+"I'll give you money if you return to-night," Foster said curtly. "Get
+in the car and we'll drive you as far as Maley Junction. Come on."
+
+"I will not come on," Chaffey said with an assumption of his old
+dignity. "You give me the money and I'll go to town early in the
+morning. I can't go before, because I have heard something. There's a
+trial coming off here to-morrow morning, and I am bound to see it. You
+don't suppose I live on what I get from you. If the trial turns out as I
+hope it will, it will put a lump in my pocket. Now what is the good of
+standing frowning at me like that? I tell you I'm not going back to
+London to-night. I won't go till eight o'clock to-morrow morning. If you
+don't help me, I know a man who will give me a tenner cheerfully to hear
+how I monkey with the fruit baskets in Covent Garden. But do as you
+please. I don't mind lying in a ditch till morning, and I don't mind
+tramping to town to-morrow. It wouldn't be the first time I've done
+both. Not that I want to quarrel with you, Mr. Foster; if you do the
+fair thing by me, I'll do the fair thing by you. Give me a quid or two
+so that I can get some supper and a bed, and I'll promise not to come
+near Seton Manor again. What's more, if the trial turns out all right,
+I'll send a message to Mr. Copley."
+
+"Oh, give him money and let him have his way," Copley cried impatiently.
+"There isn't much chance of drumming sense into him to-night."
+
+A whispered conversation between Copley and Foster followed, then three
+sovereigns changed hands and Chaffey departed along the road with the
+air of a man who has an object in life.
+
+"You have done the right thing," he said. "I knew you would, when you
+came to think of it, and I'll let Mr. Copley know all about the trial.
+Good-night, gentlemen, and good luck to you."
+
+So Chaffey vanished into the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+A SECOND TRIAL
+
+
+Despite his cheery optimism, Joe Raffle did not appear so gay as usual.
+He seemed to have something on his mind, and those under him noticed
+that now and then he spoke with a sharpness that was not customary. In
+fact, the groom was troubled. He had been glad to see his old master
+again and to know that his small conspiracy looked like setting Harry
+Fielden on his feet once more. But when he came to review the position
+of affairs he did not feel absolutely satisfied, though he had done
+nobody a wrong, nor had calculated on putting a single penny in his
+pocket. On the contrary, he had been convinced that he was doing a most
+disinterested action.
+
+But in the light of the past few days everything looked different.
+Raffle was by no means blind to what was going on around him. There was
+plenty of gossip in the stables, for some degree of friendship between
+the lads at Haredale Park and those at Seton Manor was inevitable, and
+it was an open secret that there might possibly be an alliance between
+the two houses. It was plain to Raffle's keen eyes that May Haredale
+disliked Raymond Copley intensely and that Sir George was doing all he
+could to remove this objection. Raffle guessed, too, pretty accurately
+what was the state of Harry Fielden's feelings, and saw that if this
+marriage took place his little scheme would be worse than useless. If
+Fielden had not turned up again it would not have mattered. But as it
+was the large fortune which Sir George was about to annex seemed likely
+to go into the pockets of Raymond Copley.
+
+Joe hated Raymond Copley with all the contempt that an old sportsman has
+for an ignorant dabbler in the great game. He knew that Copley cared
+nothing for racing for its own sake, that he kept his stable only to
+give himself importance in the eyes of his neighbours. Raffle was not
+aware that the Seton Manor stud was a blind to cover the conspiracies
+hatched between Copley and Foster, but he knew enough to set his teeth
+on edge and to make him determined to stop this hateful marriage if he
+could. It was gall and wormwood to feel that after all he had been
+working and planning for the advantage of Copley. He knew that Harry
+Fielden would have some delicacy in interfering and believed it likely
+that, if May consented to become Copley's wife, he would forbid Raffle
+to say a word about the real ownership of the Blenheim colt.
+
+This was bad, but worse was to follow. For the last two or three days
+the colt had been off his feed, and Raffle thought he was developing
+symptoms of staleness. To settle this point, he arranged for another
+early morning trial. He had confided his intention to a couple of his
+trusty helpers, who fondly imagined that no one knew of it but
+themselves. But these things leak out in stables, and in some mysterious
+way the projected trial reached the ears of Chaffey, who, when he chose
+to tear himself away from his beloved bars, was one of the cleverest
+touts that ever worried a stable. After parting from Copley and Foster,
+he staggered along cheerfully till he came to a roadside public-house,
+where he obtained a shakedown for the night. The thirst for drink was
+upon him--indeed, it was seldom or never absent--but he managed to put a
+check upon himself, and retired to bed with strict injunctions to be
+called at daybreak. In the morning he rose a trembling wreck, his tongue
+cleaved to the roof of his mouth, his nerves were a-quiver, but, by a
+supreme effort, he kept himself from the drink which called to him so
+strongly. The smell of it in the dingy public-house appealed to him
+mockingly, but he thrust the fierce desire aside and stole off to the
+Downs with splitting head and aching brows. He resolved to make up for
+his sufferings later. With luck he would be in London soon after nine
+o'clock. An hour later he would have sold his valuable information, and
+then--well, then, he would enjoy himself after the manner of his kind.
+
+Having concealed himself in a patch of gorse, he waited with what
+patience he could for the trial. It was a long and weary vigil, but
+presently he heard the muffled tramp of horses and the sound of voices.
+Cautiously Chaffey raised himself and peeped out. He knew he was hiding
+just behind the winning-post. The solitary figure standing there was
+familiar to him. With a grin he recognized Fielden.
+
+In the distance he could see two horses flashing along, and as they drew
+nearer he made out the fine dashing outline of the Blenheim colt. He had
+never seen that noble animal before, but his keen instinct told him he
+was not mistaken. He forgot his aches, pains, and everything else in the
+excitement of the moment. He saw the Blenheim colt holding his own,
+sailing along with a free and easy stride, and then suddenly, within a
+hundred yards or so of the gorse bushes, the other horse came away and
+finished many lengths ahead. The colt had a peculiar action that Chaffey
+did not fail to notice.
+
+"They are right," he said, "the colt's queer. My word! it was well I
+came here this morning. This will be five and twenty pounds in my
+pocket. And if I have any luck that bloomin' Copley can get somebody
+else to look after his fruit baskets. I've had enough of it."
+
+Chaffey dropped down as he saw Raffle coming up to the winning-post.
+The horses had been led away, and nobody could hear what Fielden and his
+companion and Mallow had to say.
+
+"This is a bad business," Harry observed.
+
+"Looks like it, sir," Raffle said gloomily. "I can't make out what's
+wrong with the colt. I thought I knew all about horses, but this puzzles
+me. He seemed quite right a day or two ago, and I can't see now what's
+wrong."
+
+"Oh, there's plenty of time," Fielden said cheerfully. "I daresay you'll
+manage to make him fit for the Guineas. It is a good thing I didn't take
+your advice and back him. I am glad the money I got for the library is
+still in the bank."
+
+The stud-groom shook his head obstinately.
+
+"I don't think you are right, sir," he said. "I still believe in the
+colt and, as you say, there is heaps of time between now and the
+Guineas. Of course, I must tell Sir George, and a fine state he'll be
+in, I expect. Just think what a difference that colt will make if he
+wins. And yet you refuse, sir, to benefit by so much as a penny."
+
+"Why should I?" Fielden asked. "Practically the horse doesn't belong to
+me. Legally, I suppose, he does, and I have no doubt I could put in a
+successful claim. But the colt was only a yearling when I went away. He
+has been trained in Mallow's stable and by Sir George's man."
+
+"I never call myself that, sir," Raffle muttered.
+
+"Ah, but you are, Joe, morally speaking. You have accepted service under
+him, and you take his money. I know you have behaved exceedingly well to
+me. I know you have meant everything for the best, and I thank you for
+it. But I cannot interfere. Can't you see that I am in honour bound----"
+
+"In honour bound to stand by and see Mr. Copley marry Miss Haredale?"
+Raffle asked indignantly. "I am sure I beg your pardon. I forgot myself.
+I had no business to speak like that to you. But that is what it is
+coming to. Here have I been working and scheming and keeping my mouth
+shut to put a matter of a hundred thousand pounds into Mr. Copley's
+pockets."
+
+"If the colt wins," Fielden suggested.
+
+"Oh, he'll be all right, sir. It is only a matter of a few days, but if
+this thing gets talked about, why, the colt will go bang down in the
+betting and we shall all make fortunes with the outlay of a few pounds.
+There is another thing I must tell you. You see, it is like this----"
+
+Raffle turned away as he spoke, and Fielden followed him, so that the
+figure eagerly listening behind the gorse bush could hear no more.
+Though, on the whole, he had had an exceedingly fortunate morning, he
+bitterly regretted that the deeply-interesting conversation had been cut
+short just at the point when he might have picked up information that
+might have made his fortune.
+
+"I wonder what they're talking about?" he muttered, as he limped
+painfully and slowly across the Downs towards Seton Manor. "I suppose I
+had better give Mr. Copley a tip. I can send it to him from one of these
+pubs. He doesn't deserve any consideration from me, but it will be worth
+a fiver later. Now for breakfast and just one drink--only one before I
+get back to London and draw my money. There will be plenty of time for
+fun this evening. What a fool I've been! If I could only have kept off
+that accursed liquor I should have had a stud of my own by this time."
+
+With this philosophy on his lips Chaffey turned into the bar of the
+nearest public-house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+DRIVING IT HOME
+
+
+Copley sat at the breakfast-table waiting for Foster to come down. He
+had glanced impatiently through his letters, none of which appeared to
+be particularly interesting. Then he picked up a repulsive-looking
+envelope that lay by the side of his plate. The envelope was greasy and
+forbidding, though the handwriting upon it was fairly neat and clear, if
+a trifle unsteady. Copley was on the point of pitching it into the fire,
+feeling pretty sure it was something in the nature of a begging epistle,
+when he changed his mind and opened it.
+
+"Dear sir," it ran, "I was on the Downs this morning and saw the trial I
+was speaking to you about last night. Sir George's head man thought it a
+dead secret, but I had had it from a sure quarter, and I saw the race
+between the Blenheim colt and another at half-past seven. The colt was
+quite stale, and, if I am any judge of such matters, I think it will
+take all their time to wind him up for the Guineas. I thought you would
+like to know this, because, properly handled, there is money in it.
+Perhaps it may be worth a five-pound note to me the next time we meet."
+
+There was no signature to this document, but Copley guessed where it
+came from. He rose from the table and stood for a while thinking this
+over. There was money in the tidings, but not in the way hinted at by
+Chaffey.
+
+"Anything fresh?" Foster asked, as he attacked his breakfast with zest.
+"You look rather pleased about something."
+
+"Well, I am," Copley said, with a sinister smile he found it hard to
+conceal. "I've got something here that looks like good business if we
+can only hold on a bit longer. As you know, we don't quite agree as to
+how Sir George Haredale is to be handled. If I went to him boldly and
+told him that he must scratch the Blenheim colt, do you think he would
+consent if he saw I was in earnest? My opinion is he would kick me out
+of the house. But there is another way of working it, and for the hint I
+have to thank Chaffey, of all people in the world. Here is a note from
+him."
+
+"Wants more money," Foster said with his mouth full.
+
+"Not for the moment, at any rate. He thinks his information is worth a
+prospective fiver. As a matter of fact, it is invaluable. You know he
+told us last night that he wasn't going away till he witnessed a trial
+this morning. He has seen it, and this letter gives me the result. The
+trial was that of the Blenheim colt. Chaffey says it will take them all
+their time to get him fit for the Guineas, even if they can manage it.
+Chaffey is probably in town by now, and has no doubt sold his
+information to some smart bookmaker. By this time to-morrow the Blenheim
+colt will be knocked out of the betting, and one will be able to get any
+price one likes. When this becomes public property Sir George will be
+justified in scratching the colt. He could say he had no hopes now of
+winning the Derby, and has taken this step solely on behalf of the
+public. Everybody will believe him. No questions will be asked, and his
+conduct will be regarded as most sportsmanlike. Do you see what I am
+driving at?"
+
+"By Jove!" Foster exclaimed. "That is really smart of you. As Sir George
+backed his colt at long prices the money loss will be small. You can
+arrange as to the money Sir George owes you, and directly the pen is put
+through the colt's name we shall be masters of a hundred thousand
+pounds. It isn't so much as we expected, but we shall be able to draw
+the money during the next few days, and then be in a position to carry
+on a war against the bookmakers till we have made as much as we like.
+Things are entirely in your hands. You have only to put it plainly to
+Sir George and offer to cancel his mortgages, and the thing is done.
+He'll fall in with your suggestion readily. He only wants the excuse to
+get out. You'll want to handle him carefully, of course. But every man
+has his price, and I don't believe Haredale is any exception to the
+rule."
+
+"I'll do it to-day," Copley muttered.
+
+"That's right," Foster said approvingly, "there's nothing like striking
+while the iron is hot. But if I were you I'd run up to town first and
+give Absalom & Co. a hint to put the screw on without delay. What you
+have to do is thoroughly to frighten Sir George, who will probably send
+for you, and see if he can't arrange terms. We had better motor to
+London at once. It might be as well to get Absalom's people to send a
+man down this afternoon to let Sir George know that business is meant.
+By the time we get back this evening there will be a note from Sir
+George asking you to go over and see him. If not, I am no prophet."
+
+On the best of terms with themselves the conspirators started for town
+half an hour later, and before eleven o'clock Copley was closeted with
+the principal of the well-known financial house of Absalom & Co.
+Apparently the interview was to his satisfaction, for he soon made his
+way to the Post Club. Foster joined him at lunch, and up to four o'clock
+they amused themselves by making small wagers on the day's racing. Soon
+after five one of the waiters came into the smoking-room and informed
+Copley that a gentleman was waiting to see him.
+
+He went downstairs to find Mr. Absalom in the ante-room. The latter
+smiled as he heard the clicking of the machines.
+
+"Do you do anything in that way?" Copley asked.
+
+"Not I," the visitor laughed. "I leave that to the fools who have more
+money than sense. If there were no such thing as a horse or a bet I
+should be deprived of nine-tenths of my clients, and instead of being a
+rich man, I should be hard put to it to obtain a living. So the sport
+has all my sympathy. But I didn't come here to discuss racing. I want to
+speak to you about Sir George Haredale. I sent my manager down to see
+him."
+
+"Yes, yes," Copley said impatiently.
+
+"Oh, I won't detain you longer than I can help. My manager saw Sir
+George and had a long conversation with him. He was inclined to be high
+and mighty at first, but we soon changed all that. He was very anxious
+to know why you had transferred your debt to us, and we told him, of
+course, that you were engaged in very big speculations which called for
+all the ready capital you could lay your hands upon. We also hinted that
+we were finding money tight, and gave him to know that unless the cash
+was paid within a week, we should have to avail ourselves of our rights
+and place a man in possession at Haredale Park. That rather knocked the
+old gentleman off his balance. My manager said he was quite civil after
+that, and intimated his intention to do everything he could. But, at
+the same time, he appears to be very much annoyed with you. He thinks
+you have not treated him fairly, and seems to hope that when he has seen
+you he can arrange matters. Of course, he hasn't the least idea that we
+are merely dummies, so if you change your mind you can telephone to us
+and we will sit tight. He said he expected to see you this evening."
+
+Copley nodded approvingly. There was no need for hurry, for he knew that
+the longer Sir George Haredale thought over the matter, the more likely
+he was to yield in the end. After thanking Absalom, who went his way, he
+sent for Foster.
+
+"It's all right," he said when the latter came downstairs. "Absalom's
+people have seen Sir George, and have left him in a state of blue funk.
+I think the best thing we can do is to let him think it over for a day
+or two, because the longer he dwells upon the prospect before him the
+more likely he will be to listen to any terms I choose to offer. But we
+can talk this over after dinner. Let's get back to Seton Manor. By the
+way, I suppose you have dealt with those commissions. Did you manage to
+lay any money against the Blenheim colt to advantage? Has the trial
+leaked out yet?"
+
+"I managed to get a good lump on," Foster explained. "I fancy the story
+is getting known. According to one of the papers, the Blenheim colt has
+gone back to six to one. I think we have done as much as we can. At any
+rate, the money is as good as in our pockets."
+
+At Seton Manor Copley and his accomplice sat down to dinner in higher
+spirits and with better appetite than they had displayed for some time.
+There was nothing to trouble them. They had netted a huge sum of money
+without the slightest risk, and, what was more to the point, they would
+be in a position to handle it in the course of a few days. There was a
+good deal of flavour in Copley's cigar as he lay back in his seat
+sipping his coffee. A moment or two later a footman came in with a note
+on a tray. Copley smiled as he tore open the envelope, and intimated to
+the servant that he need not wait.
+
+"From the Baronet?" Foster grinned.
+
+"You've guessed it," Copley replied. "He wants me to go over at once on
+most important business."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+HONOUR BRIGHT
+
+
+As time passed Sir George Haredale began to think that trouble was
+really before him. He had not the least pretence to be a business man.
+He had always been prone to take people at their own valuation. He would
+never have done anything dishonest or underhanded, and he paid his
+fellow-men a similar compliment. He had never counted the cost of
+anything, for the simple reason that he had never been taught to. If he
+wanted a thing he got it. If he couldn't pay for anything he simply owed
+for it. When, from time to time, his creditors grew pressing, he gave
+his lawyers instructions to raise another mortgage, and there, so far as
+he was concerned, was an end of the whole transaction.
+
+It does not take long, especially with two or three generations of
+similar incapacity, seriously to embarrass even so fine an estate as
+Haredale Park. The day came at length when Sir George was under the
+painful necessity of facing the inevitable, when his worried lawyer told
+him a few plain truths, and he realized that his income was barely
+sufficient to live upon. Unfortunately, at this crisis, an occasional
+run of luck on the turf had relieved the pressure, and it occurred to
+Sir George as a brilliant idea that here was a source of permanent
+income. Then luck ran steadily against him, as it always does sooner or
+later, and at the time Sir George made the acquaintance of Copley he was
+literally at his wits' end to know what to do.
+
+It was a misfortune, though a disguised one, that Copley in his
+headstrong way should fall in love with May Haredale. He had gone about
+his wooing in characteristic fashion, and had recognized that, unless he
+were in a position to force the pace, his suit was hopeless. Hence he
+had helped Sir George, although he needed every penny he had for
+himself. At that time Copley did not see his way to get it all back and
+a great deal more. But now he had the consolation of knowing that he
+would come out all right, whether May Haredale became his wife or not.
+
+He was playing his game with wonted caution and cunning. In response to
+Sir George's note, he pleaded some excuse, and on one pretext or other
+kept clear of Haredale Park for the best part of a week. He knew how to
+play his fish. He knew that delay was in his favour, and was not going
+to spoil his triumph by undue haste.
+
+Sir George was thoroughly frightened. The interview with Messrs.
+Absalom's manager came in the light of a revelation to him. He realized
+that he was in Copley's power, and that the latter could ruin him
+whenever he chose. Not that he expected anything of the kind. He was of
+far too sanguine a nature for that, and being a gentleman and a man of
+honour he naturally believed the story that Copley was temporarily hard
+put to it for the want of money. From that point of view, of course,
+Copley was behaving very well. He had not pressed Sir George, nor had he
+insisted that the money must be paid. In point of fact, he had not
+mentioned the matter at all.
+
+But Messrs. Absalom's manager had been emphatic enough. There was
+something in his manner which Sir George did not like. He actually had
+no respect for the aristocracy, and spoke as if money were the only
+thing in the world that mattered.
+
+"It comes to this, Sir George," he said. "We must ask you to make
+arrangements to clear this off in a week. It is business, pure and
+simple, and my people want the money. Things are not going well, and we
+must look to you to settle this claim."
+
+"Within a week?" Sir George cried. "Impossible!"
+
+The shrewd manager shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I am sorry to hear you say that, Sir George," he replied. "In that
+case, we must take matters into our own hands and sell you up,
+including your horses in training. We shall much regret this step, but
+necessity will compel us. The best thing you can do is to consult your
+solicitors and see if you can raise a loan. Otherwise--well, I think I
+have made myself plain."
+
+The man withdrew, leaving Sir George to his own disturbed thoughts. With
+his sanguine disposition and lack of business knowledge he still clung
+to the idea that Copley would be able to put this matter right. But when
+Copley wrote that business called him elsewhere Sir George's vague sense
+of alarm began to develop into a perfect nightmare. At the expiration of
+a week the first blow fell. A man, shabbily dressed and dingy of aspect,
+called to see Sir George and would take no refusal. He stood in the hall
+grimly quiet, waiting for the master of the house, who appeared
+presently and demanded in his haughtiest manner what the intruder
+wanted.
+
+"I am here on behalf of Absalom & Co.," the intruder said. "Fact is, I
+represent the sheriff. It is no use blaming me, Sir George. I am only
+doing my duty, and it's not so pleasant, at that. But I am here in
+possession, and here I am bound by law to stay until this money is paid.
+As soon as that is done I shall be only too pleased to go away."
+
+Sir George began to understand the position. He had heard of these
+things before, but they had always appeared to be remote enough from
+him. This was what was called an execution, and Sir George's dignity
+disappeared accordingly.
+
+"This is very awkward," he said. "I had not anticipated anything like
+this. How long will you have to stay here?"
+
+"Well, it varies according to circumstances," the man explained. "It all
+depends upon what action the plaintiffs take. If they give you an
+extension of time I may be here for a month. Sometimes I have been in a
+house much longer."
+
+"A month," Sir George exclaimed, "impossible!"
+
+"It may be less than that," the man said. "If they don't give you any
+time at all I shall be gone in a week. In the ordinary course of things,
+at the expiration of seven days the sheriff will come in and sell
+everything."
+
+"Seven days!" Sir George repeated the words over and over again, as if
+he were trying to grasp their meaning. He had barely a week to find this
+money, and, if it were not forthcoming, everything he had would be
+disposed of. He would have to face the world without a penny. He
+wondered if these people would take his horses. He wondered whether
+their action would injure him in the Derby. But misfortunes never came
+singly, and it was possible that the Blenheim colt might not start for
+the historic race at all. For the moment everything lay in the hands of
+Raymond Copley. Probably he had not the slightest idea that Absalom &
+Co. had gone to these lengths. No doubt he would devise a way out of
+this disgraceful situation. It was the only chance.
+
+"If you wouldn't mind going away," Sir George said, "and coming back
+later in the day, I will see what I can do."
+
+The man smiled broadly.
+
+"Bless you! I couldn't do that," he said. "It would be as much as my
+place is worth. I might even get prosecuted, and I've a wife and family
+to think of. I dare not stir a step from here, Sir George; indeed, I
+dare not. If people treat me well I always try to give as little trouble
+as possible, and as yet nobody knows who I am and why I came. I daresay
+you can think of some excuse to account for my presence in the house."
+
+It was very humiliating, but there was nothing for it but a mild
+conspiracy between the master of Haredale and this grubby representative
+of the majesty of the law. Sir George led the way into the library.
+
+"You had better stay here," he said. "I can say you've come down from
+London on some business in connexion with the stable. By the way, it is
+just as well I should know your name. Oh, Brown, is it? Well, you had
+better remain here till I come back, and I can arrange for you to have
+your meals in the kitchen. I suppose you won't object to that?"
+
+"I shan't, if the servants don't," Brown said.
+
+"Very good. I am going to see a friend, and shall return as soon as
+possible. I suppose if you had a telegram from Absalom calling you back
+to London, you would disappear without any trouble."
+
+"Certainly, sir, and very glad to go. I have never been in a big house
+like this before, and it makes all the difference. But I'll do my best
+to save your servants from knowing who I am and what I am doing at
+Haredale Park."
+
+Possibly the speaker had some hope that this complacency would not leave
+him poorer than it found him, and, in his sanguine way, Sir George was
+already settling in his mind the size of the tip he would give this
+fellow after he had seen Copley and made arrangements to get rid of him.
+Nevertheless the master of Haredale was really distressed and alarmed as
+he made his way across the fields to Seton Manor. Perhaps Copley might
+not be back from London till dinner-time. But Copley was there. He was
+in the stable-yard talking to Foster as Sir George approached.
+
+"Here he comes," said Foster with a grin. "I thought he wouldn't be very
+long. It is any odds that Absalom's man is in possession already. Our
+friend looks rather dejected, doesn't he? Now is your time to clinch the
+business."
+
+Copley smiled his assent. "I don't think we are likely to have much
+trouble with Sir George."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+ACTING THE FRIEND
+
+
+Copley turned to his visitor with an air of surprise. He held out his
+hand with an appearance of great friendliness and began to talk about
+horses as if nothing out of the common had happened.
+
+"I am sorry I have been unable to see you," he said. "But I have been
+dreadfully harassed in business. You country gentlemen think that
+capitalists like myself have unlimited cash. Never, my dear Sir George,
+was there a greater mistake. There are times when I would give one of my
+ears for a thousand pounds in hard cash. Everything we have is locked
+up, and bankers are so chary of speculative securities. Of course, it
+comes all right in the long run, but really, for some days, matters have
+been extremely critical. However, I managed to make a satisfactory
+arrangement last night, and came home dead tired, with the full
+intention of not going near the City for two or three days. I hope there
+is nothing amiss with you. I don't suppose there is. Ah, you want to be
+in my line to know what anxiety is."
+
+"I think I've a pretty fair idea of it," Sir George said, as he shook
+hands. "You have been good enough to advise me once or twice, and I
+thought I would come over this morning and consult you about a worry of
+my own. I came on the off-chance, and esteem myself fortunate to find
+you at home."
+
+"Oh, not at all, not at all," Copley said breezily. "In fact, I was
+coming to see you. My conscience has been pricking me, and I feel I have
+been very rude. But come into the library and tell me all about it. I'll
+help you if I can."
+
+"You are exceedingly good," Sir George said gratefully. "I have had a
+most unpleasant shock this morning. It has to do with those people,
+Absalom & Co. They tell me you have transferred my debt to them. I can't
+understand it."
+
+Copley shook his head as he motioned his visitor to a chair. He passed
+over the cigars to Sir George, and sat down to listen in an attitude of
+respectful attention.
+
+"No, you wouldn't understand these things," he explained. "It is only
+the man of hard business training and instinct that can follow the
+ramifications of modern finance. Finance is a fascinating sport with
+substantial gains for the successful man, but Heaven help him who fails.
+He is bound to go to the wall, and no one has the slightest mercy for
+him. It is almost a truism to say that we are at war with one another.
+Though outwardly on good terms, we really are the bitterest enemies. It
+is part of the game. I go and stay with other financiers, and they come
+and stay with me. We drink each other's wine and smoke each other's
+cigars. We share grouse moors and yachts, we even marry each other's
+daughters. But, at the same time, it is everybody for himself. That is
+one of the recognized rules, and if you go under you may become a clerk
+or something of that kind, unless you prefer to blow out your brains. It
+is all the same in the City. I tell you this, so that you may understand
+what a lot of enemies one makes when one embarks in a new venture. It is
+a mistake to imagine that all the money the successful man makes comes
+from the public. Every time I make a quarter of a million, some of my
+friends must suffer. I have a very big thing on at present, and thought
+I had guarded myself at all points. But man is only human, and it is
+impossible to foresee everything. Two of my cleverest friends spotted
+the weak point in my armour, and were not slow to take their
+opportunity. They squeezed me to such an extent that, about a fortnight
+ago, they very nearly crushed the life out of me altogether. I was
+compelled to find forty thousand pounds at a few hours' notice. The only
+people I could think of were Absalom & Co., and I transferred your debt
+to them. My dear fellow, if I hadn't done so I should have been in the
+Bankruptcy Court to-day. Absalom & Co., in their turn, are being
+squeezed, and that is why they are putting pressure upon you."
+
+"Then you can't help me?" Sir George said blankly.
+
+"My dear Sir George, I am afraid not. It is with great regret I say
+this. In two or three weeks I shall be in funds, and if you will wait
+till then, why I shall give you my cheque with pleasure. At the moment I
+have nothing. In a month's time I shall have a fortune at my disposal.
+But probably these people won't wait."
+
+"Then I am ruined," Sir George exclaimed.
+
+Copley murmured that it looked very much like it. He made no suggestion
+at all. He merely appeared to be duly sympathetic. He was waiting for
+Sir George Haredale to realize his position. That done, it would be easy
+to play his game successfully.
+
+For a time Sir George paced up and down the library. He cursed himself
+and his bad fortune, blamed Chance, bemoaned his cruel ill luck; in
+fact, like the weak man he was, he blamed everything except the headlong
+folly and short-sighted blindness which had brought all this about. In
+the meantime, Copley sat letting his fish play until his strength was
+exhausted and he could readily be drawn to land. It was a one-sided
+battle.
+
+"Is there nothing you can suggest?" Sir George cried despairingly. "Is
+there no way of getting delay?"
+
+Copley made no reply for a time. When at length he spoke he dropped his
+voice to a persuasive whisper.
+
+"Well, there is one method," he said. "Absalom is a sportsman, and he
+takes a great interest in racing matters. Between ourselves, he finances
+some of the swell bookmakers, and I understand has a grip upon some of
+the large commission firms. If you could show him a way to make thirty
+or forty thousand pounds on a race like the Derby, you might induce him
+to withdraw his execution for a month. Though he is in a corner, or he
+wouldn't have dropped on you, the suggestion I speak of would be worth a
+sacrifice."
+
+"I don't follow you," Sir George said.
+
+"No? Then I must speak more plainly. At the present moment you own a
+colt which looks like winning the Derby. I know the colt has been
+coughing lately, but your man Raffle is very sanguine and knows what he
+is talking about. I see the colt has come back in the betting to eight
+to one, and the public never seem to be tired of backing him. That,
+however, is the public's look-out and is no concern of yours. In the
+colt's present condition you will be justified in putting a pen through
+his name and nobody could blame you. Owners don't raise horses for the
+benefit of the public, and if the public choose to come in and forestall
+the market and the horse is scratched, then they must take the
+consequences. It has been done over and over again, and I don't see why
+you shouldn't do it yourself. You needn't do it to-day, or to-morrow, or
+even next week, but if I can assure Absalom that this is going to
+happen, why, in that case, I feel certain these proceedings will be
+withdrawn, and perhaps such terms arranged as will wipe the debt out
+altogether. Do you follow me?"
+
+Sir George sat white and rigid. He seemed trying dimly to comprehend
+what Copley was driving at. All the time Copley was speaking he did not
+meet the eye of his victim. But Sir George's face was no index of his
+feelings. He was quivering from head to foot with a nameless indignation
+and, though Copley did not know it, was within an ace of inflicting
+personal punishment on the financier.
+
+"You can't be in earnest," Sir George said with difficulty. "Surely, you
+were joking when you asked me to do this thing? Why, it would be
+contemptible, dishonourable to the last degree. I expect to win a
+fortune with the Blenheim colt, but I backed him at a very long price,
+and if he breaks down the loss will not be so great. It would be bad
+enough to lose a fortune which I regarded as as good as in my pocket,
+but deliberately to scratch the horse, to wait for a fortnight whilst
+these friends of yours are laying against the colt, is an insult which I
+did not dream any man would put upon me."
+
+"You will pardon me if I don't see it in that light," Copley said
+coolly. "You have a right to do what you like with your own. You are
+justified in scratching the horse and, indeed, you have every excuse for
+doing so. I don't see that it matters much whether it is done to-day or
+in a fortnight's time. You may lose the few thousands pounds you put on
+the colt, but that seems probable in any case. And, on the other hand,
+you have it in your power to wipe out your debt to me--that is, to
+benefit to the extent of forty thousand pounds."
+
+Sir George's indignation began to ebb. He no longer felt a disposition
+to smite Copley hip and thigh; he was thinking of his own position and
+future.
+
+"And if I refuse?"
+
+Copley shrugged his shoulders eloquently.
+
+"In that case, there is no more to be said or done," he answered. "I
+would help you if I could, but I am powerless just now. But perhaps you
+will think better of it. I am sure you will be tired of that man in
+possession by the end of a week."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+AN ULTIMATUM
+
+
+Copley rose as if the interview were over, and he had done all he could
+for his friend. But Sir George lingered. He stood gazing into the fire
+thoughtfully and moodily. Copley's last shaft had gone home. Sir
+George's whole nature revolted from spending a week in the company of
+the man in possession. He wanted to gain time, to have an opportunity to
+consider matters, and, above all, to get rid of the incubus which, in
+his mind's eye, he could see seated patiently in the library at Haredale
+Park. Yet he also knew what he ought to have done. He ought either to
+have knocked Copley down out of hand, or to have walked out of the house
+with a curt intimation that he and Copley must be strangers in the
+future.
+
+But, like the weak man he was, when the pinch came he did neither of
+these things. It would never have occurred to him to assert that he was
+a man of honour. All the world had taken it for granted, and in this
+opinion Sir George shared. But, on the other hand, he was face to face
+with disgrace, and in a few days would be homeless and penniless, a mark
+for the finger of scorn, and the object of pity of those whom he had
+looked down upon from a lofty standpoint. But was there, after all, any
+great harm in what Copley suggested? Scores of owners of horses had done
+such things before, and he had a genuine excuse for drawing the pen
+through the name of the Blenheim colt, since it had fallen ill. If other
+people benefited by the knowledge, it was no concern of his. If the colt
+were no better at the end of a fortnight, he could be scratched and
+things go on as they were. Besides, the colt was a good one, and in the
+autumn there would be every chance of winning the St. Leger with him.
+This reasoning was all very specious and wrong, but it wasn't long
+before Sir George had justified himself, as Copley felt sure he would
+do.
+
+"Wait a little," Sir George said. "You can't expect me to make up my
+mind at once. I must have time to think it over. But I can't do anything
+as long as that man is at Haredale Park. If you can get rid of him for
+me----"
+
+"Oh, I think I can do that," Copley interrupted. "But if I telephone to
+Absalom & Co. from here they will want some guarantee from you
+that--well, you know what I mean. They won't want any writing, your word
+will be good enough for that."
+
+Sir George expanded at this suggestion. It never struck him that a mere
+negotiation on this point from Copley's view would be as good as a
+written document.
+
+"I think I can give it," he said.
+
+"Very well," Copley said briskly. "I am glad to hear you talk like that.
+It is a commonsense view of the situation. Sit down and smoke your cigar
+in peace and don't worry any more about the matter. I'll go into my
+office and ring up Absalom & Co., and in an hour's time you will be free
+from your trouble."
+
+For three-quarters of an hour Sir George sat immersed in gloomy
+thoughts. Manipulate the transaction as he might, deceive himself as he
+pleased, there was no getting away from the fact that he was
+contemplating a shameful thing, and the knowledge that he was saving
+himself did not mend matters. The best part of an hour had passed before
+Copley returned with a cheerful face.
+
+"I thought I could manage," he exclaimed. "I felt sure there would be
+little difficulty, if we only convinced Absalom & Co. that there was a
+good thing for them here. But, mind you, I had to give them my word.
+They wouldn't accept anything in the least vague. Nothing is to be done
+for a fortnight; in fact, not till after the next meeting at Mirst Park,
+and at the end of that time the Blenheim colt is to be scratched. You
+have only to keep him short of exercise, and the public will conclude
+that something serious is amiss with the colt. I had to promise this
+before I could move these people at all. Of course, if you don't want to
+go as far as that I can ring them up again. It would be a pity to do so,
+however, seeing that by this time Absalom's have taken steps to withdraw
+their action, and in a few minutes the man at Haredale Park will receive
+a telegram calling him back to London at once. You had better think the
+matter over. Don't say that I persuaded you, for, if you wish to break
+off negotiations, it is not too late to do so."
+
+Copley's voice was gentle, but there was nothing persuasive about him.
+He meant to leave the matter entirely in Sir George's hands. But, as he
+had confidently expected, Sir George did not repudiate the bargain. On
+the contrary, he thanked Copley for what he had done, and when they left
+the library a few minutes later the arrangement was ratified. As they
+made for the stable-yard Copley paused as if something had suddenly
+occurred to him.
+
+"There is one other matter," he said. "I didn't like to mention it
+before for fear you should imagine I was forcing your hand. Now I can
+speak freely. It relates to your daughter. When I lent you that money I
+expected to have the privilege of calling myself your son-in-law. I
+have not yet had anything definite from Miss Haredale; in fact, I am
+afraid she dislikes me. But things can't go on like this, and you
+promised to put in a good word for me. I daresay you will think it
+strange, but I have set my heart on this marriage. It will be well,
+perhaps, to let your daughter know how things stand. I fear she doesn't
+comprehend the position. Tell her yourself."
+
+There was no mistaking the ring of command in the last words.
+
+"Certainly," Sir George promised. "I will do so without delay. I can't
+for the life of me understand May's hesitancy. Almost every girl in the
+county would jump at the chance of being Mrs. Raymond Copley. Besides,
+May must marry a rich man. But leave it to me, Copley. Come over after
+dinner this evening and see if we can't fix this thing up once and for
+all."
+
+Sir George returned to Haredale trying to feel on good terms with
+himself and elated with the turn things had taken. But he could not
+disguise that he had done wrong. He could not still the voice of
+conscience. However, he was relieved to hear from his butler of the
+departure of Brown on receipt of a telegram. The man had made certain
+promises. He would call again later in the day, but had left his address
+in case Sir George wanted to write to him. It was very correct and
+discreet, no one was any the wiser, nobody had guessed about this black
+disgrace, and in the fullness of his heart Sir George wrote a short note
+to Brown enclosing a cheque. He was sealing up the envelope and putting
+on the stamp when May entered.
+
+She was fresh from her ride. Her eyes were sparkling and her cheeks
+glowed. There was something in her gay abandon and her clear light of
+innocence that jarred upon Sir George. Why should she have none of this
+trouble? Why should she be outside of it all? To some extent, she was
+the cause of the mischief. But for her Copley would never have lent Sir
+George any money; but for her he would never have found himself in the
+clutches of Absalom & Co. This was as specious as his other moralizing,
+and he never imagined that he had fallen into a trap set by Copley. What
+he wanted was some one to vent his anger upon.
+
+"Where have you been?" he asked irritably. "I have been looking for you
+everywhere. I have just been having a conversation about you with Mr.
+Copley. He wants to know----"
+
+"He already does know," May said coldly. "I thought I had made that
+quite clear. I shall be glad if you will not allude to this again. It is
+most distasteful to me."
+
+Sir George brought his fist with a bang on the table.
+
+"You are a fool," he cried. "I beg pardon, but I can't think of any
+other word. You don't seem to realize what obligations we are under to
+Mr. Copley. Do you know that if he liked he could turn us out of the
+house to-morrow? Do you know that even this morning he has saved us from
+a great disgrace? And he has done all this out of affection for you. I
+can assure you that Mr. Raymond Copley is not the man to be played
+with."
+
+"My dear father," May protested, "why this violence? I don't in the
+least want to play with Mr. Copley."
+
+"Oh, this is no joking matter. You ought to be proud to think that a man
+like that is ready to lay his wealth at your feet. Now, I want you to
+understand that if you treat him in this way he will very likely teach
+you a lesson. It is no use beating about the bush. We are in his hands.
+And, therefore, you must marry him."
+
+"Must, my dear father. Surely----"
+
+"Oh, I am not going to listen to any more. I won't argue with you. You
+are either going to marry Mr. Copley or I wash my hands of you
+altogether. I will not be ruined for the mere whim of a girl. Now you
+quite understand me? If this thing isn't settled to-morrow, Haredale
+will be no place for you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+A POINT-BLANK REFUSAL
+
+
+It was a cruel shock to the girl. She had never heard her father speak
+like that before; indeed, she would not have deemed him capable of such
+harshness. For many years May and her father had been the best of
+friends; indeed, their relationship had been more like brother and
+sister than anything else. She had shared in Sir George's pleasures, she
+had known most of his troubles, and generally had been allowed to do
+exactly as she pleased. And if she had a proper sense of pride, it was
+Sir George who was mainly responsible for it. He had never forgotten
+that he was the master of Haredale Park, and that the family had lived
+there three centuries and more. He had always spoken his mind freely to
+May on the subject of new-comers and interlopers. He had declared that
+no matter what his neighbours might do, not one of them should ever
+cross his threshold; he had apparently despised these new rich from the
+bottom of his heart. It seemed only the other day that Sir George had
+spoken most contemptuously about Raymond Copley. A few months before
+and he would have laughed to scorn any suggestion on Copley's part to
+become one of the family.
+
+"We need not envy them, my dear," Sir George had said over and over
+again. "After all, money is not everything. Of course, one has to be
+agreeable to these people in the hunting-field and when one meets them
+at neighbouring houses, but, thank goodness, we need not go farther than
+that. You won't have much when I die, but so long as you marry the right
+sort of man I shall be quite content with your choice. I can trust you,
+I know."
+
+These recollections crowded into May's mind as she stood face to face
+with her father. It struck her almost with painful force that she was
+making his acquaintance for the first time. This was another Sir George
+Haredale, of whom she had not the slightest knowledge. He looked hard
+and sullen, and met her eye with difficulty. May hoped he would have the
+grace to be ashamed of himself, that this was an outburst for which he
+would apologize presently.
+
+"Do you really know what you are saying?" she murmured. "I hope I have
+not mistaken you, father."
+
+"You have not mistaken me at all," Sir George said sullenly.
+
+"Then I am to understand that it is your wish that I should become the
+wife of Mr. Raymond Copley?"
+
+"I thought I had made it quite plain."
+
+"You are so set upon this match that unless I marry this man I am no
+longer to consider Haredale Park as my home."
+
+Sir George nodded. He had not the courage to put it as plainly as that.
+
+"I will try to be calm," May went on. "But this has been a terrible blow
+to me. Even now I can hardly believe my ears. Do you mean to say that if
+I refuse Mr. Copley I am to be turned out of house and home?"
+
+"Don't be dramatic," Sir George interrupted.
+
+"I didn't know that I was. I only want to have a clear understanding.
+Oh, the thing is monstrous. You cannot realize what you are saying. If
+you have no sort of feeling for yourself or me, just try to imagine what
+our friends will say. We know many people who would decline to be on
+visiting terms with Mr. Copley. There are lots of houses where he could
+not go. Even if I were fond of the man and could meet your wishes, it
+would be a long time before certain of our neighbours forgave me. What
+will you say when you meet them racing, or hunting, or shooting? Do you
+suppose this thing can be kept quiet? Do you suppose everybody won't
+know why I left home? Do you believe for a moment that common gossip
+will not say that you turned your daughter out because she refused to
+marry a man whom you declined to call upon for months after he came
+here? I know such things happen in the case of boys, but I never yet
+heard of a father in your position who sent his daughter away because
+she refused to sell herself to a person whom she both disliked and
+despised."
+
+Sir George listened uncomfortably. He was violating all his best
+feelings. He knew what a sorry figure he must be cutting in the eyes of
+his daughter. Moreover, every word she said was true. This thing would
+get out. It would be a dainty morsel in the mouths of all the gossips,
+and, though he could rely upon May to be silent, other tongues would not
+be bridled. But he comforted himself with the assurance that things
+would never go as far as that, for when May saw that he was in earnest
+she would yield. There might be tears and reproaches, but in the end she
+would bow to his wishes, and though Copley was not popular, yet he would
+be accepted in time on the strength of being Sir George Haredale's
+son-in-law.
+
+"There are reasons why this must be," he said. "I am under obligations
+to Copley, under great obligations. Besides, he is paying you the
+greatest compliment in his power. There are many girls----"
+
+"Oh, what have the majority of girls to do with me? I am not like them.
+I have not been trained in the same school. I know lots of my friends
+regard matrimony as a matter of business. They are too idle and selfish
+to think of anything but themselves. They would deem it a fine thing to
+have the spending of Mr. Copley's money. But I detest the man too much
+for that. He is not a gentleman, his manners are not good, and I am sure
+he is neither honest nor straightforward. I would do anything in my
+power to help you, but if it comes to this, that Haredale Park can only
+be preserved to us by this hateful marriage, then I decline. It is too
+great a sacrifice to ask of your daughter. Oh, how can you even make the
+suggestion?"
+
+"You will think better of it," Sir George said.
+
+"Never! I have said the last word. I will not allude to it again, and,
+unless you take back what you have said, I will accept you at your word
+and go out into the world and earn my own living. Don't mention it
+again."
+
+Sir George looked uneasily at his daughter. Her austere sternness
+disturbed him. He said that Copley was coming over later in the evening
+to hear what May had to say on the matter.
+
+"Very well," she answered, "I am rather glad of that. I shall be able to
+settle this thing for ever."
+
+She turned and swept from the room. She was glad she had kept the tears
+out of her eyes. She was glad Sir George little knew how terribly he had
+wounded her. For the rest of the day May went about the house as though
+nothing had happened. She had a smile and a pleasant word for her
+visitor, so that even Sir George took heart of grace and deluded himself
+with the idea that his firmness had not been misplaced. It was only when
+Copley came that he found out how mistaken he was. Copley had no
+difficulty in getting May to himself, for Alice Carden was deeply
+engrossed in a book, and Sir George was sitting over his cigar in the
+library. At the very first hint of the reason for his visit May turned
+to him.
+
+"I think I know what you are going to say," she observed. "I shall be
+glad to have this matter finally settled. Oh, no, I don't mean what you
+do at all. Will you be good enough to come to the library with me,
+because I should like my father to hear what passes between us? I won't
+detain you more than a few minutes, and it is the best way."
+
+The self-satisfied smile died from Copley's lips. He had not expected a
+reception like this, and it surprised him, too, to see this
+uncompromising dignity in May's manner. Perhaps she had never been more
+alluring or more attractive in his eyes than she was at that moment, and
+he knew, too, without any words from her, that he was on the eve of
+defeat.
+
+"Very well," he said, "though I don't see why we shouldn't settle it
+between us. It is our affair."
+
+May made no reply. She walked into the library, followed by Copley. Sir
+George turned eagerly as they entered.
+
+"Ah, well?" he said with an uneasy attempt at playfulness. "I see you
+have come to an understanding."
+
+"I trust so," May said quietly, "though I don't think it is the
+understanding you anticipate. This is a very hateful position for me,
+and I would give a good deal to be out of it. But it would be cowardly
+if I tried to shirk my duty. Mr. Copley has already asked me to be his
+wife, and I refused him. I do not wish to give him any pain, but I had
+to put the matter plainly because he is a persistent man and not
+inclined to take 'No' for an answer. I understand he has come here
+to-night to renew his offer. Now, Mr. Copley, I have to tell you before
+my father that what you ask is impossible. I am old-fashioned enough to
+prefer happiness to money, and I could not marry a man whom I did not
+love. I have never liked you, I never could like you, in fact, I hope
+you won't think me rude when I say that I dislike you exceedingly.
+Besides, there is something unmanly and cowardly in pursuing a
+defenceless girl in this way. If you have one spark of proper feeling
+you will never allude to this topic again. I don't want to appeal to
+your pride. I think I have said enough."
+
+Copley said nothing at the moment. He was struggling to obtain the
+mastery of himself. His face flushed angrily. There was a nasty glitter
+in his eyes.
+
+"Does she understand?" he asked.
+
+"It is not my fault if she doesn't," Sir George muttered.
+
+"It is because I do understand," May said, "that I am all the more
+determined in my refusal."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+AN EASY FALL
+
+
+"One moment," Copley put in. "If Sir George has explained matters, then,
+perhaps I can speak freely. Your father is indebted to me--I will not
+say anything about the amount, for that would all be wiped out and we
+could start on a much better footing if you would only take another view
+of the case. If you persist----"
+
+"You can take that for granted," May said.
+
+"Would you like to think it over?" Copley suggested.
+
+"Oh, I have thought it over. I have had all day to think it over. I see
+you mean to force me to speak more plainly still. You have a hold over
+my father. He is deeply in your debt. You have lent him a large sum of
+money, not out of any feeling of friendship or generosity, but simply
+because you thought you could force me to marry you. Did any one ever
+hear of such a situation except on the stage? I know that if I do not
+change my mind you will visit your displeasure upon my father, you will
+make it impossible for us to remain at Haredale Park any longer. It
+seems a strange thing that a man should be so lost to all sense of
+decency as to use weapons like these to compel a girl to marry him. But
+it hasn't stopped there. My father has told me quite plainly, even
+brutally, that unless I make this sacrifice I am no longer to consider
+myself as his daughter. I must go out as if I were a mere underling to
+earn my own living. Very well; I am ready to do so. No, I don't want
+words from either of you. My mind is made up, and there is no more to be
+said."
+
+May turned away, and left the library with her head held high and a
+bright colour burning her cheeks. She was very near to tears, but was
+grateful for the pride which had carried her through this trying
+interview without the semblance of a breakdown. When they were alone Sir
+George turned to his companion.
+
+"I wouldn't have believed it," he said apologetically. "I never expected
+that May would be so disobedient. But you must make allowance for her. I
+daresay in time----"
+
+"Never," Copley said emphatically. "She means every word she says. If
+you had half the pluck and grit she has you would never have found
+yourself in your present position. We have made a mistake, Haredale; we
+have gone the wrong way to work. I don't blame you any more than myself,
+but you may depend upon it that your daughter will never be my wife.
+She will keep her word; she will go out into the world, if necessary, to
+earn her own living, and I shouldn't wonder if she made a very good one.
+I must put up with my disappointment, I suppose. I would give half I
+possess to be able to say that your daughter was my wife. But there must
+be none of these harsh measures, Haredale. Just think what people would
+say! We should both be boycotted. The thing would get into the papers
+and your life wouldn't be worth living. We must find some other way out.
+Now let us change the subject."
+
+Sir George was perfectly willing. Despite his selfish obstinacy the
+interview had been a trial to him, and he was exceedingly glad to get it
+over.
+
+"What else have you in your mind?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, business, of course. About the Blenheim colt? I am taking it for
+granted that you will scratch him. I don't see very well how you can
+back out. I have made the arrangements with Absalom & Co., and as they
+have withdrawn their action they will expect you to do your part. Now
+what do you say to letting the colt have a run in the Champion Stakes
+next week at Mirst Park? I thought it would be a very good way of
+getting out. To begin with, the public will be glad to see whether or
+not their fears are justified, and if the horse cuts up badly, why,
+then, you can scratch him at once. It would appear absolutely fair and
+above board; in fact, it will be. Or, if you like, you can let it be
+understood that the horse is not quite fit and that you still have hopes
+of getting him in fettle for the Derby. Either seems a good scheme."
+
+"I see," Sir George said thoughtfully. "Yes, on the whole, that isn't a
+bad idea of yours. I shall be glad to get it over, too. I hadn't the
+slightest intention of sending the colt to Mirst Park, but Raffle
+reports that he is much fitter to-day, so that there is no reason why I
+should not adopt your suggestion. There is the chance that people will
+blame me for taking the risk, but, at the outside, that will be the
+worst of it. I will talk it over with Raffle in the morning, and let you
+know definitely."
+
+Shortly after breakfast next morning Mallow came into the library to
+hear what his employer had to say. The trainer would hardly believe his
+ears when Sir George unfolded his plan. He had a score of practical
+objections to make, but Haredale put them all impatiently aside.
+
+"Does the colt belong to you or to me?" he asked. "I have the very best
+of reasons for what I am going to do. It has always been my policy to
+take the public into my confidence. I want them to see at Mirst Park
+exactly what the horse can do. If they like to go on backing him after
+that it will be their own look-out."
+
+"But that isn't the point, Sir George," Mallow insisted. "The colt is
+coming on splendidly again. It would be madness to extend him just now,
+and if he breaks down badly, don't blame me. I'll do my best between now
+and the day of the race, not because I want to, but because you are my
+employer and I must obey orders."
+
+Mallow refused to say more. He closed his mouth obstinately and went
+back to the stables in a peculiar frame of mind. He had had twenty years
+of turf experience. There was no cunning wile or deep-laid plot that was
+not familiar to him and he was wondering what dodge Sir George was up
+to. Hitherto he had found Sir George Haredale the soul of honour and
+integrity, but it was one of Mallow's theories that every man had his
+limits. Besides, no one knew better how critical Sir George's financial
+affairs were. Of late, too, Sir George had been hand in glove with
+Raymond Copley, and Mallow hated Copley from the bottom of his heart. In
+his own phraseology, Copley was a wrong 'un.
+
+Raffle was past all words when, in the fullness of his heart. Mallow
+confided in him. Raffle was a keen judge of such matters. He sought an
+opportunity later in the afternoon of seeing Fielden and telling him
+what had happened.
+
+"Is Sir George mad?" Fielden asked.
+
+"I don't think so, sir," Raffle replied. "I don't like it at all. Depend
+upon it, Sir George has got into a mess over his money matters and has
+thought out some scheme for putting himself right. Call me a fool if
+that there Copley isn't at the bottom of the whole thing. He and Sir
+George have been as thick as thieves lately. They say you can't touch
+pitch without being defiled. And since those two have been so friendly,
+Sir George is quite another man. However, unless you like to interfere,
+I must act upon instructions. I am bound to do as I am told."
+
+"How could I interfere?" Fielden asked.
+
+"Well, sir, the colt rightfully belongs to you. He is as much yours as
+the coat on your back. I can't see why you should stand quietly by and
+watch the ruin of one of the finest horses that ever trod the turf."
+
+"I had forgotten that," Fielden said. "Perhaps, later, I may have
+something to say, but for the present that must be our secret, Joe.
+Mallow must carry out his instructions. By the way, what are they?"
+
+Something like a grin crossed Raffle's face.
+
+"Oh, we've got to run him, sir," he said. "We've got to run him and do
+our best. That there is the faintest chance of his winning Sir George
+does not believe for a moment. Still, if you refuse to take a hand, I
+must do as I am told, that's all. Perhaps you will be at Mirst Park
+yourself on the first day."
+
+"Of course. I am taking one or two of our crocks there. But I must be
+off, Joe."
+
+The conversation haunted Fielden. It was with him night and day till the
+first day of the Mirst Park meeting arrived. He had seen little or
+nothing of Phillips for some time, but that morning he had received a
+telegram asking him to meet Phillips in London early in the afternoon.
+He gathered from the message that Phillips had something important to
+say and so he decided to go to town. It would be easy to get back in
+time to see the end of the afternoon's sport. None of the Haredale Park
+party was over. Nor had Copley put in an appearance, and Fielden had his
+time almost to himself. He ran against Raffle in the paddock half an
+hour or so before the race for the Champion Stakes. There was a queer
+grin on the old man's face as he suggested that Fielden should go and
+have a look at the horse. They found the Blenheim colt in his stable
+looking in much better condition than Fielden had expected.
+
+"He looks splendid," he said.
+
+"Ah, he is a bonny colt," Raffle exclaimed with a look of affection in
+his eyes. "I never saw a better-tempered horse or a more genuine trier.
+He'll go every inch of the way, and I shouldn't be surprised if--but we
+won't talk about that."
+
+Raffle refused to say more. Moreover, he had the colt to look to, for
+the race was close at hand; so Fielden made his way into the stand,
+where he could command a good view. Not that he had any interest in the
+race. It was a foregone conclusion that the Blenheim colt would be
+beaten and in only one or two instances did he carry any public money. A
+moment or two later Raffle took up a position by Fielden's side.
+
+"The colt moves well," said Fielden, looking through his glasses, "and I
+don't see much signs of staleness, either. Upon my word, if I had any
+money to spare I'd back him for a trifle myself."
+
+"You might do worse," Raffle chuckled.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+THE FIVE BASKETS
+
+
+There was the usual roar from the ring which began to die down as the
+horses were seen fidgeting at the post. Then a murmur arose from the
+spectators, and the dancing kaleidoscope of colours broke into a thin
+stream as the field got away to a capital start. They came along all in
+a cluster round the bend of the course till, presently, there was a
+hoarse shout from the onlookers and the name of the Blenheim colt was on
+every lip. The horse hung for a moment or two coming up the straight,
+then seemed to recover himself and, moving along with a beautifully free
+and easy stride, caught the leaders a dozen lengths from home and
+slipped past the post a winner by a short head.
+
+"What did I tell you?" Raffle chuckled. "Well, they can't blame me. I
+was told by Sir George to do the best I could with the horse and I
+carried out my instructions to the letter. No, sir, I didn't back him
+myself. I wasn't quite sure. Besides, Sir George wouldn't have liked it.
+Between you and me, sir, I don't think he'll be altogether pleased."
+
+Fielden asked no questions. Whatever suspicions Raffle had he kept to
+himself. Fielden glanced at his watch and saw he would just have time to
+catch a train to town and join Phillips at the rendezvous in Covent
+Garden. He hurried away from the course and caught his train by sheer
+good luck.
+
+He wasn't at all easy in his mind. He was inclined to agree with Raffle
+that there was more than met the eye in this affair and that Sir George
+had little consideration for the public when he decided to run the colt
+at Mirst Park. On the face of it, it was a mad thing to do and the fact
+that the horse had won rendered Sir George's policy all the more
+inexplicable. There was something sinister, too, in the close friendship
+which had sprung up between Haredale and Copley. That Copley was an
+unscrupulous blackguard Fielden knew very well. Possibly this knowledge
+was not shared by Sir George, but there was no getting over the fact
+that Haredale's money matters were in a critical state. Better men than
+Sir George had yielded to temptation.
+
+Fielden was still debating the matter when he reached town. He turned up
+at the hotel in Covent Garden where Phillips was awaiting him, it
+wanting then just ten minutes to three. Phillips was relieved when
+Fielden came in.
+
+"I thought you were going to fail me," he said. "I began to think that
+you had missed your train."
+
+"I very nearly lost it," Fielden laughed. "But why do you want me?"
+
+"We shall see that in good time, sir," Phillips said. "In about ten
+minutes from now we shall begin operations. There is just time to smoke
+a cigarette before we start. What is the best news from Mirst Park? I
+haven't seen a paper yet. Was the Blenheim colt beaten very
+disgracefully?"
+
+"He wasn't beaten at all," Fielden said. "In fact, he won with
+considerable ease. There was very little trace of staleness about him.
+But it is early to talk about that. We must wait and see what old Raffle
+says to-morrow. I should not be surprised if the colt has done himself
+some serious injury to-day."
+
+Phillips burst into a hearty laugh.
+
+"What a joke!" he cried. "And what a sell it will be for Sir George! Oh,
+I know a thing or two, Mr. Fielden. I haven't been moving about with my
+eyes shut lately. It is very good of your old friend to pull out his
+horse in public, for the benefit of backers generally, but the man who
+will be most surprised and most disappointed at the result of to-day's
+race will be Sir George himself. If there is another man madder than Sir
+George it will be that scoundrel Copley."
+
+"What do you mean?" Fielden asked.
+
+"Never mind, sir. The least said soonest mended. But if I had ten
+thousand pounds I'd cheerfully back my opinion to the last penny that
+Sir George never hoped for and never expected a victory for the colt.
+I'll explain all in very good time. Now the sooner we are off the
+better. We are going to meet a gentleman named Chaffey whom I expect to
+see in a few minutes not very far from the Post Club on the other side
+of the street. You remember telling me how Chaffey turned up at Seton
+Manor, and what he said when he was drunk. I am glad you overheard that,
+because it solved a point that has been puzzling me for some time. I
+couldn't for the life of me make out how it was that Jolly & Co. managed
+to signal the result of the three o'clock race at Mirst Park into the
+smoking-room of the Post Club. I doubt if I ever should have found out
+had not Chaffey gone down to Seton Manor and hinted that if he couldn't
+get what he wanted somebody else might have his job of playing with the
+fruit baskets in Covent Garden. I saw at once that this was connected
+with the swindle, but for the life of me I couldn't place it. After
+thinking over it for the best part of a week, I took a stroll through
+Covent Garden market and finally stood in front of the Post Club trying
+to piece the puzzle together in my mind. There were a good many men
+about loading and unloading baskets, and I saw that most of them carried
+them on their heads. Why, some of these porters can carry as many as
+eight or nine bushel baskets on their heads. While I stood watching
+them an idea flashed into my mind. Look at this copy of to-day's
+_Sportsman_. Turn to the probable starters in the three o'clock race,
+and you will see for yourself that there is a number by the side of
+every horse. Now most racing men carry a _Sportsman_. There would be
+nothing suspicious in a backer pulling the _Sportsman_ out of his pocket
+and consulting it at any moment. He might do it in a railway carriage,
+or on the course, or in a smoking-room, and it wouldn't attract any
+attention. Unless I am greatly mistaken, I have found the clue to the
+means by which Copley & Co.'s confederate has the result of a race at
+Mirst Park conveyed to him into the smoking-room of the Post Club
+practically before the horses are past the post. Then, of course, he can
+make what bets he likes. He is perfectly safe, because he can't lose.
+But, come along, it is past three and I don't want to lose this chance
+of verifying my conclusions. Only we must be careful. We must not rouse
+Chaffey's suspicions. He must not know that we are even watching him.
+Close to the Post Club there is a shop where we can procure some cigars
+and cigarettes and keep our eye upon what is going on. Are you ready?"
+
+Fielden was ready and willing, for his curiosity was aflame. When he and
+his companion reached Covent Garden, they turned into a cigar shop in
+the same block of buildings in which the Post Club was situated. A good
+many customers had to be attended to, so that it was excusable to stand
+inside the door way and watch what was taking place on the other side of
+the road.
+
+The market was practically empty. Business had been finished for the
+day, and there were only two or three casual porters loafing about
+waiting on the off-chance for an hour's work. One of them standing by a
+pile of baskets with hands plunged deeply in his pockets and a pipe in
+his mouth was Chaffey.
+
+"No mistake about him?" Phillips asked.
+
+"That's the man," Fielden whispered. "I could swear to that expression
+of his anywhere. But what is he doing there? He doesn't seem to be
+particularly busy."
+
+"He is getting well paid for his job, anyway," Phillips chuckled. "As it
+is not likely to last long he'll be gone in a few moments. Have you the
+right time about you? What do you make it? Five minutes past three by
+post office time? The result ought to be here at any moment. Ah, I
+thought so. Just keep your eye closely upon Chaffey."
+
+In his excitement Phillips bent over and grasped his companion's arm.
+Fielden saw Chaffey suddenly pull himself up and moisten his hands. He
+touched his ragged cap as if in response to a distant call, then he
+proceeded to fling five baskets one on the top of the other and balance
+them on his head. With this pyramid thus arranged he walked slowly
+across the market and disappeared down one of the corridors, where he
+was lost to sight.
+
+"What on earth does it mean?" Fielden asked.
+
+"Oh, that's the signal," Phillips explained. "The result has just come
+into the office of Jolly & Co. on the private telephone wire from The
+Nook at Mirst Park. The supposed Mr. Jolly stands near the window with
+the telephone receiver to his ear ready to flash the signal across the
+street. Now you understand why the flex of the telephone is so long.
+Before the horse is past the post the man on the top of the house at
+Mirst Park sends the number, and Jolly & Co. signal it to Chaffey. Then
+Chaffey simply puts five or other number of baskets on his head, and the
+confederate in the Post Club has the result. Mind you, this could be
+done within five seconds of the race being settled. Now take this
+_Sportsman_ and I'll eat my hat if the winner of the three o'clock race
+at Mirst Park isn't number five on the programme."
+
+When the result was published Phillips proved to be correct.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+NO. 5
+
+
+"That's it," Phillips exclaimed. "I think we've got it right at last. We
+know by the evening paper that Dandy won the Longhill Handicap, which
+was the three o'clock race at Mirst Park to-day. We also know that Dandy
+is No. 5 on the _Sportsman_ list, all of which goes to prove our case.
+It is a smart bit of business, isn't it?"
+
+"Exceedingly smart," Fielden said, "and, to some extent, risky. Whoever
+sends the message from Mirst Park is certainly a very good judge of
+racing. That telephone signal must have been started before the horse
+was past the post."
+
+"Oh, I don't know," Phillips argued. "In a very tight race they would
+have to wait to see what the judge had to say. But I am sure that either
+of us could spot the winner in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred within
+fifty lengths of the post. Therefore, the result would be known in
+London and signalled into the Post Club practically at the same instant
+that the race was over. I think we shall know how to deal with Mr.
+Copley now."
+
+"What are you going to do?" Fielden asked.
+
+"That depends upon circumstances. I don't mind telling you, when I first
+came home and found Copley in an apparently good position, I intended to
+make money out of him. I didn't feel so keen upon revenge as I used to
+feel. It would have been no great satisfaction to me to get him ten
+years on the Breakwater, and, besides, I should have had to go out to
+the Cape and waste several months there. That is why I decided to hit
+him through his pocket. But I had to be careful, because I had a
+dangerous man to deal with and I didn't relish the idea of a prosecution
+for blackmail. That is one of the reasons why I went into this business.
+When I speak, I shall lay Copley by the heels without taking any trouble
+and probably without appearing in the matter. I shall have the
+satisfaction of sending him to gaol, and I shan't have to go out of the
+country at all."
+
+"You can't make anything out of this," Fielden reminded him.
+
+"Of course not. If I were to go to Copley to-day and tell him what I had
+discovered he would give me a few thousand pounds to keep my mouth shut
+and, sooner or later, when the dodge is found out, as it must be, I
+should figure in the dock with the others. It is too dangerous a game.
+Still, when I come to think of it, sir, you are somewhat in my debt."
+
+"Perhaps I am," Fielden admitted. "But I don't see what special favour
+you have done me----"
+
+"By getting rid of Raymond Copley," Phillips smiled. "I couldn't have
+served you better. We shall have him out of the way anyhow. Later, when
+you find yourself in a good position again, I will ask you to give me a
+responsible post in your stables. Oh, it will all come right, sir. You
+ought to win a big stake over the Derby, if you play your cards right,
+and the Blenheim colt will be worth a small fortune."
+
+"What have I to do with the horse?" Fielden asked.
+
+"I know all about that, sir," Phillips said cheerfully. "Never mind
+where I had my information. I am half a gipsy and my mother's tribe pick
+up news from all sorts of unlikely quarters. A lad who used to be in
+your stables told me the story. Nobody else would have believed him but
+me. I can give you chapter and verse if you like, but that would only be
+wasting time, and I can guess what Copley's game is, too. See if I don't
+prove to be a true prophet. The Blenheim colt will be sure to show signs
+of to-day's race; indeed, he is a marvel if he does any good during the
+rest of his career as a three year-old. But, then, the horse is a
+marvel. Still, very few of us know that, and we shall be able to back
+him for the Derby at our own price within the next few days. I will
+stick on the horse every farthing I can rake together. If I could only
+get a couple of thousand pounds I could make a fortune. And you ought to
+make a fortune, too. You told me that you could find that sum, if
+necessary, and seeing that you have it in your power to prevent the
+Blenheim colt from being scratched you will be flying in the face of
+Providence if you turn your back on a chance like this."
+
+Fielden looked at his companion in some perplexity. He was astonished to
+find that Phillips knew so much. Whence did the man derive his
+information? But there never was a gipsy yet who was not fond of a
+horse. The various clans roam all over the country, and very little that
+is going on escapes their sharp black eyes and there is, besides, a sort
+of freemasonry amongst them. But it mattered little whence Phillips'
+information came, for he had certainly got it. He was correct in every
+detail, too, and for the first time Fielden began to see his way. He
+could lay his hands upon a couple of thousand pounds, and before the
+week was out he knew that the Blenheim colt would be at any price in the
+market that a backer needed. Two thousand pounds in itself was not much
+to lose. It would leave him only a little worse off than he was at
+present. On the other hand, it might bring him in enough to start life
+again as a rich man. He was thinking of May Haredale and all the
+brilliant possibilities in that quarter. He could stop this vile
+conspiracy. It was for him to say what the future of the Blenheim colt
+was, and he could do this without arousing any gossip or giving the
+public any chance for spicy scandal. When the right moment came he could
+go to Sir George and inform him that he had no control whatever over the
+colt. Sir George might bluster and Copley might threaten, but their
+threats would be in vain. In the long run Sir George would benefit and
+May would be free from the persecutions of a scoundrel and Fielden would
+be in a position to offer her a luxurious home. He had learnt his
+lesson, too. He was no longer the careless and extravagant youth who had
+left England more or less under a cloud.
+
+He was aroused from his reverie by questions from Phillips.
+
+"Really, I beg pardon," he said, "but, for the moment, I was thinking
+about something else."
+
+"Oh, I understand that," Phillips said with a dry smile. "But we haven't
+finished. Our case is not complete. We must know whether there is any
+big wagering on the three o'clock race this afternoon in the Post Club.
+To get my facts I have brought Major Carden over here on purpose. I have
+paid his expenses to and from Germany, and I understand he wishes to
+return to-night, if possible. Let's go on to our hotel and wait for him.
+But I must tell you that Carden knows nothing. He thinks I have some
+deep scheme on for making money and so long as I pay him for his
+information he is satisfied. You had better leave all questions to me."
+
+Fielden was willing enough to do so. To some degree he was not pleased
+to be mixed up in this business, though it gave him a hold over Copley.
+They had hardly reached their hotel before the Major came in. He made
+no objection to Phillips' offer of refreshment. They talked for a few
+minutes on indifferent topics and then Phillips went to the point.
+
+"I suppose you've got my cheque," he said, "or you would not have been
+here to-day. I hope it wasn't inconvenient."
+
+"It was devilish inconvenient," the Major said in his florid way. "But
+as you are willing to pay I don't mind. Now I am ready to give you all
+the information you need. Please don't be long because I have a train to
+catch before five."
+
+"Then we needn't waste more time," Phillips said. "I suppose you were in
+the Post Club all the afternoon."
+
+"My dear sir, I lunched there and I've only just come away. I left a lot
+of people there. Rickerby was there, with three or four more of the
+gilded plungers, including Selwyn. As to the first and second race----"
+
+"Oh, hang the first and second race," Phillips cried impatiently. "It is
+the three o'clock race at Mirst Park that I am interested in. Was there
+any heavy wagering going on, and can you tell me who was betting? That's
+all I want to know."
+
+The Major went into detail. There had been a certain amount of business
+over the three o'clock race, but sundry heavy wagers had been deferred
+almost to the last moment. A large amount of chaff had gone on between
+one particular plunger and Selwyn and his satellites over a horse called
+the Dandy. Dandy had been a rank outsider and had only cropped up in the
+betting at the eleventh hour, so to speak. A quarter of an hour before
+the race there had been no takers. Then the argument grew more heated
+and finally Selwyn had laid several wagers against Dandy at a thousand
+to thirty. All this had taken place, so far as the Major could guess,
+whilst the race was in progress. There was something like consternation
+amongst the bookmakers when the news came that Dandy had won the
+Longhill Handicap by three lengths. Altogether it had been a dramatic
+afternoon.
+
+"And that's about all I can tell you," the Major concluded. "If you want
+me again, give me more notice, please. I really must be going."
+
+He took up his hat and swaggered from the room, leaving Phillips
+apparently very well pleased.
+
+"Our case is complete," he said. "The rest is in your hands."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV
+
+A POISONOUS ATMOSPHERE
+
+
+It is impossible for a man to change the habits of a lifetime,
+especially when he has reached the age to which Sir George Haredale had
+attained. He tried hard to justify himself in his present embroilment.
+He juggled with his conscience, but the ways of the transgressor are
+hard, and the master of Haredale Park was having anything but a good
+time. He knew that he was doing wrong, that he was about to commit
+something in the shape of a crime. When a man has pledged himself to
+this kind of thing, it is marvellous how circumstances combine to help
+him.
+
+On the face of it things were not going well. The victory of the
+Blenheim colt in the Champion Stakes was a blow to him. He had expected
+the colt to lose, thereby giving him occasion to scratch it. If this had
+turned out as he had expected, he would have been the object of popular
+sympathy and his reputation as a sportsman and an honourable man would
+have been enhanced. But to his surprise and vexation, the colt had
+proved his sterling worth and within the last few hours the public had
+established him more firmly than ever in the betting. There was always
+the chance, of course, that the race would leave its mark on the colt
+and that some ill effects might supervene, in which case the original
+programme could be carried out without exciting the suspicions of the
+many-headed.
+
+This was precisely what did happen. Three days later Mallow came into
+his employer's study with a long face and the information that the
+colt's lack of condition was rather more manifest than before. For once
+in a way Mallow was not polite and forgot the respect due to his master.
+
+"It's just as I told you, Sir George," he exclaimed. "The colt's been
+ruined. I don't say it isn't possible to get him fit in time for the
+Derby, because he's a wonder. But if you had tried to ruin the horse you
+couldn't have gone about it in a better way. I can almost cry when I
+think of it."
+
+"You are forgetting yourself, Mallow," Sir George said.
+
+"Oh, maybe I am, sir, maybe I am. I have been dealing with fools and
+knaves all my lifetime, and I ought to be accustomed to them by now. I
+feel as if I had been a party to cutting that colt's throat. You don't
+deserve to have a horse like that in your stable; you don't deserve to
+win another race as long as you live."
+
+Sir George was vastly indignant. He wanted to know if Mallow realized
+whom he was talking to. But Mallow was in no mood for politeness and
+told his employer a few home truths. He sketched graphically what the
+better-class sportsmen would say when they realized what had happened.
+It was useless to be angry, all the more so because he knew that every
+word Mallow spoke was true. On the spur of the moment he had intended to
+give Mallow instructions to have the horse struck out of all his
+three-year engagements, but looking his irate servant in the face he
+lacked the pluck to do so. So he proceeded to compromise.
+
+"At the worst," he said with some dignity, "it was only an error in
+judgment. If you can get the colt fit again before the Derby the public
+will have no grievance against me. They will win their money and that's
+all they care about."
+
+Mallow appeared to be somewhat mollified.
+
+"Then things are to go on as they are, Sir George?" he asked. "There has
+been a lot of mischief done, but it is not yet too late. But it is no
+use crying over spilt milk."
+
+This was going rather too far and too fast. Sir George's fears were
+aroused again.
+
+"Your instructions are not quite indefinite," he corrected. "We will let
+the matter stand over for a week. At the end of that time we will see
+the colt's condition. If there is no material change for the better,
+then I must scratch him."
+
+With this perforce Mallow had to remain content and went out muttering
+to himself. He wanted to know what Sir George was driving at and what
+this new policy meant. The trainer had a shrewd idea, though he hardly
+dared to whisper it even to himself. Still, a week was a week, and much
+might be done in that time. Besides, if necessary, he knew Raffle had a
+great card to play. For some reason or other Sir George wanted the colt
+scratched and Mallow had no difficulty in laying this somewhat shady
+diplomacy on the shoulders of Raymond Copley.
+
+Meanwhile, the week drifted on and things remained in much the same
+position at Haredale Park. Sir George had said nothing more to his
+daughter, neither had she alluded to the detestable topic. But she was
+ready to take a step which would have considerably alarmed her father
+had he known of it. Copley was away on business. He came back on
+Saturday and made his way across to Haredale Park after dinner. In the
+drawing-room he was coldly informed that Sir George was in the library.
+He appeared to take this curt dismissal in good part and went off in
+search of Sir George whom he found sitting moodily over the fire.
+
+"Where have you been lately?" the Baronet asked.
+
+"Oh, my dear sir," Copley explained, "you forget that I have my business
+to look after. I have been exceedingly busy. When things take a turn
+for the better that is the time to follow your fortune closely. During
+the last few days I have been making money with both hands."
+
+It appeared to be no idle boast, for Copley was looking less gloomy than
+usual. Fortune was smiling upon him again. He and his confederates had
+had a rare haul over the Longhill Handicap. They were in funds, and
+unless things went very wrong indeed by the time the Derby was over they
+would be all rich men. But Sir George guessed nothing of this. He was
+only sorry to think that May should be so obstinate in refusing to take
+her share in the spending of these phenomenal riches.
+
+"I am exceedingly glad to hear it," he said.
+
+"Oh, thank you very much. You see, fortune cuts all round. What's good
+for me is good for you. In the first place, you can make your mind easy
+about that affair of Absalom & Co., because they won't trouble you any
+more. After the Derby we need not worry ourselves as to money matters.
+That brings me to my reason for coming here this evening. I understand
+that the colt has broken down permanently. From what I see in the papers
+there is not the remotest chance of his winning a race as a three-year
+old."
+
+"It looks like it," Sir George answered. "At the same time, Mallow
+doesn't share my opinion. He is very obstinate."
+
+"Oh, what the devil does it matter what he says or thinks?" Copley said
+impatiently. "He is only a servant. Surely you can do what you like with
+your own. Besides, in this matter the opinion of the whole racing world
+will sustain you. At the worst people can only say that you have made an
+error in judgment. The Press recognizes that you have acted like a good
+fellow and a sportsman in running this risk simply with the object of
+taking the public into your confidence. They don't know, of course, that
+you don't want the horse to win, nor what a surprise the Mirst Park
+victory was to you. And on the top of that they tumble over one another
+to back the colt, and if he doesn't start at all they are to blame.
+Still, it has been a good thing for me. I have laid against your animal
+thick and thin and after the Derby is over I shan't need to do any more
+work."
+
+Sir George made no reply. He sat gazing dubiously into the fire. Looking
+back at the course of events, he could hardly see how he had got himself
+into this mess. He ought to have refused to listen to Copley, and should
+have supported the opinion of such a sound judge as Raffle. Besides, he
+had never won a Derby in his racing career, and it seemed to him that he
+was wasting a splendid chance. But it was too late to repent, too late
+to draw back, and all Sir George could hope was that no one would ever
+have an inkling of his shame. He did not know, neither did Copley, that
+May was standing in the doorway. She had come in for something she
+required. Her evening shoes had made no sound on the thick carpets, and
+she had heard every word that was said. Not that she intended to play
+the eavesdropper. But one remark of Copley's had fascinated her and she
+stood as if rooted to the spot.
+
+She knew her ears did not deceive her. She had been brought up all her
+life in an atmosphere of racing. She knew almost as much about it as
+Raffle himself. The thing was plain and a wave of shame and humiliation
+rushed over the girl as she stood there drinking in every word.
+
+She could not blind herself to the truth. She could not get away from
+the fact that her father was a conscious participant in a disgraceful
+action. It mattered little that her father was in Copley's hands, or
+that Copley had suggested the whole thing. The shock was none the less
+painful. It seemed incredible that a man in Sir George's position should
+stoop so low as this. These plots had happened before and no one had
+spoken of them with greater contempt than had Sir George. Now was he
+self-confessed as a principal in one of the shadiest of them all.
+
+May stole away. For a moment she had been on the point of an outburst.
+But perhaps it would be better to wait and speak to her father quietly
+later, to try to find some means of averting this dreadful dishonour.
+
+"I cannot stay here," she murmured. "The atmosphere poisons me. I must
+get away, I must get away."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI
+
+FIELDEN INTERVENES
+
+
+May went quietly back to the drawing-room. There was nothing in her face
+to indicate what she was suffering. For a time she sat gazing into the
+fire, watching Alice Carden who sat opposite her engrossed in a book. At
+the end of half an hour May had made up her mind what to do, and when
+Alice laid her volume aside, she began to speak.
+
+"How long is your father likely to be away?" she asked.
+
+"Oh, for two months, I suppose," Alice said. "But I may find him at home
+when I go back next week."
+
+"I hope not," May answered, "because I have a plan to suggest to you. I
+wonder if you would mind my coming with you? I suppose you could get me
+a bedroom in your house. I should like to pay for myself. Could it be
+managed, do you think?"
+
+"It would be delightful," Alice cried. "But why do you want to leave
+this beautiful house? What will Sir George say when he hears of it?"
+
+"He mustn't hear it," May whispered. "We have always been very good
+friends, Alice, and you can help me now if you will. I am going to
+confide in you and you must not whisper a word of it to a soul. So long
+as your father is away I shall be safe with you, and as he may not be
+back for some weeks I will have time to turn round. I must go away, I
+cannot stay here any longer. Something has happened which compels me to
+get my own living."
+
+"Oh, impossible!" Alice cried.
+
+"My dear, don't you know that it is the unexpected that happens? Well,
+in my case, it has. If anybody had told me this a couple of months ago I
+should have laughed the idea to scorn. It would have been incredible
+that my father should threaten to turn me out of the house. Hitherto we
+have been the best of friends, and I have regarded him as one of the
+most upright and most honourable of men. I have always prided myself
+upon the fact that nothing could rob us of our good name; but I was
+mistaken, Alice. Actually this place does not belong to us at all. My
+father is a mere lodger, dependent upon the good will of Mr. Raymond
+Copley, who can turn us out at any moment. Moreover, he has compelled my
+father to do a thing that I blush to mention. Do you know why Mr. Copley
+has brought all this about?"
+
+"I think I can guess," Alice said. "He is anxious to marry you. Am I not
+right?"
+
+"You have guessed it," May exclaimed. "You have saved me the humiliation
+of telling you that. Mr. Copley can't say he has bought me. But he has
+bought my father, and it comes to this, that unless I consent to be
+Raymond Copley's wife I am to consider this my home no longer. These
+were my father's very words. I suppose he chose them because they
+sounded best. But it is as if he had told me to go. I couldn't marry
+that man; nothing would induce me to do so. There is worse behind--there
+is a conspiracy on foot which I overheard in the library just now. You
+must not ask me to tell you what it is. My tongue would refuse to tell
+it. Well, it is the last straw. I couldn't be more miserable than I have
+been the last week or so. I cannot stay any longer. I have little or no
+money, but I have my mother's jewels which ought to fetch at least a
+thousand pounds. I propose to go to London and look about for something
+to do. I want to come to you because we are such friends, and because I
+know you will sympathize with me. We can live very cheaply together and
+I will pay you for all I have, and before your father returns I shall
+probably have found work. You won't refuse, will you?"
+
+"How can you think such a thing?" Alice said reproachfully. "There is
+nothing I would not do for you, and I know we shall be perfectly happy
+together. It would be worse than death to marry a man like Mr. Copley.
+I don't know why it is, but from the very first moment I saw him I hated
+him. I think he has such a cruel face. His mouth is so hard and his eyes
+are dreadful. But when do you want to go? When will you be ready to
+start?"
+
+"Didn't you say you must be back in town on Tuesday? Didn't you say
+something about your pupils? Well, suppose you go up on that day and I
+follow you on Wednesday. It would arouse suspicion for us both to go at
+the same time, and indeed I would ask you to stay longer only I can't
+breathe here. Knowing what I do, it is hateful to have to sit down to
+the same table with my father. I daresay I shall come to forgive him in
+time, but for the present it is beyond my strength. Mr. Copley is always
+about the house. Do try to make it Tuesday if you can. It seems so
+horrid of me----"
+
+Alice rose from her seat and kissed the speaker affectionately.
+
+"I won't hear another word," she said. "It is not in the least horrid of
+you. I will gladly do all I can to help you."
+
+Tuesday came at length and Alice Carden went away, leaving May to her
+own melancholy thoughts. She had not seen Harry Fielden for a few days
+and was thankful he had not been near her. It would be hard parting from
+him. It would be difficult to say good-bye without betraying herself or
+giving him some inkling of what had happened. After lunch on Wednesday
+she stole out of the house and walked to the station. She had sent on
+her luggage by Alice Carden the day before, so that when she left for
+London it might seem that she was only going for a casual visit. She
+would not mind the new life, so she thought, and she hardened her heart
+as she looked out of the carriage window. But, all the same, she was
+glad to find herself alone, for the tears would come and the old
+familiar landscape grew dim and blurred.
+
+What would they say, she wondered, when they knew. What would Harry
+Fielden think? But, at that very moment, Harry Fielden had something
+else to occupy his attention. He was walking across the Downs towards
+Haredale Park with Raffle, and the latter was speaking his mind very
+freely.
+
+"I won't be quiet, sir, and I won't keep my mouth shut," he said. "I
+tell you, Mr. Harry, it is a foul conspiracy and there are no two ways
+about it. Sir George gave Mallow a week to try to pull the colt round,
+and he says, says he, 'Mallow, if he's no better by that time, he's to
+be scratched.' Those were the instructions and Sir George confirmed them
+this morning. Now I am not going to say that the colt is much better,
+but I am prepared to pledge my reputation, and it is worth something,
+that I'll get him fit in a month. The whole thing has been arranged
+between Sir George and that man Copley, so that the horse can be
+scratched for the Derby. The public are to believe that Sir George has
+been unfortunate, but has played the game like a gentleman and a
+sportsman. Well, you may have what opinion you like, but I know better.
+Mind you, if I didn't know what I know I should have to put up with it
+and hold my tongue, because I am only a servant and no one can blame me
+for obeying my orders. But I have been making inquiries, and I find that
+Copley and his gang have been laying thick and thin against the colt for
+the past week. Do you mean to tell me they could know the colt would be
+scratched if they hadn't got Sir George in their power?"
+
+"What do you want me to do?" Fielden asked.
+
+A bitter smile crossed the old man's face.
+
+"I shouldn't have thought you'd ask what you were to do, sir," he said.
+"But I'm not going to stand it. I'm not going to sit down quietly and
+see this game going on. I daresay you think it will be bad for Miss May
+if this thing comes out. But bless you! if you go the right way to work
+nothing will leak out. The colt mustn't be scratched. You leave him
+where he is and he's certain to win the Derby. You are the very man to
+step in and stop the game. Let Sir George know what your power is. Let
+Copley see that he's got a gentleman to deal with. It will ruin Copley
+and his mob, but that doesn't matter. They are a fine set of thieves,
+if you ask me, sir, and I shouldn't mind telling Copley so. Now I would
+like to hear your opinion."
+
+Fielden had no particular opinion to offer. At the same time, he had
+information in his possession which would have astonished Raffle if he
+could only have seen into the mind of his old master. Pressing as the
+matter was, it was not possible to act on the spur of the moment, and
+Fielden contented himself by saying he would think over the matter.
+
+"But you can't do it, sir," Raffle protested. "There's no time to waste
+like that. The colt has to be scratched and maybe a telegram's already
+gone to London to that effect. The mischief may be done."
+
+"By Jove, I hadn't thought of that," Fielden exclaimed. "All right, Joe,
+it will be a most unpleasant piece of business, but I see now that it
+must not be put off any longer. I'll go straight over to Haredale Park
+and see Sir George at once."
+
+Sir George was in his library. He had given instructions to the butler
+to deny him to every one. In fact, he was seated by the library fire
+reading a letter which May had left for him. She had not minced matters.
+She had gone away for reasons well known to him, she said, and her
+address mattered nothing to anybody. Sir George was looking particularly
+old and grey and troubled as Fielden thrust his way past the butler and
+entered the library. Sir George's manner was not encouraging, and he
+curtly demanded to know the meaning of this intrusion.
+
+"I am sorry," Fielden said, "but my business would not wait. Am I to
+understand that you have struck the Blenheim colt out of the Derby? Is
+it done?"
+
+"It's not done yet," Sir George said indignantly, "but it will be done
+this afternoon. Perhaps you have some objection to make. Perhaps you
+would like to forbid it?"
+
+"I do and must," Fielden said quietly. "The horse does not belong to you
+at all. He happens to be mine."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII
+
+BETWEEN TWO FIRES
+
+
+Sir George Haredale pulled himself together.
+
+"You will excuse me," he said, "but I don't follow you. I have had much
+trouble and worry lately and I am not myself this morning. Did you say
+that the Blenheim colt belonged to you? If this is a joke I cannot say I
+admire it."
+
+"I assure you I was never more serious in my life, Sir George," Fielden
+protested. "I know what I say sounds extraordinary. The Blenheim colt
+belongs to me; it was never yours at all; in fact, it is not even
+entered in this year's Derby in your name. I have been making inquiries,
+and this is a literal fact. I have derived my information from
+headquarters. The conditions, monetary and otherwise, have been complied
+with----"
+
+"I don't doubt it for a moment," Sir George exclaimed. "But what has all
+this to do with me? When you went abroad I bought every animal you
+possessed."
+
+"I don't think so, Sir George. One or two were kept back; Raffle did so
+on his own responsibility. My solicitors have the papers and receipts,
+so that it is possible to earmark your exact purchases. I may tell you,
+however, that until I came here, I had no notion of this singular
+business. It appears that I forgot to advise my bankers before I left
+England and that, even up to the present moment, they are meeting my
+racing obligations out of the surplus moneys paid into my account. Now
+according to what Raffle says, _your_ colt, I mean your entry for this
+year's Derby, was disposed of long ago. My colt Raffle kept for
+sentimental reasons and, for the last two years, he has been trained
+with your horses. Raffle has always declared that some day he would do
+something great with one of the Blenheim blood. When he found out how
+good a thing he had he was almost frightened. He was on the point of
+confessing to you several times, but when he heard that I was dead he
+decided to let matters slide. Raffle has a vein of sentiment in his
+nature and, I suppose, the romance of the thing appealed to him.
+Besides, he knew that you were a friend of mine and that May was more
+than a friend. He is very fond of your daughter, in which he shows his
+good taste. So the foolish old man resolved to keep the secret to
+himself. He had transferred his allegiance to you and yours and had set
+his heart upon restoring your family fortunes; in reality he was giving
+May a comfortable and settled future. He didn't want the money for
+himself. He was satisfied to feel that he was repaying the kindness he
+had had at your hands. From a lofty moral point of view the thing may be
+open to censure, but what I am able to prove I say through my lawyers,
+through my bankers, through Raffle himself, and through other witnesses
+whom we can produce. Of course I am in your debt for training expenses,
+but that, at the moment, is beside the point. The point is that the
+Blenheim colt which, bar accidents, is certain to win this year's Derby,
+as you are perfectly well aware----"
+
+"I am not so sure of that," Sir George interrupted. "If I am to believe
+what Raffle says----"
+
+"We will come to that," Fielden went on. "I think otherwise. The horse
+has been knocked about in the betting a good deal lately and I am told
+that he has gone to an outside price again. I have managed to scrape
+together about two thousand pounds, every penny of which I have put upon
+the colt. I had made up my mind never to make another bet, but this
+opportunity is too good to be lost. If this horse wins the Derby, then I
+shall be a rich man again. If that good fortune is in store for me, it
+will be the last bet I shall ever make. And now, you understand why,
+apart from the morality of the thing, I object to the horse being
+scratched. In fact, you are not in a position to do so."
+
+Sir George rubbed his head bewilderingly.
+
+"Please say it all over again," he asked. "I know you mean everything
+you say, I know you are not joking with me, but I can't understand it."
+
+Fielden went over his points once more slowly and carefully, and then,
+at last, Sir George began to see. He did not fail to grasp his own
+position, either. He knew the peril in which he stood, unless he could
+persuade Fielden to fall in with his plans. But Fielden had told him he
+had backed the colt for all he was worth, and he was not likely to ruin
+himself merely to save an old man from the result of his folly. Besides,
+this would entail a shameful confession, for Sir George was not aware
+that Fielden had an intelligent view of the situation.
+
+"This is very awkward," he remarked.
+
+"I don't see why it should be," Fielden said coolly. "You can make a
+fortune, too. You have backed the horse heavily, and nothing in the race
+has any chance of beating him. I must consider myself. I have learnt the
+folly of sacrificing myself to my friends. In this affair I have some
+one to think about besides myself. May----"
+
+"May! What has she to do with it?"
+
+Fielden hesitated. He hated to give anybody pain, but the time had come
+to speak plainly.
+
+"She has a great deal to do with it," he said. "Whatever disgrace falls
+upon you cannot affect her good name. But, at the same time, I strongly
+object to any one being able to say that my future wife's father had
+been warned off the turf for malpractices."
+
+"Malpractices!" Sir George cried. "My dear Fielden, you are forgetting
+yourself. Explain, please."
+
+"I had much rather not," Fielden said. "But since you force me to speak,
+I must go on. I happen to know a good deal about Mr. Raymond Copley. I
+know you are deeply in his debt. I know that he helped you, because he
+hoped thereby to compel you to coerce May into a marriage with him. I am
+given to understand that you have done your best. I beg of you, Sir
+George, not to interrupt me. You have challenged me and I have a right
+to state my case. Copley is a scoundrel. I knew something about him in
+South Africa, though we never met. But he was in constant contact with a
+sort of partner of mine named Aaron Phillips. Phillips and I contrived
+to get an option on a diamond mine and, but for unforeseen
+circumstances, we should have made a fortune out of it. But the locality
+was kept a secret. The only man who knew where it was died and we had
+nothing but some plans to go on. Copley and Foster heard of this and
+resolved to get hold of those plans. The plans have vanished and
+probably will never be seen again. Then these two ruffians tried to
+murder Phillips. Indirectly they nearly murdered me. Phillips came back
+to England and sought me out. If he thought it worth while he could put
+the police on the track of Copley and Foster and they would be certain
+of penal servitude. But Phillips has other views. He has been following
+up these two men like a sleuth-hound and you may take my word for it
+that within a few days both Copley and Foster will be arrested in
+connection with one of the biggest turf frauds of recent years. Oh, I
+know what I am talking about."
+
+"Bless me!" Sir George cried, "is this true?"
+
+"Absolutely. I know about the whole thing. I know how the scheme has
+been worked and could put my hand upon the confederates at the present
+moment. But you will see for yourself before the week is out. You must
+not say a word of this to a living soul, and if you meet Copley during
+the next day or two I will ask you to behave towards him as if he were
+still a friend. Now you see the kind of man who has you in his toils.
+Simply because Copley has a powerful hold on you, you have promised to
+draw the pen through the name of the Blenheim colt. I won't unduly blame
+you, Sir George; no man knows how weak he is till he is face to face
+with a great trouble and a great temptation. Was not that the situation?
+Copley is in a position to turn you out of Haredale Park. He offers to
+cancel the debt if you will scratch the colt. At that moment the colt
+falls providentially lame. You can oblige him without a soul being any
+the wiser, and even gain popular applause over it, and make a fortune
+out of it by working it the right way."
+
+"Not a penny," Sir George said emphatically.
+
+"Well, I am glad to hear you say that. At the same time, I can't forget
+what you were willing to do. At any rate, I am preventing you from
+something in the nature of a crime. You can't interfere with my
+property, but you can refuse to carry out what Copley desires and defy
+him to do his worst. You are safe from him, and in future your daughter
+will have no occasion to be ashamed of you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII
+
+LOOSENING THE GRIP
+
+
+Fielden's last thrust went home. Sir George fairly winced and the red of
+shame flushed his face. Never in the course of his life had anybody ever
+spoken to him like this before. And never did he feel less able to
+resist the reproach.
+
+"You are going too far," was all he could say.
+
+"Indeed, I have no wish to," Fielden exclaimed. "I only want to save you
+from this crowning folly, and you need not be afraid of Copley. He is
+powerless to do you any mischief. Of course, you will still owe the
+money to somebody, but ere the law can make up its mind who is your
+creditor, if we have any luck at Epsom, you will be independent of all
+your creditors. Nobody need know of this. You may rest assured that not
+a word of it will ever pass my lips, and not even May shall be told."
+
+"I am afraid she knows already," Sir George rejoined. "It is useless, my
+dear boy, for me to combat your statements farther. I thought I was an
+honest English gentleman, and now I find that at a turn of the screw I
+am only a pitiful scoundrel. I fear that May has found out all about it.
+I was anxious she should marry Copley, for salvation seemed to lie that
+way, and I was under great obligations to the man. I was so annoyed with
+May that I said more than I should have done; indeed, I lost my temper
+and, in the heat of the moment, told her that if she did not obey me in
+this matter she was no longer a daughter of mine. Of course, I did not
+mean it."
+
+Fielden walked to the window and back before he ventured on a reply. Hot
+words hovered on his lips and anger filled his heart, but he tried to
+speak calmly.
+
+"That, to say the least of it, was indiscreet," he said. "If I know May,
+and I think I do, she is the last girl in the world to put up with
+treatment like that."
+
+"She didn't put up with it," Sir George confessed miserably. "She has
+gone, taking with her nothing but her mother's jewels which she intends
+to turn into money. In her letter to me she refuses to say where she is.
+She says she is going to get her own living and will never come back to
+Haredale. She must know what took place between Copley and me last
+night, for she alludes to something she overheard in the library. I
+wonder if you can help me?"
+
+Fielden groaned aloud. He had not expected a bitter disappointment like
+this. He was anxious to avoid scandal. Of course, the public would have
+to hear the strange story which, like a romance, clothed the Blenheim
+colt. But there was nothing in that to be ashamed of, nothing which
+would reflect on the honour either of Sir George or himself. Nor would
+the vast army of race-goers suffer. But the disappearance of May had
+altered all that. People would ask questions and neighbours were sure to
+talk. For the moment it seemed as if Fielden's efforts had been wasted,
+then an inspiration shot into his mind and he took comfort from it.
+
+"I think I know where to find her," he said. "But it may take me a few
+days and, meanwhile, you had better let it be known that May has gone
+away on a visit. We will assume that she is staying with Miss Carden for
+the present. I need not detain you longer. You will know what to do when
+Copley turns up to ascertain why the Blenheim colt has not been
+scratched. For obvious reasons we won't make the discovery public just
+yet; in fact, I see no reason why it should be made public at all. We
+can trust May, and I am sure we can trust Raffle, though you will have
+to tell Copley the truth. Still, as he will be in other hands before
+long, nothing he can say or do will matter much. I am going up to London
+and shall be greatly surprised if, when I come back, I don't bring you
+news of May."
+
+Fielden took his departure, leaving Sir George to his own troubled
+thoughts. He was properly ashamed of himself. He knew what a humiliating
+figure he had cut. He knew how two people, whose opinions he valued
+highly, despised him. Yet, in spite of everything, himself included, he
+was glad to know that he would be compelled to keep faith with the
+public. He was glad to know that within a few days Copley would have no
+further power to harm him. He had known all along, juggle with his
+conscience as he might, that old Raffle had been perfectly correct in
+regard to the colt. Notwithstanding the folly of that appearance at
+Mirst Park, the colt was not so lame as he had made out and in a week or
+two would be all right again. At the present moment if he risked a
+thousand or two, there was almost absolute certainty he would get it
+back fifty-fold at the great Epsom meeting. As Sir George pondered the
+situation, his mind was equally divided between shame and exultation. He
+did not fail to see his conduct in its proper light, nor did he fail to
+see an honourable way out, with credit to himself and a good many
+thousands in his pocket. He sat thinking until it was time for his
+solitary dinner. He had proved everything to his satisfaction before he
+returned to the library for a cigar. He would have given anything to
+have had May back again, for once she was under his roof, the way looked
+perfectly clear. He was still weighing the pros and cons when Copley
+strode angrily into the library.
+
+He had entered unannounced and looked at Sir George with the light of
+battle in his eye. He stood an imposing, bullying figure. But the master
+of the house was not afraid.
+
+"What is the meaning of this?" Copley demanded. "I hope you are not
+trying to shirk your obligations, because if you do, by gad, I shall
+have to teach you a lesson."
+
+"You mean about the colt?" Sir George asked.
+
+"What else could I mean? You promised he should be scratched this
+afternoon. It hadn't been done when I left London at six o'clock. Why?"
+
+"Sit down and have a cigar," Sir George said, "and I'll explain to you.
+But don't adopt that tone to me, because I don't like it. I am not
+accustomed to it."
+
+Copley burst into an offensive laugh.
+
+"Oh, aren't you?" he said. "We'll precious soon see about that. No, I
+don't want a cigar or anything to drink. I'll go home again and perhaps
+I can find another way----"
+
+"I don't think it will make much difference," Sir George said mildly. "I
+didn't scratch the colt for the simple reason that I find I haven't the
+power."
+
+"Haven't the power? What are you talking about?"
+
+"I assure you I am speaking the truth. I wasn't in the least aware of it
+myself till this afternoon. It is quite a story in its way. Now do,
+please, sit down and listen. The man you know as Field is the son of an
+old friend of mine named Fielden, who at one time owned a considerable
+amount of property hereabouts. You may have heard some of the neighbours
+speak of him. The son preferred not to be known by his proper name, and
+that is why I introduced him to you as Field. Now Field, or Fielden,
+whichever you like to call him, is really the owner of the Blenheim
+colt. If you will be quiet I will tell you all about it. By the way,
+Fielden knows a good deal about you and also about your friend Foster.
+He ran against you in South Africa where he was in partnership with a
+man called Aaron Phillips. I don't know Mr. Phillips myself, but he
+tells a story which interested me very much. I have just had it from Mr.
+Fielden's lips. But sit down."
+
+Copley sat down suddenly. His bullying air fell away from him like a
+garment. He seemed to have some difficulty in getting a light to his
+cigar. Sir George could almost have smiled as he saw the change in his
+one-time friend. There was a look of anxiety, almost of anxious misery,
+in Copley's eyes as he wriggled about in his chair whilst Sir George
+told his tale.
+
+"There you have it in a nutshell," the latter concluded. "That is the
+whole romance for you to deal with as you like. It doesn't matter a bit
+whether I want to serve you or not, you can see for yourself the
+position I am in and how powerless I am to prevent the Blenheim colt
+from running in this year's Derby. Mr. Fielden would not consent, even
+if he hadn't backed the colt to his last penny. You may depend upon it
+that if the horse starts he is bound to win, for in this year's moderate
+lot there is nothing to beat him. This upsets all your plans, but you
+will find that everything I say is correct. You have still time to get
+out."
+
+"How can I?" Copley asked. "Why, I have laid against the colt till I am
+tired of it, and if he runs he'll win. But it is no use my sitting here
+wasting time. I must go back at once and talk this thing over with
+Foster. I never heard such an extraordinary story in my life. I thought
+I was up to most of the moves, but a prophet couldn't have foreseen
+this. One thing is very certain, as matters have turned out I shall want
+every penny I can scrape together the next few days and I shall look to
+you to repay what you owe me. Of course, I don't want to be unpleasant,
+but necessity knows no law."
+
+Sir George waved his cigar gracefully. He felt he could promise with an
+easy mind.
+
+"Don't let that trouble you," he said. "I think I shall be able to
+manage. Circumstances alter cases. Must you really go?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX
+
+A DRAMATIC EXIT
+
+
+May had taken her fortune in her own hands. She had, as she thought,
+shaken the dust of Haredale Park from her feet for ever. There was no
+reason, she thought, why she should not make her own way in the world.
+Her trinkets were more valuable than she had expected. She had disposed
+of one for a hundred pounds, and had no anxiety as to the immediate
+future. But she was miserable enough. Lodgings seemed to cramp and
+confine her. She missed the pure air of the Downs, and longed once more
+to feel the exhilarating stride of a good horse under her. At the end of
+three days she would have given her pride and all her possessions to be
+back at Haredale. Already she was trying to think of some excuse for
+returning home.
+
+She did not know how near her wishes were to being gratified. She was
+not aware that Fielden was looking for her all over London. He had
+jumped to the correct conclusion that he would find her near to Alice
+Carden, but the trouble was to obtain Miss Carden's address. It was not
+till the Saturday morning that he ran against Phillips, who fortunately
+knew where Carden lived.
+
+"You won't find him at home," he said.
+
+"I don't want him," Fielden smiled. "Thank you very much. I'll see you
+later in the day, perhaps."
+
+"I'm busy," Phillips said darkly. "I've a good many things to do this
+morning. I've to interview Selwyn and other big plungers. After that, I
+have an appointment with one of the leading men of Scotland Yard, which
+will take us down to Mirst Park with a view to going over a certain
+house we wot of."
+
+Phillips bustled away and Fielden lost no time in seeking out the modest
+residence of Major Carden. He was disappointed to hear that Miss Carden
+was out, but it was gratifying to be told that Miss Carden's friend was
+in the house. Without waiting for further information, Fielden walked
+upstairs into the room where May was seated. She had pulled a chair up
+dejectedly in front of the fire and started at the sound of Fielden's
+voice. There were tears in her eyes.
+
+"So you have found me out."
+
+"Oh, yes, I have run you to earth," Fielden smiled. "I have been looking
+for you for three days. I had some difficulty in getting the Major's
+address, but felt quite sure that when I had that you would not be far
+off. Like me, May, you have not many friends. And now, don't you think
+you have been foolish?"
+
+May smiled through her tears.
+
+"But what else could I do?" she asked. "Oh, my dear boy, if you knew
+everything you would not blame me."
+
+"I think I do know everything," Fielden said gravely. "At any rate, I
+know why you left home. I had a long interview with your father,
+and--well, I won't blame him. None of us know what we would do in a
+temptation like that. That scoundrel Copley had him entirely in his
+power. Now, tell me, do you know anything of the great conspiracy? Were
+you in the library the night before you left home, and did you hear Sir
+George and Copley----"
+
+"I heard everything," May exclaimed. "I must tell you, Harry; I must
+tell somebody. I never felt so ashamed and humiliated in my life. It was
+bad enough to be turned out of the house because I refused to marry that
+man, but when I found that my father had entered into a plot with Mr.
+Copley to do a disgraceful thing, I felt I could not stay at home any
+longer. I suppose the mischief is done and the Blenheim colt has been
+struck out of the Derby. But though the public will never know how they
+have been swindled, I shall always feel that my father----"
+
+The girl broke down.
+
+"You need not worry about that," Fielden said. "I quite understand what
+your feelings are. But what you so greatly dread will never happen.
+Disgrace will be spared you and yours, because your father has not the
+power to interfere with the colt. Possibly before the day is out Copley
+will be as helpless as a child. You look surprised and I don't wonder. I
+am going to tell you something in the nature of a romance. To begin
+with, the Blenheim colt belongs to me."
+
+May was too surprised to speak. She sat on the arm of Fielden's chair.
+She did not seem to notice that his arm was around her, and that her
+head was very near his shoulder. She did not seem to care about anything
+now that Fielden was with her, and there was a link between the past and
+the present. It was a fascinating story which Fielden had to tell, much
+more remarkable than anything May had ever read of between the covers of
+a sporting novel. When the recital was finished she wiped the tears from
+her eyes, and a happy smile broke over her face. On the spur of the
+moment she bent down and kissed her companion.
+
+"Did any one ever hear the like of it?" she exclaimed. "It seems almost
+too good to be true. It is more like a fairy story than literal fact.
+But I am glad for your sake, for my sake, and for my father's sake. For
+he is my father, and it is possible that in his position I might have
+acted in a like heedless and foolish way. It would have been a terrible
+blow for him to leave Haredale Park. It is only since I have been in
+lodgings that I have come to realize what it means to have no home, what
+it was to turn out of such a dear old place as Haredale. But, Harry, we
+don't appear to be out of the wood yet. It will be a bitter
+disappointment to Mr. Copley and his colleague to be deprived of their
+chance of swindling the public. I am sure Mr. Copley will be none the
+less vindictive against my father, because this was no fault of his. I
+am afraid we shall have to leave Haredale in any case."
+
+"I don't think so," Fielden said. "Before long Copley will be powerless.
+We shall be able to hang on till Derby Day; then the gallant colt will
+win fortunes for all of us, and I shall be a rich man again. I shall be
+able to restore the old house and buy back the land, and then I shall
+have a home fit to ask my wife to. After that we shall be happy, only
+there won't be any more betting and gambling, because I have learnt my
+lesson, and it will be all the more effectual and lasting because it has
+been bitter. Meanwhile nobody knows anything about your trouble with
+your father except myself and, I presume, Miss Carden. You are supposed
+to be on a visit to London for a few days. It is lucky you have no maid
+to make mischief. I must return to Haredale this evening. Let me tell
+your father that I have explained everything to you, that you are coming
+back on Monday or Tuesday, and that Miss Carden will accompany you. I
+know Sir George will be glad to see you. He told me he could not
+understand how he spoke to you as he did. And, you see, as there is no
+one to follow your father, as the title will die out with him, Haredale
+Park will be your own some day. I know you love the place."
+
+"I couldn't tell you how much," May said unsteadily. "It is only during
+the last few days that I have realized the depth of my affection. I will
+come back. You may tell father I said so. I will return on Monday as
+early as possible and I hope you will be there to meet me. I thought I
+was going to be brave and strong and earn my own living; I thought that
+wanted no more than the pluck one has to exhibit in the hunting-field.
+But it is quite different. It must be a matter of custom and
+surroundings. It is all very well to run up to London to spend a few
+days with friends, but when you are alone, as I have been, the very size
+of the place frightens one. You don't know how glad I shall be to be
+home again. Why, twenty-four hours after I came here I began to cast
+about for reasons and excuses for going back."
+
+An hour later Fielden left, at peace with all mankind and inclined to
+take a roseate view of the future. Everything depended on the Blenheim
+colt. The path was clear and those chiefly concerned were going to have
+a straight run for their money. The poisonous influence of Copley would
+be removed. There would be peace and happiness at Haredale Park once
+more and, above all, May was coming home.
+
+Fielden flung himself down in the corner of his carriage and proceeded
+to open a late edition of an evening paper. He read the racing news of
+interest, then turned to the news items on the fifth page. Two headlines
+caught his attention at once and held him fascinated. They were
+sensational enough even to the ordinary person, but to Fielden they were
+pregnant with meaning.
+
+    "ALLEGED GREAT TURF FRAUDS.
+
+    "ARREST OF MR. COPLEY AND MR. FOSTER.
+
+    "Late this afternoon, the well-known financier, Mr. Raymond
+    Copley, and his private secretary, Mr. Foster, were arrested in
+    London on a warrant in connection with some alleged turf frauds
+    which took place recently at the Post Club. We understand that
+    the warrant was granted at the instance of Mr. Selwyn."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL
+
+CAUGHT!
+
+
+Raymond Copley went away from Haredale Park with every ounce of fight
+knocked out of him. Never for a moment had he anticipated a development
+like this. He had gone there in his most truculent mood. Everything
+seemed to be prospering with him. He had only to hold out his hand and
+all would drop into it. He had no fear Sir George would defy him. Rather
+had he taken a journey across the fields in order to manifest his power.
+
+There had been no actual necessity for Sir George to put his colt out of
+the betting yet; indeed, it would have been diplomatic to wait for
+another fortnight. But Sir George must be shown that he could not do as
+he liked. He must understand the force he had to deal with in Copley.
+
+Now it had all vanished like a dream. The thing appeared incredible to
+Copley as he walked homewards. He could not realize it. He was not
+disposed to regard Sir George's story as a deliberate lie, for it bore
+the impress of truth. The only way to settle the thing once and for all
+was to ask for absolute proof. But, if this were done, Harry Fielden
+would protest and, if he did so, the public would learn what was going
+on. Taking it altogether, the risk was too great.
+
+He would have to find some other way out of his difficulties. He had
+laid against the Blenheim colt thick and thin. He had literally piled
+the money against it with the comfortable assurance that it would never
+run at all, and that he was about to net a huge fortune without a
+pennyworth of risk. That prospect had vanished at a blow. If he stayed
+in England he would have to pay these debts, or the turf would know him
+no more. And if posted at Tattersall's, his career was at an end. There
+would be no more chance of making money in that way. He would have to
+start an entirely new plan if he meant to keep up his r�le of
+millionaire. But millionaires do not repudiate their racing debts, and
+Copley could see nothing but ruin wherever he looked.
+
+There was worse behind, too. It was disturbing to know that in some
+mysterious manner Aaron Phillips was mixed up in this business. But he
+had made no sign. He had not come near Copley, nor had he attempted to
+extort money from him. Yet he was actually a sort of partner with Harry
+Fielden, who had taken service with Copley under the name of Field. The
+more Copley thought over the matter the less he liked it. He had known
+Fielden by name, although they had never met. He realized for the first
+time that he had a deadly enemy under his own roof, so to speak. How
+much did these two know?
+
+Well, it wouldn't be difficult to discover. He would send for Fielden
+directly he got back to Seton Manor and pump him judiciously. Foster
+awaited him with the air of a man who finds the world a good place to
+live in. He looked uneasy, however, as he noted the expression of his
+employer's face.
+
+"What's the matter?" he asked.
+
+"Matter enough," Copley growled. "It's all over, my friend. You can say
+good-bye to your dreams of fortune. If we can get away with a whole skin
+we shall be lucky. As far as I can make out, we have made ourselves
+liable for thirty or forty thousand pounds, and have nothing to pay it
+with."
+
+"Well, that's all right," Foster said.
+
+"Oh, is it? I suppose you will admit that if the Blenheim colt turns out
+fit and well for the Derby there is nothing to beat him."
+
+"If he does turn out. But he won't."
+
+"Oh, yes, he will. But I'll tell you the story and if you can show me
+some way out you are a cleverer man than I take you for."
+
+Foster listened with deepest interest. He looked just as anxious and
+haggard as Copley by the time the story was finished. For a long time he
+sat gnawing his fingers.
+
+"It's a facer," he said presently. "That horse will run, and he'll win,
+too, unless we can find some means of preventing him from starting. We
+_must_ find some means."
+
+Copley threw up his hand impatiently.
+
+"What's the good of talking that rot?" he said. "The age for getting at
+horses is past. That was done with years ago. Even the sporting writer
+wouldn't dare to use a situation like this. You must think of something
+better than that. If the worst comes to the worst we've got a few weeks
+to turn round between now and Derby day. Sir George owes me forty
+thousand pounds, which I must get without delay. It is no use thinking
+anything more about May Haredale. With that money we may be able to
+cover our loss or hedge and bring it down to a trifle. We shall have to
+be contented with what we make over the Mirst Park meeting. So long as
+Rickerby and that set are not suspicious----"
+
+"I begin to fear they are," Foster interrupted. "As you know, we ought
+to have had a big cheque last week, but it hasn't come, though I wrote a
+sharp letter about it again the day before yesterday. I don't know
+whether Rickerby suspects, or whether he will refuse to pay, but in the
+face of what you have learnt the non-receipt of that cheque is alarming.
+Nor do I like what you say about Phillips and this chap Fielden.
+Phillips is a dangerous man and owes us a grudge. Let's have Fielden in.
+We may be able to bully something out of him."
+
+Copley jumped at the idea. He rang the bell and sent for Fielden, who
+appeared presently cool and collected, and ready to answer any
+questions.
+
+"Look here," Copley said in his most overbearing manner, "I've been
+hearing things about you. I am told your name is not Field at all, but
+Fielden. Is that so?"
+
+"That is quite correct," Harry said calmly.
+
+"Then, what the devil do you mean by coming into my service under false
+pretences? No honest man----"
+
+"I'll thank you not to take that tone with me," Fielden said. "We don't
+want to discuss the question of honesty. It is a subject on which you
+are not an authority. But I see you have found out everything and I may
+as well be candid. I entered your service because I had nothing to do. I
+assumed the name of Field, because I found nobody recognized me and I
+didn't want any of my old friends to know what I was doing. I suppose I
+am correct in assuming that Sir George Haredale has told you everything.
+Probably he has informed you that my partner in South Africa was Aaron
+Phillips. I need not ask if you know Aaron Phillips, because that would
+be superfluous. I never met either of you till I returned to England,
+but I know about you. Phillips knows more. I am also aware of the
+conspiracy for preventing the Blenheim colt from running in the Derby,
+but that scheme is frustrated. Have you any more to say?"
+
+"This is a nice way to speak to an employer," Copley protested.
+
+"It would be if I were still in your employ," Fielden retorted. "But I
+no longer consider myself your servant. There is no occasion for me to
+remain with you. Perhaps the next time we meet--but never mind about
+that."
+
+Fielden turned curtly on his heel and left the room. The other two
+exchanged significant glances.
+
+"Pretty cool," Foster muttered.
+
+"Yes, and pretty sure of his ground, too," Copley replied. "I don't like
+it, Foster, I don't like it a bit. I have a feeling that those fellows
+know everything. It frightens me to think that Phillips has been lying
+low for so long. You may depend upon it he is up to some mischief. And
+now that you tell me you have not received Rickerby's cheque I feel all
+the more certain of it. Don't you think it would be as well to go over
+to The Nook and remove that telephone? It always struck me as a
+dangerous thing to leave it on the roof. You never know what
+inquisitive people there may be about. If anybody acquainted with racing
+only saw it they would be sure to make inquiries. We had better take the
+car and run over before it is dark. What do you say?"
+
+Foster had no objection; in fact, he rather liked the idea. Half an hour
+later the car was crossing the country and before dusk the two reached
+their destination. They were later than they had expected in consequence
+of a breakdown on the road, but they seemed to be in time, for the house
+was quiet and deserted and, so far as they could see, nobody had been
+meddling with the telephone. Foster drew down the blinds and lit the
+gas. It had not occurred to him to lock the front door. There was no
+occasion for hurry and, after procuring a chest of tools, he started on
+his work, which presented few difficulties.
+
+Then the door opened and two men walked deliberately into the hall.
+Copley turned upon them with a snarl.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI
+
+HOME AGAIN
+
+
+"What do you mean by this?" Copley demanded.
+
+The intruders were not in the least abashed. On the contrary, they had
+every evidence of being very sure of their ground. The foremost touched
+Copley on the shoulder.
+
+"Mr. Raymond Copley, I believe?" he said politely.
+
+"It would be foolish to deny it," Copley sneered.
+
+"Very good, sir," the stranger went on. "And this other gentleman is Mr.
+Foster?"
+
+Foster nodded uneasily. He held the screwdriver he was using and waited
+for developments with white face and quivering lips.
+
+"That being so, gentlemen," the stranger said, "I may as well introduce
+myself. I am Inspector Andrews of Scotland Yard and this is my
+assistant. We have a warrant for the arrest of both of you on the charge
+of obtaining a large sum of money by means of a trick from Mr. Selwyn
+and others in connection with race meetings at Mirst Park. The warrant
+was obtained on the information of Mr. Selwyn, and you will please
+consider yourselves my prisoners. Anything you say, of course, will be
+given in evidence against you."
+
+Copley cursed himself under his breath. What a fool he had been to come
+here! The matter would have been bad enough if he had been arrested at
+Seton Manor, but to be taken here, to be identified in this fashion at
+The Nook was fatal. There was nothing for it in the circumstances but to
+try to bluster.
+
+"This is an outrage," he exclaimed. "It is a mere tale to extort money
+from a man in my position. You haven't a scrap of evidence to justify a
+proceeding like this."
+
+"That remains to be proved, sir," the Inspector said quietly. "I may say
+that your accomplice, Captain Eversleigh, is already in custody and is
+volunteering all the information we require. We have also arrested the
+man Chaffey in the neighbourhood of Covent Garden. More than that, we
+have interviewed the National Telephone authorities, and they have not
+been reticent, either. Besides that, we can produce the agent who let
+this house and who has already identified you. Also, we have taken
+possession of the office of Jolly & Co., and your accomplice there is in
+our hands also. I don't think we have left anything undone. We motored
+to Seton Manor, but you had left just before we arrived. We kept you
+under observation till now. Come, Mr. Copley, nothing will be gained by
+taking this attitude. I am telling you this in fairness to yourself so
+that you may know what you have to answer."
+
+Copley was done and submitted quietly to have the handcuffs put upon his
+wrists. Foster seemed equally subdued. He advanced towards the
+Inspector's assistant, then suddenly lunged forward, brushed him aside,
+and darted through the door into the open air. Instantly he was lost in
+the thick bushes. Inspector Andrews shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"You are to blame for that," he said. "No, it is no use following him
+just now. We must pick him up later. Mr. Copley, if you are quite ready
+we'll get back to London."
+
+An hour later Copley was safely housed. By seven o'clock his name was
+ringing from one end of London to the other. At first the published
+details were meagre, but the extra specials contained fuller tidings.
+They had managed to ferret out some racing particulars and to interview
+Rickerby, who was not in the least reticent. By ten o'clock Copley's
+arrest formed the one topic of conversation in the clubs. His name
+appeared largely on every poster and the South African millionaire found
+himself notorious.
+
+The news even reached the ears of May Haredale and her friend Alice.
+They had been treating themselves to the theatre in honour of recent
+events and paused on their way home to buy a paper. There was plenty to
+discuss as they partook of their frugal supper and they sat till late
+with the paper between them.
+
+"You have had a lucky escape," Alice said.
+
+"My father has," May replied. "I would never have married that man. I
+would have starved first. I never liked him and always felt there was
+something wrong about him. He won't trouble us any more and I only hope
+this terrible business won't upset my father."
+
+"Don't let us talk any more about it," Alice said. "Let us think about
+nothing else but your going home again. I don't know how I shall manage
+to stay in London after this. My fortnight at Haredale Park spoilt me."
+
+It is not necessary to say much about May's homecoming. Sir George met
+his daughter in the hall. He waited to say a few words to Alice Carden
+and then led May into the library.
+
+"I hope you won't blame me, my child," he said. "I can say no more than
+that I am exceedingly sorry for what happened. It was only after you had
+gone that I realized what a brute I had been. I must have been mad. But
+I thought I was going to be turned out of the old home, and to marry
+Copley--pardon me for alluding to it--seemed such an easy way out of my
+difficulty. I know now that women don't regard these things from the
+same standpoint as men do and, of course, I believed Copley was in a
+strong position. I regarded him as honest and straightforward,
+otherwise----"
+
+"You could not have done that," May protested. "How could you? When you
+were ready to fall in with his--but I won't say anything about that. All
+that is past and done with for ever. As Harry Fielden said, no man knows
+how weak he is till he is face to face with a great temptation. It is
+enough that you sincerely regret what has happened. As for me, I am only
+too glad to return home on any terms."
+
+"You overwhelm me," Sir George murmured.
+
+"Oh, don't feel like that, I implore you. But, tell me, what difference
+will this make to you? I have heard about the strange story of the colt
+and how Harry Fielden stepped in to prevent disgrace to our house. But
+that does not alter the fact that you owe Mr. Copley a large sum of
+money. I suppose it will have to be paid whether he is convicted or
+not."
+
+"Undoubtedly," Sir George answered. "But my lawyer says it will be some
+time before I am called upon to pay the money. I had a long interview
+with him this morning. Everybody knows now that Raymond Copley is no
+millionaire and that he is an unscrupulous adventurer who passed
+himself off as a wealthy man in order to carry out his swindles. From a
+telegram I have just received a good many fresh details came out this
+morning when Copley was brought up at Bow Street. The magistrate has
+refused to allow bail, but it will be two or three months before Copley
+is convicted, and during the interval some of his creditors are sure to
+make him bankrupt. They will be anxious to rescue some of the plunder
+and there are probably several thousand pounds in the bank besides all
+the stuff at Seton Manor and other places. It will take time to
+investigate these things, and possibly the summer will be over before
+the Bankruptcy officials ask me to pay this money to Copley's estate.
+Long before that the Blenheim colt will have won the Derby."
+
+May could not repress a smile.
+
+"You are always sanguine," she said. "In fact, if you hadn't been so
+sanguine, you would not be in your present position. I suppose nobody
+knows of our trouble."
+
+"Only Harry Fielden," Sir George said thankfully. "I suppose, we shall
+have to regard him as one of the family, though what he is going to live
+on and how he is going to keep you, goodness knows. I've got nothing."
+
+A smile crossed May's face.
+
+"We are all going to make fortunes out of the colt," she said. "If you
+are so sanguine, you must not grudge a little bit of a similar spirit to
+us. I know that Harry has backed the colt for all he is worth. It is
+very dreadful and wrong and extravagant, but Harry tells me that this
+will be the last time. How singular that the fortunes of two families
+should depend upon a horse! Only think, too, that, but for the merest
+accident, the Blenheim colt would not be in the Derby at all. That makes
+me think our good fortune is to continue. I don't think Fate would play
+us a low-down trick. It is impossible that the colt has been saved only
+to speed us to ruin at the last. But I don't like to think about it. I
+shall be in a fever of anxiety from now till May. But I'll try to be
+calm. I must realize that this is my last bet."
+
+Sir George was content to let it go at that. He was glad to have his
+daughter back, glad to think that things were no worse. Fate, too, had
+been kind to him, for he had preserved his name and reputation. He had
+lost nothing; indeed, he stood to be in a better position than he had
+ever yet occupied. For the first time for months he was looking forward
+to his dinner with gusto.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLII
+
+FIRST PAST THE POST
+
+
+Things turned out much as Sir George's lawyer had predicted. After
+several adjourned hearings Copley was committed for trial, together with
+his associates, and Aaron Phillips had the satisfaction of giving the
+most damning evidence against the accused. Of Foster nothing whatever
+had been heard and it was assumed he had got safely out of the country.
+Copley's trial was set down to take place in June and in the meantime
+some of his creditors had made him a bankrupt. The bubble was pricked.
+Copley had nothing to gain by keeping up the pretence of being a man of
+integrity and substance. He stood out now unabashed and unashamed, and
+refused to give any information about his business affairs. Perhaps he
+was looking forward to the time, some years hence, when on his release
+from gaol he could blackmail Sir George Haredale.
+
+But Sir George had already taken steps to obviate that. He had learnt
+his lesson and was not likely to put himself in Copley's power again. A
+proper statement of the relationship between Copley and himself had
+been rendered by Sir George's lawyer and ample time had been given by
+the Bankruptcy officials to pay the debt. Therefore Sir George could
+look forward with easy mind to the momentous event at Epsom.
+
+Everything went smoothly and Raffle pronounced the colt as fit to run
+for a kingdom. The horse was established in the betting once more and at
+that moment there were few more popular men in England than Sir George
+Haredale. He was anxious, of course, for so much depended upon what was
+to take place between now and next Wednesday, and Harry Fielden was not
+very far from the spot; indeed, his feelings were like those of Sir
+George. His whole fortune, too, depended upon the running of the colt.
+About the only member of the party who was not unduly anxious was Raffle
+himself. He went about his business with a knowing smile and refused to
+discuss even the possibility of defeat.
+
+"Bless you, sir," he said to Fielden two days before the race, "I can't
+see what you've got to fret about. The race is in our pockets. It
+wouldn't do to disappoint the people now, for Epsom is Epsom. But that
+colt will just win from the start. There ain't going to be any risks,
+because so much depends upon it. What a story it would make, Mr. Harry,
+wouldn't it?"
+
+Fielden nodded. They were standing in the Blenheim colt's stall admiring
+the noble animal, which looked fit to race for his own life. There was
+no sign of staleness about him. He was apparently trained to the last
+ounce and, as Raffle said, his temper was perfect.
+
+"He won't mind the crowd and the horses," he said, laying his hand upon
+the colt's glossy neck. "I never saw such a tractable animal. It is a
+proud day for me to live to see the Blenheim blood doing a big thing
+like this. I always believed in it, sir, though we had a good many
+failures. I wonder what the public would say if they knew everything."
+
+"They are not in the least likely to do that," Fielden laughed. "I think
+we were wise to keep the whole thing to ourselves. It is just as well,
+too, to let the colt run as Sir George's property. At any rate, there's
+no harm done and we haven't broken any rules. Besides, it is all in the
+family. What are your plans for to-morrow, Raffle? If you don't mind, I
+will go to Epsom with you. Sir George and Miss Haredale can follow on
+Wednesday morning. I don't want to lose sight of the colt if I can help
+it. I wish Wednesday was over."
+
+Raffle highly approved the suggestion, so, on the morrow, they went off
+to Epsom with the colt. They literally slept with it all Tuesday night.
+The fateful Wednesday dawned without a cloud in the sky and by noon the
+Downs were crowded with people. For the most part they meant to have a
+holiday, seeing that they were on the favourite to a man and that the
+chance of the favourite losing was as remote as a racing possibility
+could be. Shortly after two o'clock Fielden left the paddock and went to
+join Sir George and May and Miss Carden.
+
+"I hope all is well," May whispered.
+
+"It couldn't be better," Fielden said. "Another hour and you will be out
+of your misery. The colt looks as fine as a star. We are having him
+saddled at the top end of the course so that he won't be actually seen
+till he is ready for the start. It will be a popular victory, May."
+
+"Oh, yes," May said nervously. "I suppose it will. I don't know when I
+felt so anxious. I was looking forward to enjoying this race, but I
+don't think I shall. I envy you, Harry. How can you keep so cool?"
+
+Fielden smiled. In fact, he was anything but cool. He looked confident
+but, at the same time, he was conscious of a dryness in his throat and
+of the quicker beating of his heart as he weighed the possibilities
+which the next hour held for him and the party from Haredale Park. At
+that moment he possessed practically nothing. If by any untoward fate
+the horse lost he would be as poor as he was before, and his marriage
+with May would be indefinitely postponed. In case of this disaster Sir
+George would have to sell everything to pay his mortgages and the money
+he owed to Copley's estate. He would have to spend the rest of his days
+in humble lodgings. There would be an end to the glories of Haredale.
+
+But if the horse won! So much depended upon those four feet, upon those
+wonderful staying powers of which Raffle had so frequently boasted.
+Hitherto there had always been a weak spot in the Blenheim blood and it
+might crop up at the very moment when so much depended upon bone and
+muscle and sinew.
+
+And if everything did go well, why, then, Sir George Haredale would be a
+rich man again. Fielden would have more than he ever possessed before
+and the tarnished glory of the family would be restored. As he stood,
+quiet and reserved, he did not look like a man to whom the next
+half-hour meant so much. But he thought that half-hour would never be
+over.
+
+The minutes wore on nevertheless. The roar and fret and murmur of the
+crowd at last died down and the long winding ribbon of turf between the
+masses of people began to manifest itself. The gay kaleidoscope of
+colour gradually drifted into a ragged line at the post. Then a hoarse
+roar broke out again.
+
+"They're off!" May whispered, clutching Fielden frantically by the arm.
+"You must tell me how the race is going. Positively, I haven't the
+courage to look."
+
+Fielden did not hear a word she said. He had no consciousness of those
+tense nervous fingers on his arm. He stood like a statue with his racing
+glasses glued to his eyes. He watched the streaming glow of colours
+rigidly, until, presently, it seemed to him that one horse came floating
+easily and gracefully apart from the rest and then his heart began to
+sing within him. They came in much the same order round Tattenham
+Corner. Then the roar intensified till everything seemed to shake and
+rock, and Fielden trembled and could not see through his glasses. When
+he finally adjusted them to his satisfaction, he was conscious of a
+still deeper shout of gratification from the multitude. Then, as if in
+response to the ringing cheers, the Blenheim colt drew almost
+imperceptibly away from the ruck of horses and passed the winning-post a
+good half length ahead. The Derby was ancient history now. The Blenheim
+colt had won this classic race and a score or two of old friends were
+gathering round Sir George to shake him by the hand. The victory was all
+the more popular because ninety-nine out of every hundred spectators had
+backed the winner.
+
+Fielden closed his glasses with a snap. He was conscious now that May
+was clinging to his arm and that she was swaying backwards and forwards
+ominously. It was only for a few moments, however, and then a slight
+smile trembled on her lips.
+
+"Take me away from here for a while," she whispered. "Let us take a walk
+on the course. Do you know, I feel as if I could enjoy a turn on a
+roundabout. I could even shy for cocoanuts. And only two or three
+minutes ago I felt as if I were going to faint. I never saw a yard of
+the race. If I had looked up I should have collapsed. I guessed how
+things were going only by the cheers of the crowd. I knew by that
+exultant roar that the colt was winning. But I don't want to go through
+it again, Harry, I have had enough. Now that we have all made fortunes,
+it will be so good to be at home again and feel that everything there
+actually belongs to us. Some of my father's old friends want us to dine
+in London. But I would far rather go home. You must back me up."
+
+But Sir George wanted no particular backing. Tried sportsman as he was,
+the strain had told upon him and he was glad, so he said, to find
+himself once more in a comfortable corner of a railway carriage on his
+way to Haredale. It was a lovely evening, too, and the face of the old
+house was bathed in sunshine.
+
+"It is smiling a welcome to us," May said. "To think that it is
+absolutely our own! I hope we have done with gambling for ever."
+
+"I have finished with it for good," replied Harry. "I have won a fortune
+and a wife on the same day, and that is more luck than most men gain on
+the course. If you are happy, darling, what more do I need?"
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+Changes to the original publication have been made as follows:
+
+    Page 68
+    there'll be a hatfull of money to _changed to_
+    there'll be a hatful of money to
+
+    Page 80
+    Perhaps you will be there, too, Mr. Field _changed to_
+    Perhaps you will be there, too, Mr. Fielden
+
+    Page 150
+    flat-racing was over. Probable _changed to_
+    flat-racing was over. Probably
+
+    Page 174
+    these people, Absolom & Co. _changed to_
+    these people, Absalom & Co.
+
+    Page 219
+    were exhausted and he could readily _changed to_
+    was exhausted and he could readily
+
+    Page 256
+    Phillips's information came _changed to_
+    Phillips' information came
+
+    Page 258
+    to Phillips's offer of refreshment _changed to_
+    to Phillips' offer of refreshment
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Hard Pressed, by Fred M. White
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+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Hard Pressed, by Fred M. White
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+
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+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hard Pressed, by Fred M. White
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Hard Pressed
+
+Author: Fred M. White
+
+Release Date: August 23, 2010 [EBook #33512]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARD PRESSED ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h1>HARD PRESSED</h1>
+
+<hr class="hr3" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/coverpage.jpg" width="400" height="622" alt="Cover" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="center"><span class="title">HARD PRESSED</span><br />
+<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+BY<br />
+<br />
+<span class="author">FRED M. WHITE</span>
+<br /><br />
+<span class="books">AUTHOR OF</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="books">"THE CRIMSON BLIND"</span><br />
+<span class="books">"THE CORNER HOUSE"</span><br />
+<span class="books">"THE YELLOW FACE"</span><br />
+<span class="books">ETC., ETC.</span><br />
+<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+
+<span class="pub1">NEW YORK</span><br />
+<span class="pub2">R. F. FENNO &amp; COMPANY</span><br />
+<span class="address">18 EAST 17th STREET</span><br />
+<span class="smcap pub2">WARD, LOCK &amp; CO., London</span>
+</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>
+<a name="contents" id="contents"></a>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+
+<table summary="Content">
+<tr>
+<th>CHAP.</th>
+<th colspan="2">PAGE</th>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">I</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Modern Sportsman</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#i">11</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">II</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">An Unexpected Meeting</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#ii">18</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">III</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A Living Fortune</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#iii">25</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">IV</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A Great Temptation</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#iv">32</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">V</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">The Shadow of Doubt</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#v">39</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">VI</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A Trial Spin on the Downs</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#vi">47</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">VII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A Leaf from the Past</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#vii">54</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">VIII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Rogues in Council</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#viii">62</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">IX</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">In the Toils</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#ix">70</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">X</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Confession</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#x">78</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XI</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">On the Edge</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xi">86</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A Lion in the Path</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xii">94</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XIII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">"An Officer and a Gentleman"</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xiii">102</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XIV</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">The Post Club</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xiv">110</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XV</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Jolly &amp; Co.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xv">117</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XVI</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">The Nook</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xvi">124</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XVII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A Fair Day's Sport</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xvii">132</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XVIII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">An Evening Visit</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xviii">139</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>
+XIX</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">The Empty House</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xix">146</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XX</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Inside</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xx">153</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXI</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">The Eavesdroppers</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxi">160</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A Soldier of Fortune</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxii">167</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXIII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A Change of Air</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxiii">174</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXIV</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A Strange Visitor</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxiv">181</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXV</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">The Derelict</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxv">188</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXVI</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A Second Trial</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxvi">195</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXVII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Driving it Home</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxvii">202</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXVIII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Honour Bright</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxviii">209</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXIX</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Acting the Friend</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxix">216</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXX</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">An Ultimatum</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxx">223</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXI</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A Point-blank Refusal</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxi">230</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">An Easy Fall</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxii">238</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXIII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">The Five Baskets</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxiii">246</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXIV</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">No. 5</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxiv">253</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXV</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A Poisonous Atmosphere</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxv">260</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXVI</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Fielden Intervenes</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxvi">268</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXVII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Between Two Fires</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxvii">276</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXVIII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Loosening the Grip</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxviii">283</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXIX</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A Dramatic Exit</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxix">291</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XL</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Caught!</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xl">298</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XLI</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Home Again</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xli">305</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XLII</td>
+<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">First Past the Post</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xlii">312</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>
+<a name="i" id="i"></a>CHAPTER I<br />
+<br />
+<small>A MODERN SPORTSMAN</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">IT was a gala night at the National Opera House, and the theatre was
+crammed from floor to roof, for Melba was sustaining a new part, and all
+London had gathered to listen. It was rarely indeed that so fashionable
+an audience assembled in February. The boxes were ablaze with diamonds.
+On the grand tier, however, there was one box which was not filled with
+gaily garbed women and which attracted attention by the fact that its
+sole occupants were a girl and two men. Though she was quietly dressed
+and wore no ornaments except flowers, nevertheless a good many women
+envied May Haredale; for the box belonged to Raymond Copley, who was
+quite the last thing in the way of South African millionaires. He was a
+youngish, smart-looking Englishman of the florid type, was becoming
+known as a sportsman and, according to all accounts, was fabulously
+rich. He was supposed to have discovered diamonds in Rhodesia, a stroke
+of fortune which put him in a position, it was alleged, practically, to
+dictate terms to the De<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> Beers Company, and those "in the know" in the
+City declared he had come out of a negotiation for amalgamation with two
+millions of money in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>Be that as it may, he had purchased a fine old estate within twenty
+miles of London, and lavished large sums upon his racing stud, and
+people began to court his acquaintance. He was on very friendly terms
+with his near neighbour, Sir George Haredale, of Haredale Park, which
+accounted for the fact that the Baronet and his only daughter were
+availing themselves of Copley's hospitality that evening.</p>
+
+<p>May Haredale ought to have been enjoying herself. She did not have many
+opportunities for pleasures of this kind, for, sooth to say, Sir George
+Haredale was a poor man. He had a constant struggle to keep up
+appearances, and most of his friends wondered how he managed to pay the
+expenses of his racing stable. But the Haredales had been kings of the
+turf for a hundred years or more, and Sir George clung desperately to
+this last vestige of the family greatness. The whole estate was going to
+rack and ruin, the gardens and grounds were neglected, the
+conservatories were empty, the carpets and old furniture were faded and
+worn. But the stables left nothing to be desired. How near they were to
+the verge of collapse only Sir George himself knew.</p>
+
+<p>He had few rich and influential friends. He did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> not care for moneyed
+men, as a rule, and so the old county families were surprised to see the
+intimacy that had grown up between him and Raymond Copley. They
+professed not to understand it, but one or two shrewd observers declared
+that May Haredale was at the bottom of it, and that Copley was over head
+and ears in love with the girl.</p>
+
+<p>It would have been strange were it otherwise. She was just the sort of
+girl to attract a man like Copley. She was tall, well formed and
+exceedingly pretty, though cold and haughty at the mere suggestion of a
+liberty.</p>
+
+<p>What she thought of Copley she had never been heard to say. She had not
+many friends in her own circle. She was perfectly happy and contented so
+long as she had a good horse and the promise of a day with the hounds.
+Most people deemed her rather distant and reserved, but a few hinted
+that May Haredale could be chummy enough when she chose. Others,
+however, had noticed a great change in the girl during the past two
+years. There was a time when she had been one of the merriest madcaps,
+and then, all at once, she seemed to grow up and become staid and
+dignified. And it was not altogether the weight of family trouble which
+bore her down, for, as a matter of fact, she had no idea how desperate
+Sir George's fortunes were.</p>
+
+<p>She appeared on friendly terms with Copley, but, though for the past
+twelve months he had been a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> familiar visitor at Haredale Park, he did
+not think that he was making much progress in her good graces. Clever as
+he was, the girl managed to keep him at a distance without wounding his
+pride, and as time went on he found himself more and more infatuated
+with May Haredale.</p>
+
+<p>He belonged to the class of man who never counts the cost of anything
+and is ready to go any lengths in the pursuit of a fancy. He thought he
+had been extremely patient, and told himself earlier in the evening that
+before the week was out things would have to be settled one way or the
+other. And he was not without weapons, either. Sir George could have
+unfolded a tale in that respect had he chosen to do so. The Baronet was
+proud, but there are times when pride has to take a second place, and
+such a crisis in his affairs had arrived. May would have been surprised
+to learn that Copley could at any moment sell the old home over their
+heads and turn them out to shift as best they might.</p>
+
+<p>She sat with her face on her hand, looking at the stage, but she was not
+listening to Melba's marvellous voice. Her mind had gone back to a
+somewhat similar scene two years ago when she was last in the same opera
+house. How different things had seemed then! How much happier she had
+been in those days! She roused herself presently to find that Copley was
+addressing her.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>
+"Oh, I beg pardon," she said. "I suppose the singing carried me away.
+What were you saying?"</p>
+
+<p>Copley uttered something appropriate. There was a hard look in his eyes
+as he took in the details of May's fresh beauty. She was just the wife
+for him. She had a fine appearance and good breeding and would take him
+into certain houses the <i>entr�e</i> of which had as yet been denied him.
+They were going on afterwards to supper at the Carlton, and before he
+slept that night Copley would know his fate; indeed, he knew it already.
+He had a kind of instinct that May disliked him. But that, after all,
+was a small matter. When she learned the truth there would be no
+alternative. That her dislike might turn into hatred mattered nothing to
+Copley. He bent down already with an air of possession which brought a
+faint flush into May's cheeks. She was feeling rebellious.</p>
+
+<p>"You are enjoying it?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes. I should be a strange creature if I didn't. I have so few
+treats like this."</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't that your own fault?" Copley returned. "Surely, you must know
+that if you only liked to say the word&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>A sudden outburst of applause drowned the rest of his speech, but to all
+intents May heard everything that he had to say. She blamed herself that
+she had not shown this man earlier that her feelings towards him were
+merely conventional. And now<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> she would have to make up her mind one way
+or the other. Copley stood with a smile upon his face, evidently very
+sure of his ground. A longing to get away, to be alone with herself,
+came over May Haredale. In a way she was grateful to Copley for saying
+no more. She was glad when the performance was over and they began to
+move towards the stairs. Here a stranger bustled up and touched Copley
+on the arm. As he turned to the intruder his face changed. May thought
+he looked almost alarmed, but it was a trifle and she only noticed it
+vaguely. The recollection was to come back to her later.</p>
+
+<p>"One moment, Sir George," Copley said. "Would you mind waiting for me in
+the vestibule? It is a little business affair which won't detain me five
+minutes."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George passed on with his daughter, leaving the two men together.
+Copley turned sharply round upon his companion.</p>
+
+<p>"Now what is it?" he asked curtly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I thought you would like to know," the other said. "I only got back
+last night. The first man I met this morning in the City was Aaron
+Phillips."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't mean that," Copley exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"I do, indeed. It is a thousand pities I haven't managed to find you
+before to-day. I have been chasing you from place to place in the most
+maddening<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> fashion. However, Phillips is here, and so I thought I would
+come and warn you. No, no, I have made no mistake."</p>
+
+<p>"But the thing is impossible, Foster. You know as well as I do that
+Phillips was killed&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, so we imagined. Anyway, the beggar's back again, and there's no
+getting away from it. And if he is allowed to talk, and we don't square
+him&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Square him! Why, it would cost half a million!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, suppose it does. Won't it be cheap at the price? Wouldn't it be
+better for us to plank that money down than be standing in&mdash;but you know
+what I mean. It's a most infernal piece of ill luck, but, after all,
+your position is by no means a bad one. You go everywhere, you are
+eagerly sought after. Besides, who is to know whether you are a
+millionaire or a pauper? You've got the reputation of being a rich man,
+and with brains like yours&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I can't stop now," Copley said hurriedly. "I have some people supping
+with me at the Carlton, and it is impossible to put them off."</p>
+
+<p>The other man grinned.</p>
+
+<p>"I understand," he said. "I guessed who the lady was. I'll come round to
+your rooms at half-past twelve or a quarter to one, and then we can talk
+the thing over quietly. You can see for yourself that the matter won't
+keep."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>
+<a name="ii" id="ii"></a>CHAPTER II<br />
+<br />
+<small>AN UNEXPECTED MEETING</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">MEANWHILE, Sir George and his daughter were waiting impatiently for
+Copley. As they stood, the fashionable stream hurried by them. The road
+outside was crammed with cabs and 'buses and motors, for all the
+theatres were discharging their audiences. The street was one seething
+mass when Copley joined his friends. They pressed together towards the
+pavement, and Copley could scarcely conceal his annoyance that his car
+was not in attendance. He supposed there was some misunderstanding and
+suggested that it would save time if they took a cab.</p>
+
+<p>"We might have some difficulty in getting two cabs," he said. "One of us
+had better walk."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll walk," Sir George answered. "I haven't had any exercise to-day,
+and it will give me an appetite for supper."</p>
+
+<p>May looked up vaguely alarmed. She had no fancy for a drive to the
+Carlton in the company of Raymond Copley.</p>
+
+<p>"Wouldn't it be better to walk along till we come<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> to the end of the
+street?" she proposed. "There would be more chance of getting a cab when
+we are out of the crush."</p>
+
+<p>Without waiting for a reply she stepped on to the pavement. In his
+aggressive way Copley elbowed a clear path. The road seemed to be fuller
+than ever of vehicles. Then there rose the quick cry of a woman's voice,
+the sound of clashing metal, and before any one could realize it two
+motors had overturned. Instantly all was confusion, and five minutes
+later May found herself on the other side of the street alone and
+presenting a somewhat conspicuous figure in her evening dress and cloak.</p>
+
+<p>She was not frightened or alarmed. She had too much pluck and courage
+for that. She thought the best thing would be to turn down this dark
+side street and make her way to the Haymarket.</p>
+
+<p>She walked quietly and fearlessly along, the road getting narrower as
+she went. She passed one or two men who made audible remarks upon her
+appearance, but she did not heed them. And, then, almost before she knew
+what had happened, a man by her side began to pester her with remarks
+which brought the blood flaming to her face. That the nighthawk was not
+sober did not tend to improve the situation.</p>
+
+<p>She looked about for some one to appeal to, and with sudden thankfulness
+heard steps hurrying behind. Next moment she saw her tormentor lying<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> on
+his back in the gutter with another man standing over him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to be of assistance to you," the stranger said. "If you will
+allow me to walk with you as far as the corner of the street I will call
+a cab. I suppose you got separated from your party and this fellow
+followed you."</p>
+
+<p>"That is so," May replied. "I cannot sufficiently thank you."</p>
+
+<p>She paused in the midst of her speech, for her rescuer's face was
+shining out clear and distinct in the lamplight. At the same instant the
+stranger turned and their eyes met.</p>
+
+<p>"Harry," the girl murmured, "Harry!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, yes," the stranger laughed awkwardly. "This is rather an
+unexpected meeting, isn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>May made no reply at the moment. She was studying her companion
+intently. She noticed how white his handsome face was. There was the
+suspicion of suffering in his eyes. His dress was neat, but worn and
+shabby, and yet there was an unmistakable air about Harry Fielden which
+proclaimed that he had been accustomed to better things. He stood
+half-defiant, half-smiling, and yet he held up his head as if he had
+nothing to be ashamed of.</p>
+
+<p>"Where have you been for the last two years?" May asked.</p>
+
+<p>Harry Fielden shrugged his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>
+"It would be difficult to tell," he said. "In the first place, I tried
+Australia. But things were worse there than they are here. America I
+could not stand at any price; then I went to South Africa, where I
+managed to starve. I had one slice of fortune, but was cruelly used by a
+man I trusted. And now, if it be possible, I am poorer than ever. I am
+trying to get employment at a stud farm or racing stable. It is the only
+thing I really know."</p>
+
+<p>May Haredale listened with trembling lips. Raymond Copley would have
+been surprised had he seen the expression on her face. He might have
+been uneasy, too.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very sorry," the girl remarked. "Oh, my dear boy, how foolish you
+have been! To think what you wasted! To think of that beautiful old
+house!"</p>
+
+<p>"I try not to think of it," Fielden said. "I was all the fool you took
+me for, and worse. It was my misfortune that I had no one to look after
+me. When I came into a fine property at the age of twenty-one I had no
+knowledge of the world. And every blackguard and sponger who came along
+I accepted at his own valuation. Well, it is an old story, May&mdash;a fool
+and his money are soon parted. But, thank goodness! I never did anything
+to be ashamed of. I never wronged man or woman and I pulled up in time
+to pay all my debts. There is nothing left now but the old house, and
+that I couldn't sell because it is not worth any one's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> while to buy it.
+More for the sake of sentiment than anything else I have managed to pay
+my subscriptions to my clubs. I still have the freedom of Tattersall's
+and Newmarket, though I have known what it is to sleep out of doors, but
+not till this minute did I fully realize what I threw away. Ah, we were
+good friends in those days, May."</p>
+
+<p>May Haredale nodded. It was difficult to speak at that moment, for she
+and Harry Fielden had been more than friends. They had been brought up
+together from childhood, and had been together at many a dance and
+tennis party and many a clinking run with the hounds. Nothing had ever
+passed between them, but it was a tacit understanding that Fielden and
+May Haredale would wait for one another.</p>
+
+<p>When the crash came and Fielden disappeared, May had made no sign, but
+from that time she was more sedate and seemed to have left her old life
+and spirits behind her.</p>
+
+<p>"I had not forgotten you," she murmured presently. "We must try to do
+something for you, Harry. I will speak to father. And then there is Mr.
+Copley. He has a fine establishment near us and one of the largest
+racing stables in the kingdom. But you don't know him. He is a South
+African millionaire who has come into our neighbourhood since your
+time."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I have met some of them," Fielden said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> grimly. "They don't think
+so much of them out there as folk do at home. I fancy I know the name. I
+wonder if it is the same Copley I met on the Rand&mdash;but, no, that is out
+of the question. So you think he might find me something to do? You
+don't know what heartbreaking work it is, seeking occupation and finding
+none. And I am anxious to work, goodness knows. I am young and strong,
+steady and trustworthy, and there is no man living who knows more about
+horses than I do. I wonder if you would mind speaking to this man for
+me. I've got no pride now. I have had that knocked out of me. But
+perhaps you would not like me to come down into the old neighbourhood
+again. You might not care for it."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my dear boy," May said reproachfully. "How can you talk like that!
+You know that there are some friends who were ready to do anything for
+you. But you would not give them a chance. You disappeared without so
+much as saying good-bye."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you can understand my feelings," Fielden answered. "However, I've
+got to go down to the old place to-morrow, in any case. There are some
+things in the house that I need, and I shall hope to meet Joe Raffle. It
+was very good of you to take Joe into your service. It was awfully kind
+of your father to buy most of my horses. I hope there is a Derby winner
+amongst them."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>
+"We think so," May exclaimed. "We have great hopes of a Blenheim colt.
+He hasn't been seen in public since the Middle Park Plate which he won
+handsomely enough. We think he is the best horse we ever had, and people
+appear to be of the same opinion. If he doesn't win the Derby I don't
+know what will become of us. But get Raffle to take you over to Mallow's
+to-morrow and he will show you the colt. It's only a matter of a few
+hundred yards, as you will recollect, from our lodge gates to Mallow's
+stables. Mallow is only a small trainer, but he suits us and is not
+expensive. I wish you would stay down for a day or two. We shall be back
+to-morrow night, and my father will be disappointed if he doesn't see
+you. And now, really&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry," Fielden said. "I have no right to keep you talking here.
+Come along and I will get you a cab. And if I can manage to stay at the
+old place over to-morrow I will come and see you. How jolly if one of my
+colts should win the Derby for Sir George!"</p>
+
+<p>There was a tender smile on May's lips and a dash of colour in her face
+as she drove presently to the Carlton. Sir George was waiting with fussy
+anxiety. Copley looked disturbed and rather ill-tempered. They accepted
+May's explanation. Naturally, they put down her heightened colour and
+sparkling eyes to the excitement of her adventure.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>
+<a name="iii" id="iii"></a>CHAPTER III<br />
+<br />
+<small>A LIVING FORTUNE</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">HARRY FIELDEN would have shirked the visit if he could, but there was
+nobody whom he could trust to go down to the old home and procure the
+papers he required. He was glad to see Herons Dyke again, but, at the
+same time, he was half ashamed to meet the old faces. Many would have
+welcomed him gladly, but he had made an utter failure of his life, and
+pride stood in the way of meeting these acquaintances.</p>
+
+<p>There was nothing left but the house. Long ago the estate had passed
+into the hands of strangers. The stables had fallen into decay. The tan
+track round the park was overgrown with weeds and grass. He was
+surprised to find himself unrecognized. A dozen people passed him with
+no more than a casual glance. He had forgotten that two years' "roughing
+it" had changed him from a handsome boy into a stern, resolute man, with
+an expression far beyond his age. Even his moustache had altered him. It
+was true that May Haredale had recognized him readily enough, but that,
+surely, was different.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>
+He would go as far as Haredale Park Farm and look at the horses. He was
+all the more ready to do this, because he felt assured he would pass for
+a total stranger. It was possible Joe Raffle might identify him, but,
+then, the old head groom had known him ever since he could walk. And now
+Joe was Sir George Haredale's trusted right-hand man and had been so for
+the last eighteen months, since the death of his predecessor. It had
+always been a consolation to Fielden to know that Raffle had gone on to
+Mallow's, with the stud which had once been his property. They had not
+been a very brilliant lot and few of the horses had ever paid for their
+keep; but Raffle believed in the Blenheim blood and had always
+prophesied that some of the colts would do great things at the proper
+time.</p>
+
+<p>Fielden was amused to see the suspicious glances cast at him by more
+than one of the lads. Presently Raffle came himself, a short, sturdy
+man, bent with age, whitehaired, but with cheeks rosy as a winter apple.
+He was about to ask Fielden's business sharply, when his face changed
+and he led Fielden to one side. The old man was moved and with
+difficulty held his voice steady, but his keen blue eyes gleamed with
+pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>"I never expected to see this day, Master Harry," he said. "And one of
+those lads wanted to order you off the premises. Just think of it! And
+they told<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> me you were dead. I met a man in London who said he knew for
+a fact that you were drowned in the Modder in South Africa."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden's face grew stern for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Your friend wasn't far wrong, Joe," he said grimly. "It was a near
+thing. But that is too long a story to tell now. I came down on
+business, and I don't know whether I was glad or sorry to find that no
+one recognized me."</p>
+
+<p>"Miss May would have been glad to see you," Raffle said.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, we have already met. That was an accident, too. I told her I was
+coming to-day, and she gave me a cordial invitation to look at the
+horses. I couldn't resist a chance like that. Well, Joe, I hope that Sir
+George has done better with the Blenheim stock than I did. I understand
+he didn't give much for them. I am told he bought the whole lot, lock,
+stock and barrel, for a bagatelle. And now they say there is a Derby
+winner amongst them. Is that a fact, Joe? Or is it one of the fairy
+tales one is always hearing in regard to turf matters?"</p>
+
+<p>Raffle lowered his voice impressively.</p>
+
+<p>"It is no fairy tale, Mr. Harry," he said. "Barring accidents, we are
+going to win the Derby this year with a colt locally bred and locally
+trained. It is a Blenheim colt, too, and if you hadn't been unfortunate
+he would have been yours. He's only once been seen in public yet, and
+nobody but ourselves<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> knows what he can do. Still, people will get
+talking and our horse stands at a short price in the betting."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear it," Fielden said heartily. "I am especially glad to
+hear it for Sir George's sake. You know almost as much about the family
+as I do. You know what Sir George could do with the money. We don't want
+to gossip, but I know Sir George is a good master to you and that his
+interests are yours."</p>
+
+<p>"That's true, Mr. Harry. I'd do anything for Sir George, who has been a
+rare good master to me. But he ain't you, sir, and he ain't the old
+squire, either. You see, I served under a Fielden from the time I was
+ten years old till I was close on seventy, and it was a bit of a wrench
+leaving Herons Dyke. And when I heard you were dead, it seemed to me,
+sir, that I had nothing else left to live for. I ain't one to show my
+feelings much, sir, but when I saw you in the yard just now I could have
+burst out crying like a kid. You ought never to have gone away, sir. You
+ought to have stayed here and faced it out. But, perhaps, you did well
+in South Africa. Maybe you have come back with a fortune. I'd like to
+hear you say so."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I am rather worse off than when I went out," Fielden smiled. "I
+had a fortune in my grasp, but was robbed by a pair of murderous
+scoundrels, who will have something to answer for later. And<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> now, take
+me round and show me the horses. Let me see this Blenheim colt of which
+such great things are expected."</p>
+
+<p>Raffle led the way across the fields to the neat yard along the range of
+stables where Mallow trained for a small owner or two. Whatever the
+condition of the house and grounds, there was nothing lacking in the
+stables. They came at length to a loose box a little apart from the
+rest, and Raffle stripped the clothing off a great raking chestnut
+horse, showing a skin like satin gleaming in the sunlight. The
+expression on Raffle's face was almost motherly. His eyes shone as he
+laid his hand upon the horse's glossy neck.</p>
+
+<p>"There," he said proudly, "look at that! You are most as good a judge of
+a horse as I am, tell me if he doesn't look all the way a Derby winner.
+Just cast your eye over those shoulders, look at those quarters. And a
+real tryer he is, too, and as good-tempered as a lamb. I always knew we
+should do great things some day with one of the Blenheim colts, but I
+never expected anything quite as good as this."</p>
+
+<p>A quarter of an hour later the two left the box. So far as Fielden could
+see, Raffle had not overestimated the chances of the Blenheim colt. If
+everything went well for the next three months, Sir George's fortunes
+would be restored and there would be no more poverty at Harefield Park.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>
+Fielden was extravagant in his praise, but there was no answering
+enthusiasm upon Raffle's part. He was moody and thoughtful. There was
+something almost guilty in the glance that he turned upon Fielden.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter?" the latter asked.</p>
+
+<p>"No man ever yet did a foolish thing without being found out," Raffle
+muttered. "Let's walk across the park where we can be alone, because
+there is something I must say to you. If you hadn't turned up yet, Mr.
+Harry, it would have been all right, but seeing you have turned up, why,
+it's all wrong and I am bound to tell you. When you went away, you left
+your affairs in a muddle. There was money coming to you from
+Weatherby's, though perhaps you didn't know it, and up to this year they
+have kept up your subscriptions to one or two races, the Derby amongst
+others. Oh, I knew it, and I am going to tell you now why I kept the
+knowledge to myself. The year you went away so sudden you nominated more
+than one colt for the Derby and, of course, the money was all right.
+Well, after you disappeared and they said you was dead, nothing seemed
+to matter and I thought no more about things. Sir George took over your
+'osses, and it was only when this Blenheim colt began to shape so well
+that I began to ask myself a few questions. It was easy to bamboozle Sir
+George, because he is the worst man of business in the world.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> And I can
+prove every bit of it, sir; I can prove every word I am saying. And
+therefore it comes about that this Blenheim colt&mdash;this one that's going
+to win the Derby&mdash;belongs to you, or at any rate he was nominated in
+your name, which comes to the same thing. I daresay you will ask me why
+I have done this, and why I kept the secret, and I'll tell you. I really
+did it for the sake of Miss May. I would do anything for her, anything
+to put Sir George on his legs again. You see, I thought you was dead and
+out of the way and, after all said and done, I was doing nobody any harm
+by keeping my mouth shut. And yet now you have come back home again I
+feel a bit of a scoundrel."</p>
+
+<p>"It seems incredible," Fielden exclaimed; "it is a strange discovery for
+a pauper to make."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir," Raffle said doggedly, "there it is, and this wonderful
+chance is entirely in your own hands, pauper or no pauper."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>
+<a name="iv" id="iv"></a>CHAPTER IV<br />
+<br />
+<small>A GREAT TEMPTATION</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">AS yet Fielden could not realize it. The thing was so unexpected he
+found it hard to grasp Joe Raffle's meaning. He was too conventional to
+have much imagination. He had not thought it possible that fortune could
+have devised a method of restoring his old prosperity. But after the
+first shock of discovery it seemed feasible. Similar things had happened
+before, though, perhaps, not exactly on lines such as these.</p>
+
+<p>And now the position of things as they were at the time he left was
+coming back to him. He had a vivid recollection of the night when he
+first stood face to face with ruin, when he knew that he had come to the
+end of his tether. For Harry Fielden had not drifted into a mess with
+his eyes shut. He had known that things were getting desperate and had
+staked pretty well everything on a certain race and his horse had lost.
+When things came to be settled up there was just enough to pay his
+creditors in full. He recalled how he sat down one night with pencil and
+paper and worked out the whole<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> thing fairly and squarely. He had had
+friends to dinner that evening. It was daybreak before the last hand had
+been played and Fielden found himself alone to face the dreaded
+disaster.</p>
+
+<p>How clearly it all returned to him now! He had not felt disposed to
+sleep, but had gone up to his room in the silent house and refreshed
+himself with a bath and changed his clothes, after which he had come
+down to the dining-room again. He had thrown back the curtains and
+opened the windows to admit the sunshine of a perfect day&mdash;the day of
+his ruin!</p>
+
+<p>But he had done nothing to be ashamed of. He had not disgraced himself,
+and no friend or tradesman was the poorer for his rashness. So leaving
+his affairs to the family solicitors, he quietly vanished from the scene
+of his folly.</p>
+
+<p>He did not know then&mdash;indeed, he did not know fully now&mdash;that out of a
+sum of money waiting at his banker's his various subscriptions and
+racing liabilities were being paid, for it had never occurred to him to
+withdraw the various orders he had given to his banker.</p>
+
+<p>Obviously Joe Raffle was speaking the truth as to the Blenheim colt,
+though the other part of the business still remained a mystery. But if
+he could believe his ears aright, then at that moment he was not an
+outcast and pauper, but one of the most envied men who had ever set foot
+upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> a racecourse. At the lowest estimate, he was worth five thousand
+pounds. He could sell the Blenheim colt with all his engagements for
+such a figure before the day was out. He might return to the old house
+and restore some of its glories. He might have enough to keep him
+comfortably, and, above all, acquire a position that would entitle him
+to go to Sir George Haredale and ask for the hand of his daughter.</p>
+
+<p>This was all very well from one point of view, but there was another
+side. His prosperity would be Sir George's ruin. Still, the temptation
+was dazzling, and for a few minutes Fielden was afraid to trust himself
+to words.</p>
+
+<p>"You have done very wrong, Raffle," he said presently.</p>
+
+<p>Joe scratched his head contritely.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it, sir," he admitted. "I didn't realize how wrong I had behaved
+till I saw you come in the stable yard, and you could have knocked me
+down with a feather. But what else could I do? You had gone away and I
+heard you were dead. I had to believe it, because the man who told me
+gave me chapter and verse for it, and I felt as if I had lost a child of
+my own. By-and-by I was comfortably settled in Sir George's employ,
+having as much money as I needed for my wants, and never, so far as I
+knew, a single relation in the world. I said nothing about the colt,
+because I hadn't much<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> opinion of it at first. Then I began to get as
+fond of Miss May as I used to be of you, sir. An idea came to me one
+night when I was sitting over my pipe&mdash;and, bear in mind, nobody else
+knew&mdash;and that was that, bar accidents, I had a Derby winner in the
+stable. For Miss May's sake I was willing to do much. There was no
+chance of anybody finding it out. And, after all, I was doing nothing
+wrong. You see, in the first place, nobody will be a penny the worse. As
+to Sir George and yourself, there is no reason why you shouldn't make a
+large fortune. It makes no difference to me, of course; I am long past
+troubling about that sort of thing. But now that I know you are alive it
+is another matter. Still, the colt's keep hasn't been much, and it's
+only a matter of luck that he don't happen to belong to Sir George.
+Besides, Sir George is expecting to win a fortune, and he is not the man
+to grudge you your share. You will have to tell him what I've told you,
+sir, and if Sir George wants proofs I shall have them ready when the
+time comes."</p>
+
+<p>"Nobody knows anything of this?" Fielden asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Not a soul, sir," Raffle said solemnly. "Nobody even guesses it, and if
+you hadn't turned up I should have gone down to my grave with the secret
+unspoken. Because, as I said before, sir, there's no harm done, and
+nobody any the worse. But,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> seeing that you have come back, why, the
+truth must be told."</p>
+
+<p>"And what will Miss Haredale say?" Fielden asked.</p>
+
+<p>Raffle's face paled perceptibly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, well, sir," he said, "that won't be very pleasant. I'd do anything
+in the world for Miss May, but she isn't you, and that makes a
+difference. Of course, I know what you would do if you had your own way.
+You would just say nothing about it and let Sir George put the money in
+his pocket. You would rather starve than do anything you didn't consider
+right. I can see it in your face now, I can tell by your eyes. But it
+isn't going to be, sir. You'll excuse me for speaking so plainly, but I
+couldn't rest comfortably in my grave if I thought you were in want,
+when, by every right, you ought to have a fortune in your pocket. It's
+no use you arguing, Mr. Harry, if you don't tell the truth, I shall."</p>
+
+<p>The old man's voice shook strangely as he spoke. His lips were
+quivering, but there was an air of determination about him which there
+was no mistaking. Nobody knew better than Fielden how obstinate Joe
+Raffle could be. There was nothing to gain by threats, and sternness
+would be worse than useless.</p>
+
+<p>"I am certain you have acted for the best," Fielden said soothingly.
+"And, as you say, there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> is nothing wrong in this little scheme of
+yours. Why, you might have kept the colt yourself and made a fortune
+over him. But, to use a pet expression of your own, my dear Joe, what
+you have told me has knocked me all of a heap. I must have time to think
+it over. I should be sorry to spoil an interesting situation like this
+by doing anything rash. Besides, there is plenty of time between now and
+the Derby&mdash;pretty well three months, isn't it? Has the colt any other
+engagements before Epsom?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only two," Raffle explained. "And then he'll be an eye-opener to some
+people. Now don't you do anything foolish, sir. If you go the right way
+about it you've got a hundred thousand pounds in your pocket."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I'll do nothing rash," Fielden laughed. "You needn't be afraid of
+that. But I must have time to think this matter over. I shall stay down
+here a day or two, though I had intended to go back to London to-morrow.
+I don't mind so much now that I find nobody identifying me, and there
+are several things at the house I want to gather together. I had no idea
+the old furniture was left. I suppose they didn't sell it because they
+had no instructions from me, and enough was saved from the wreck to pay
+my creditors without it. I'll come round in the morning and see you
+again, Joe. To-night I believe I am dining with Sir George. If<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> anybody
+asks you who I am, you had better say my name is Field; it sounds like
+Fielden and is easy to remember. Seeing that I am so changed, nobody
+will connect me with the old family. Now I must be off."</p>
+
+<p>In a thoughtful mood Fielden turned towards the old house. He was glad
+no one recognized him, for the knowledge was likely to make his task all
+the easier. He had the key of the house in his pocket. The mansion
+appeared to have been left exactly as he last saw it. There was not even
+a caretaker on the premises. The estate around Herons Dyke had long
+passed into the possession of strangers. It presented a striking
+contrast to the neglected grounds and grass-covered paths which
+surrounded the old mansion where, for the last three hundred years, the
+Fieldens had kept open house and dispensed a lavish hospitality. But
+those days were gone for ever, they would never come back again, unless,
+perhaps&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"What a chance!" Fielden muttered to himself. "What a wonderful stroke
+of fortune! And yet, I don't see how I can do it. There is no honourable
+course but silence."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>
+<a name="v" id="v"></a>CHAPTER V<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE SHADOW OF DOUBT</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">THERE were many things in the place which Fielden had forgotten. Here
+were boxes of cigars and cigarettes, while cards still lay scattered
+about and the glasses had not been removed. Fielden had learnt much in
+the hard school of adversity, and he began to realize that he had about
+him the means to secure a considerable sum of money. Despite the dust
+and gloom and air of decay, the library was intact. Fielden was
+surprised at this, for he had frequently heard his father say that the
+books were valuable. Perhaps it had occurred to nobody to look for rare
+books in the house of a man who gave himself over entirely to sport, but
+here they were and possibly a little later they might appear to
+advantage in a London auction-room. Fielden was not so sanguine as he
+once had been, but at a modest computation he thought they would fetch
+at least a thousand pounds.</p>
+
+<p>He went up to his bedroom and began idly turning out the drawers. At any
+rate he would be able to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> cut a presentable appearance at Haredale Park.
+He might venture in the open, too, for it was nearly dark. The lights of
+Haredale gleamed hospitably as he walked up the drive. He had had no
+formal invitation, nothing save May Haredale's suggestion, but he knew
+Sir George well enough to be sure of his reception.</p>
+
+<p>It all looked strangely familiar as the butler opened the door and asked
+his name. Fielden knew the butler's face well, but it was plain the
+latter did not recognize him. Yes, Sir George and Miss Haredale were at
+home. They had arrived from London late in the afternoon, but, so far as
+the butler knew, did not expect any guest. Still, so many people came
+and went to that hospitable house that the advent of a stranger caused
+no surprise in the butler's mind.</p>
+
+<p>"If you will give me your name, sir," he suggested.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, tell Miss Haredale that Mr. Field is here. She expects me,
+because&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Fielden broke off suddenly, for May Haredale came across the hall at
+that moment. She smiled a welcome and held out her hand. She dismissed
+the butler, after giving instructions to him to take the visitor's bag
+upstairs.</p>
+
+<p>"I was almost afraid you wouldn't come," she said. "I feared you would
+be too proud or something equally absurd."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>
+"I plead guilty," Harry Fielden smiled. "Really I don't think I should
+have had courage to come, only I found that not a soul knew me with the
+exception of Joe Raffle. I have passed a score of people to-day whom I
+know intimately. But it is just as well, May. Why, even Mason, your
+butler, looked at me as if I were a perfect stranger."</p>
+
+<p>"But I recognized you," May said quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, you recognized me, and I was glad of that. I don't think I can tell
+you how happy that made me. When we met in London I felt for the first
+time for more than two years that I was not alone in the world. It makes
+one hard and bitter to be always amongst strangers who care nothing for
+one, to feel that if one dropped dead in the street no one would feel
+even a pang of regret. But I ought not to be talking like this. There is
+one thing I am going to ask you and Sir George, and that is, to keep my
+identity a secret. It is possible I may be here a good deal off and on,
+and that is why I am going to drop the last two letters of my name and
+call myself Field."</p>
+
+<p>It was with mixed feelings that Fielden stood by his dressing-table
+adjusting his black evening tie an hour later. His surroundings were
+bringing back his boyhood's associations vividly, every object was
+growing familiar. It was just the same when he came down to the
+drawing-room and found Sir George waiting him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>
+Here was a change, at any rate. Those around him daily might not have
+seen much difference, but to Fielden Sir George had grown old and bent.
+There were lines of care about his eyes and his manner was painfully
+nervous. In this old man there was no suggestion of one of the finest
+sportsmen and most fearless riders in the county. Fielden had learnt
+much in the light of bitter experience. He knew great mental anxiety
+when he saw it, and he needed no one to tell him that he was face to
+face with it now. But Sir George's welcome was hearty. The ring in his
+voice and the pressure of his hand left nothing lacking in the way of
+sincerity.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, my boy, this is an unexpected pleasure," he said. "I don't think
+you really know how glad I am to see you. You are almost the only one of
+the old stock left except ourselves. One by one they have passed away,
+and of the score of houses where I used to go as a boy there isn't one
+to-day which is not inhabited by new people. Most of them are sportsmen
+of a sort, but they haven't the old feeling for it. Well, perhaps I am a
+bit old-fashioned. And how you have changed! I give you my word for it,
+I should not have known you from Adam. Yet it seems only the other day
+that you came into one of the finest properties and proceeded to get rid
+of it after the manner of your kind. How we missed you! But it is no use
+crying over spilt milk.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> I hoped at one time that you and May&mdash;God bless
+me, what am I talking about! May tells me that you don't want to be
+known by your own name, and that we are to speak of you as Mr. Field.
+Perhaps it is natural. Now you are here, you had better stay a few days,
+and I'll see if I can find something for you to do. A friend of mine
+lives close by, Mr. Raymond Copley. He is new since your time, is very
+rich, has a fancy to keep a stable, and is looking for some one he can
+rely upon to take the entire management. He has had one or two men who
+have robbed him. I am sure I can recommend you; with all your folly and
+extravagance you never forgot what is due to your name."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very good, sir," Fielden answered. "The post you speak of would
+be a perfect boon to me. Besides, it is about the only thing I am
+capable of doing properly. But who is Mr. Copley and where did he make
+his money?"</p>
+
+<p>"South Africa, I believe. He is a millionaire with a taste for sport,
+not exactly what you would call a gentleman, but I believe him to be a
+thoroughly good fellow. I don't mind telling you, between ourselves,
+that I am under obligations to him. Things haven't gone very well with
+me, and I don't know how I should have pulled through if it hadn't been
+for Copley. He has been very generous and I only wish May could be more
+cordial<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> towards him. I can't think why she doesn't like the man. It
+would be a splendid thing for her&mdash;&mdash; But, there. I am rambling again."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden turned his face aside. He was feeling a strange pain at his
+heart which he could not account for. But he understood what Sir George
+intended to convey. Beyond all doubt, Sir George Haredale was under
+great obligations to this newcomer and was warning Fielden there must be
+no more nonsense between May and himself. He was telling the latter
+precisely what his hopes for his daughter were.</p>
+
+<p>Of course there was nothing in it that Fielden could resent. He had had
+his opportunity and deliberately lost it. It was only during the last
+twenty-four hours that he realized what his feelings towards May were.
+If he had not been a fool, he would be rich and prosperous at this
+moment, with May for his wife.</p>
+
+<p>The strange sensation was with him all through dinner. He tried in vain
+to shake it off. It was not a cheerful meal, on the whole, for every now
+and then Sir George lapsed into moody silence and May's gaiety was
+fitful. The evening dragged on till ten o'clock before Sir George came
+into the drawing-room with slightly flushed face and eyes that were too
+bright. May looked anxiously at her father. So here, Fielden thought,
+was another skeleton in the closet. The discovery was a fresh<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> stab to
+him. His own selfishness and folly were a reproach. It was a relief when
+the door bell clanged and the butler announced that Mr. Copley would
+like to speak to Sir George.</p>
+
+<p>"Ask him in," Sir George said unsteadily.</p>
+
+<p>Fielden glanced at May. He could see that her face had changed slightly
+and her eyes grown hard and cold. Then the door opened and Copley came
+in, big and self-important, with the air of a man entirely at home.
+There was something in his appearance which jarred upon Fielden,
+something that aroused a pang beyond mere jealousy. As Copley bent over
+May Haredale's hand and murmured something which he intended for a
+compliment, Fielden started back for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>"This is my young friend, Mr. Harry Field," Sir George said. "Harry, let
+me introduce you to Mr. Copley. I think I have found the very man you
+want for your stables, Copley. He is the son of an old pal of mine and
+has all the game at his finger-tips."</p>
+
+<p>Copley threw a half-contemptuous glance at Fielden and did not hold out
+his hand, for which discourtesy Harry felt grateful.</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me a moment," Fielden said. "I have forgotten something. I'll be
+back presently."</p>
+
+<p>With his head in a whirl Fielden walked into the library. He was
+fighting hard for the mastery of himself.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>
+"Good God!" he muttered, "so it's that blackguard! What a blessing he
+doesn't know me by sight! Raymond Copley and May Haredale! Not if it
+costs me my life!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>
+<a name="vi" id="vi"></a>CHAPTER VI<br />
+<br />
+<small>A TRIAL SPIN ON THE DOWNS</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">HARRY FIELDEN spent a sleepless night and was glad when it was time to
+come down to breakfast. He congratulated himself upon the way he had
+restrained himself on the previous evening. He had even forced himself
+to be polite to Copley, though his one impulse had been to take him by
+the throat and choke the life out of him. His very presence in a house
+like Haredale Park was an outrage. He wondered what Sir George would say
+if he had known the real character of his guest. Possibly Fielden would
+have spoken freely, had not he remembered what Sir George had said as to
+the relationship existing between himself and Raymond Copley. Plainly
+the master of Haredale Park was under the scoundrel's thumb. No doubt he
+had lent him money, and probably the price of the assistance was to be
+May Haredale's hand. There had been no mistaking Copley's manner towards
+her. His air of cool proprietorship had sent the blood humming in
+Fielden's head and caused it to tingle in his finger-tips. Harry had to
+smile complacently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> whilst every instinct in his nature was crying out
+against the villain's presence. He had only to speak and he knew that
+Sir George would do his duty at any cost.</p>
+
+<p>But he dared not speak. He had no desire to ruin the man who had been so
+kind to him. It was far better to play a waiting game. But come what
+might, May Haredale should never marry that man. Sir George should be
+ruined a thousand times over and Haredale Park pass into the hands of
+strangers before that catastrophe occurred.</p>
+
+<p>It had been a relief to hear Copley say that he would not be down again
+till the end of the week. Therefore he had three days in which to think
+of some scheme. It was a bright, fresh February morning, with a touch of
+frost in the air, but the diamonds were growing soft and yielding to the
+sunshine. May Haredale was in excellent spirits. It was impossible not
+to catch the infection of her gaiety. Fielden put trouble on one side.
+There would be time for that later, he thought, as they rode out
+together over the Downs. They were out again in the afternoon and it was
+dark before they returned. It was like old times for Fielden to feel a
+good horse under him. The exercise and motion drove all gloomy thoughts
+away. Still, from time to time the shadow of distress lay heavily upon
+his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>He strolled round to Mallow's after tea to have a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> pipe and chat with
+Raffle. Everything appeared to be going well, and the old man was in
+high glee.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall try the colt at daybreak," he said. "Would you like to come
+and have a look, Mr. Harry? I daresay there will be one or two people
+about, but I don't think they'll learn much. I've got a plan of my own
+on foot, and after to-morrow I shouldn't be surprised if you found the
+colt going a little queerly in the betting."</p>
+
+<p>Raffle chuckled as he spoke, but refused to be more explicit.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, never you mind, sir," he said. "There are some things it is as well
+not to talk about. If you like to turn out to-morrow as soon as it is
+light, I think I can show you something worth looking at."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden nodded approvingly. He woke fairly early with the pale dull
+light of the wintry morning streaming through his window, crept
+downstairs into the deserted hall and let himself out by a side door.
+The grey mist hanging over the Downs lifted as the sun began to make his
+influence felt. A little later Fielden discerned a group of figures
+faintly sketched against the skyline, and could see two horses in their
+clothing. Then he picked out the form of Joe Raffle. There was a stretch
+of turf between two banks of gorse, and the horses began to move along
+the flat expanse. Fielden strolled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> up to the group, and was amused to
+see the suspicious glances turned in his direction.</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right, Mr. Mallow," Raffle muttered. "This gentleman is a
+friend of mine. Now, sir, will you go on to the top of the Downs and
+wait for us by the boundary stone? That will be the winning post. No
+reason, I suppose, to ask you if you know which is the colt and which is
+the old horse. That's pretty plain even in this light."</p>
+
+<p>"That's right enough," Fielden smiled.</p>
+
+<p>He walked rapidly towards the improvised winning-post, unslung his
+glasses and fixed them steadily upon the little specks in the distance.
+Presently they made a move in his direction and grew larger as they came
+along. Fielden could hear the thud of hoofs upon the turf. Then they
+flashed by him, the old horse lengths ahead. It came as a surprise to
+the watcher, for he had expected an entirely different result. What was
+Mallow doing? What scheme had that wily man in his brain? Fielden
+stepped aside into the gorse, so as to be out of the wind which had
+already extinguished two matches he had used in his attempt to light a
+cigarette. As he stooped, he heard voices from somewhere close by. The
+voices carried clear enough in the silence of the spot, and Fielden
+could hear every word. With an instinct of caution which he could not
+have explained he crouched down behind the thick shelter of a bush.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>
+He thought he had recognized one of the voices and now he felt sure of
+it. It was Raymond Copley beyond a doubt. Who the other man was Fielden
+had not the slightest idea.</p>
+
+<p>"Now what does that mean?" Copley was asking.</p>
+
+<p>"What does it mean?" the other man exclaimed with a sneer. "Why, it is
+as plain as the nose on your face. I felt certain what was going to
+happen when I advised you to come here this morning. The boy told me
+there was going to be a trial, and I wanted you to see for yourself. You
+are always too sanguine in these matters, Copley, and that's a fact. Now
+what do you think of the chances of your friend Sir George's colt?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know what to say," Copley muttered. "The colt seemed to be
+beaten fairly and squarely. I suppose there is no faking about it."</p>
+
+<p>"Faking! Sir George and his trainer between them haven't got brains
+enough for that. They belong to the old-fashioned school who pride
+themselves upon doing everything above board. And a precious good job
+for you and me, because they find the money to keep and train horses and
+we sail in when it comes to making a book. Perhaps you're sorry you had
+anything on the Blenheim colt."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you were quite right to bring me here," Copley replied. "I owe you
+one for this day's work. But the worst of it is I have backed that horse
+for a big stake, just when I don't know where<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> to turn for ready money.
+If anybody knew my present position, a good many people would be anxious
+to have an interview with Raymond Copley, the South African millionaire.
+Then there's that scoundrel Phillips to be reckoned with. But come
+along, let us go before anybody sees us. After breakfast&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Breakfast be hanged!" the other man broke out impatiently. "What's the
+use of worrying about breakfast with a bit of information like this in
+our pockets? The delay of half an hour may make all the difference in
+the world. Besides, there may be a dozen other people watching for all
+we know."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what do you suggest?" Copley asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Suggest, who wants to suggest anything? What we have to do is to get
+back to your place as soon as possible and take the motor straight to
+town. By ten o'clock we can get our commission on the market at our own
+price. Then we can have as much breakfast as you like. That's the worst
+of you, Copley. You always think everything can wait. Now come on."</p>
+
+<p>The voices died away in the distance, and then Fielden straightened
+himself again. He was somewhat mystified by what he had seen. He was
+puzzled to know what Joe Raffle and Mallow were driving at. But no doubt
+the old man would tell him at the first opportunity. Some clever scheme<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>
+was in the wind. It was just possible, too, that Raffle expected that
+Copley and his friend would be there. It was more than possible that
+Raffle knew the class of scoundrel he had to deal with. The old man was
+coming down the wide stretch of turf, and Fielden looked eagerly towards
+him. As he vaulted a patch of gorse, his left foot dropped on something
+soft, like a bundle, and he was thrown violently to his knees. Then he
+turned to find that he had stumbled upon the figure of a man lying at
+the foot of the gorse bush, snugly rolled up in a railway rug. Here was
+another tout, beyond doubt, another of the hateful tribe which has
+always been the detestation of every racing man. Fielden turned upon him
+savagely and demanded what he was doing there. He bent over the stranger
+threateningly, and the latter rose to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep your temper," he said. "I'm doing no harm. I'm not the only one
+who has earned a bit on the Downs this morning. Hands off, please. Why,
+bless my soul! if it isn't Mr. Fielden."</p>
+
+<p>Harry stared in amazement at the mention of his name. For a moment he
+did not recognize the dark unshaven features of the man. They seemed
+familiar, yet somehow he failed to connect them with time, or space, or
+locality.</p>
+
+<p>Then it suddenly came to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Aaron Phillips!" he exclaimed. "Now is it Luck that has sent you here,
+or Coincidence?"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>
+<a name="vii" id="vii"></a>CHAPTER VII<br />
+<br />
+<small>A LEAF FROM THE PAST</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">AARON PHILLIPS was standing up with something like a smile upon his
+face. He was a short, slim person, swarthy and foreign-looking, except
+for the pair of keen blue eyes which bespoke the Anglo-Saxon in his
+blood. From the roots of his hair across to his left temple was a long,
+angry red furrow which looked like a comparatively freshly-healed wound.
+As to the rest, he was fairly well dressed, with that indescribable air
+of nattiness which usually pertains to those who belong to the <i>genus</i>
+"horsey."</p>
+
+<p>"Glad to meet you, Mr. Fielden," he grinned.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be obliged if you won't use that name here," Harry replied.
+"For the present my name is Field, and I want you not to forget it. But
+how did you manage to get home again? I thought you were dead."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips indicated the scar on his forehead.</p>
+
+<p>"It was a near thing, Mr. Fielden, I beg pardon, Field. It wasn't the
+fault of those scoundrels, I can tell you. They left me for dead, and if
+I hadn't<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> been picked up by some of the boys I should have died of
+starvation on the veldt. As it was, I had a very close shave, and so did
+Copley and Foster, for the matter of that. Our friends chased them all
+across the Colony and how they managed to escape was a mystery to me.
+Still, perhaps it is as well. There are more ways than one of taking
+revenge."</p>
+
+<p>The little man's eyes gleamed as he spoke. He glanced meaningly at
+Fielden and jingled a few coppers in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>"Make them pay for it, you mean," Fielden smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"That's it, sir, you've got it first time. Now, as you know perfectly
+well, there are a dozen or more people out yonder who would give a good
+round sum to have Copley on the end of a rope, or within reach of a
+revolver shot. They are not the sort to give information to the police,
+because that is not the way we used to do things. Still, if I like to
+open my mouth widely enough I could make it deuced hot for Copley &amp; Co.
+I could have them conveyed to Cape Town, and it wouldn't take me long to
+find evidence enough to give those two chaps ten years on the
+Breakwater. Yes, sir, I'd have done it, too, but there's a better way
+than that. It took me the best part of a year or more to scrape enough
+money together to pay my passage home. I had heard some queer stories
+about Copley, and I wanted to find out if they were true. What do<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> I see
+when I reach London? Why, Copley with a set of offices in the
+city&mdash;Copley with a suite of rooms at a palatial hotel&mdash;Copley with a
+place in the country and a string of race-horses. Oh, I tell you, Mr.
+Fielden&mdash;Field, I mean&mdash;I rubbed my hands when I heard of it. Thinks I
+to myself, 'This is a better game than handing Copley over to the South
+African police.' I don't quite know yet how Copley has managed it, but
+here he is ruffling it with the best, spending money like water, and
+going to marry the daughter of a baronet in these parts."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden's face flushed angrily. He winced at this home thrust on
+Phillips' part. So already people were coupling May Haredale's name with
+Copley. It had not occurred to him that things had gone as far as that.
+However, Phillips could not be expected to know this. He was merely
+innocently repeating local gossip.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you mean to have some of this money?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"If you don't mind my using the expression, I am going to blackmail
+Copley. I am not afraid of the blackguard here. There is no chance of
+his trying on any of his murderous tricks in England. He knows I have
+come back, but as yet I have not waited upon him. I have had a hint to
+call from Foster, but I am not taking any of that, thank you. You don't
+catch me dropping into a police trap<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> with a chance of being prosecuted
+and hustled out of the country before I know where I am. When I do
+strike it will be in a different way altogether. For the present, I have
+been looking around asking questions, because, you see, it will be of
+considerable advantage to me to find out where Copley is getting his
+money. That he is earning it honestly I don't believe. He couldn't do it
+if he wanted to. He is the sort of blackguard who would rather make five
+pounds dishonestly than a tenner by legitimate business."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you never found those plans?" Fielden asked.</p>
+
+<p>Phillips swore heartily.</p>
+
+<p>"Never, sir," he said. "They were in my portmanteau, as you know. I had
+the portmanteau in my possession when those blackguards attacked me, and
+they had to levant without it, so closely were they pressed. But when I
+was well again I asked for my baggage and no one could tell me what had
+become of it. It vanished in a most mysterious manner. If you ask me,
+the portmanteau was stolen by one of those thievish Kaffre boys. It
+makes me wild when I think of it. Probably it is concealed in a Kaffre
+hut. In the old portmanteau is a scrap of paper which is worth hundreds
+of thousands to us. I say us, because it is yours just as much as it is
+mine. I don't belong to your class, Mr. Fielden, but you played the
+game<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> and were always a white man. And if those papers ever do come to
+hand, I shall do the fair thing by you. It doesn't follow because I
+happen to be the son of a sporting publican that I don't know the
+difference between right and wrong. But what's the good of worrying
+about that? We shall never see those papers again, and as far as we are
+concerned that diamond mine might never have existed. But what are you
+doing here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I used to live close by," Fielden explained. "Most of this was once my
+property. Sir George Haredale's trainer employs an old servant of mine
+and I came out this morning to see that trial. I might ask you the same
+question."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips' blue eyes twinkled.</p>
+
+<p>"Bit of a disappointment, wasn't it?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you know about it?" Fielden demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well, sir, we are not partners in this job, at any rate. If you
+like to keep your counsel, I am perfectly willing to keep mine. Old
+Raffle is as straight as they make 'em, but he is a downy old fox all
+the same, and pretty neatly he drew the feather over Copley's eye this
+morning. Oh, yes, I heard all those blackguards had to say; in fact, I
+followed them here. I am glad I came, because I heard something that
+confirmed my suspicions."</p>
+
+<p>"You mean as to Copley's movements?"</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure. I wanted to know where Copley is getting his money. I know
+he isn't paying his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> tradesmen, but that doesn't matter, for a man with
+a reputation for wealth can get as much credit as he likes. But Copley
+is flying at high game and must have the command of a good deal of ready
+cash. Now where does it come from? What sort of a swindle is on? Why
+were they so anxious to watch the trial of the Blenheim colt this
+morning? And, by the way, Mr. Fielden, you must give old Raffle a hint
+to keep his eye on the stable lads. Somebody has been betraying
+confidence. It doesn't matter this time, because Copley was fooled this
+morning as easily as if he had been a schoolboy. But I am getting a bit
+away from the point. I was going to tell you where Copley got his money.
+Well, it's a betting swindle, one of the biggest and most ingenious that
+has been attempted on the turf for many a long day. I just heard enough
+to put me on the track. But I've my work cut out before I reach the
+bottom of it. You have no occasion to love Copley&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I haven't," Fielden said bitterly. "I have every reason for
+disliking the man, every reason for exposing him before Miss&mdash;well,
+before things have gone too far. If I can help you, I will do so
+cheerfully."</p>
+
+<p>"That's right," Phillips said approvingly. "Now where can I see you for
+half an hour in the course of the afternoon? We mustn't stay talking
+here. There is old Raffle."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>
+Fielden thought it over for a moment or two. He was glad enough to meet
+this old South African comrade of his again. In several respects
+Phillips was anything but a desirable acquaintance. His upbringing had
+been none too strict, but, at the same time, he had a rough code of
+honour, and it was one of his proudest boasts that he never forgot a
+friend or a favour. Probably he had had his own reasons for leaving
+England suddenly, and no doubt those reasons had something to do with
+the turf. At any rate, he had a profound and intricate knowledge of
+racing matters, and there was no swindle or trick with which he was not
+familiar.</p>
+
+<p>"You had better meet me at Heron's Dyke," Fielden said. "You can be
+outside in the road about a quarter to five. There is nobody on the
+premises. I have the key in my pocket, and I daresay I shall manage to
+get a light from somewhere."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips disappeared amongst the high gorse. As Fielden stepped into the
+open he saw Raffle looking about for him. There was a shrewd smile on
+the old man's face, and he did not appear in the least disconcerted by
+the result of the trial.</p>
+
+<p>"Well?" Fielden asked. "What about your Derby winner now?"</p>
+
+<p>Raffle's eye contracted in a wink.</p>
+
+<p>"It's all right, sir," he said. "The trial was a great success. Did you
+happen to see anybody in the gorse?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>
+"Yes," Fielden replied. "I saw Mr. Copley."</p>
+
+<p>"And a friend," Raffle chuckled. "I know all about it. And between you
+and me, sir, I got this up for the benefit of Mr. Copley, who is about
+the greatest rascal unhanged, and that's saying a good deal. It was high
+time you came back."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+<a name="viii" id="viii"></a>CHAPTER VIII<br />
+<br />
+<small>ROGUES IN COUNCIL</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">RAFFLE strode sturdily along, refusing to say another word. What
+deep-laid schemes the old man had in his mind Fielden could only faintly
+guess. At any rate it was good to know that Raffle was satisfied, and
+that some careful plan was afoot with a view to Copley's discomfiture.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you are wise to keep your own counsel," Fielden said. "But I've
+learnt something this morning, too, Raffle. There is somebody in the
+stable who is disclosing secrets, and the sooner you know it the
+better."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it already," Raffle grinned. "It is all part of the scheme. They
+have got hold of one of the boys, and I am watching him carefully. I let
+him take away just as much information as I like. Don't you worry about
+me, Mr. Harry. I haven't been at this game for fifty years without
+learning a thing or two. I have always made it a rule to go straight
+myself, but that is no reason why I should keep my eyes closed to the
+doings of other people."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite right," Fielden said approvingly. "But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> what do you know about
+Mr. Copley? He is a stranger in these parts."</p>
+
+<p>"That may be, sir, but he is no stranger to me. I never forget a face,
+and I've been on every racecourse in the country during the last five
+and twenty years. The first time I saw Mr. Copley, he was being shown
+round the stables by Sir George. I didn't like him, and I didn't like
+his manner, and thinks I to myself, 'I wonder where I've seen <i>you</i>
+before?' Suddenly there flashes into my mind a little incident that
+happened at Lincoln. I can see it as plain as I can see this book in my
+hand. And then I knew that Mr. Copley, the African millionaire, was one
+and the same with the welsher that I had seen half killed at Lincoln a
+good many years ago. Well, it wasn't for me to say anything about it,
+because I can find you a score of men to-day, rich and prosperous men,
+who started life amongst the scum of the racecourse. I have been making
+a few inquiries amongst my old pals, and it is just as I expected. Mr.
+Copley may be a rich man now, but he is just as big a scamp as ever he
+was, and Sir George ought to know it. I tell you, Mr. Harry, it fairly
+makes my blood boil to see that blackguard swaggering about here and
+hanging around Miss May as if she belonged to him. It fair spoils my
+enjoyment and my food, it does. But you see how difficult it is for a
+man in my position to interfere. But your case is different."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>
+Fielden shook his head sadly. His case was very different indeed. More
+and more bitterly did he blame himself for the heedless, senseless folly
+which had brought him to his present pitch. How changed things might
+have been if he had only shown ordinary prudence! What would he gain if
+he went to Sir George with these vague stories about Copley? He could
+not doubt but that Sir George was deeply in Copley's debt, and that
+Copley had brought this about so that, when the time came, he could
+force May to marry him. These painful thoughts were uppermost in his
+mind as he strode back to the house. He could not shake them off, though
+May rallied him on his quietness and offered him the proverbial penny
+for his thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>"I know what is the matter," she said gaily. "You are fretting because
+you have nothing to do. But that won't be for long. Do you know that we
+are dining with Mr. Copley to-night, and that you have been included in
+the invitation? Mr. Copley telephoned from London this morning, and you
+were especially mentioned by name. I am sure if I put in a word for you
+the post will be as good as yours. Before long you will be occupying an
+important place in the racing world, and the rest is in your own hands.
+You have the consolation, too, of knowing that no one has recognized
+you."</p>
+
+<p>It was on the tip of Fielden's tongue to refuse. It was repugnant to his
+instincts to take service<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> with a man like Copley. Yet, on the other
+hand, it was fair enough to fight this fellow with his own weapons.
+Through him Fielden had lost the chance of his lifetime. But for him and
+his rascally associates, Fielden and Phillips would have been rich men
+to-day. Moreover, if something were not done speedily, a fate which was
+worse than death awaited May Haredale. To turn his back upon a chance
+like this would be to precipitate the very calamity which he was most
+anxious to avert. Copley was the type of strong man who always gets his
+way. He was not the least scrupulous as to his methods, and Sir George
+Haredale was bound to him hand and foot. It would be far better to seize
+this coign of vantage, especially as Copley had not the smallest idea of
+the bitter enemy he was maintaining under his roof.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Copley and his friend Foster had returned from town. They
+reached Copley's establishment, Seton Manor, just before dark. They had
+not lost any time. Apparently they had done their work fairly well, for,
+according to the late evening papers, the Blenheim colt had receded
+steadily in the betting. People were asking themselves what had
+happened. Most of the public knew and respected Sir George Haredale. Not
+the faintest shadow rested on his reputation, and this fact had had
+somewhat of a steady effect on the market. But though a certain division
+had rushed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> in at these improved prices to back their fancy, there
+seemed to be an unlimited amount of money ready to be laid against the
+horse. At any rate, Copley was fairly satisfied. He had invested several
+thousand pounds against the Blenheim colt, which, in his opinion, was
+already as good as out of the running altogether.</p>
+
+<p>He came into what he called his library just before dinner and found
+Foster awaiting him. Both were in evening dress, both exceedingly shiny
+and glossy, and both carried more jewellery than was in accordance with
+good taste. The guests were not expected for half an hour, so Copley
+helped himself liberally to brandy and soda and lighted a fresh
+cigarette.</p>
+
+<p>"Any letters?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing of importance," Foster replied. "When I left you this morning I
+went round to see if I could see anything of Phillips. He wasn't at his
+lodgings, and they said he wasn't expected back till to-morrow. Now what
+are you going to do about that chap?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, let him go to the devil!" Copley growled.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Copley, why do you always talk like that? Why do you think that
+every man is a fool except yourself? You appear to be very prosperous.
+Nobody can deny your courage. And because you are not afraid of Phillips
+you seem to think he isn't dangerous. I think he is. Suppose he goes to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>
+Scotland Yard and lays his information before the people there, and
+suppose they communicate with the authorities in Cape Town, the result
+will be an application for your arrest, and once you get out there you
+know what will happen. It will be all U.P."</p>
+
+<p>"Thinking about your own skin," Copley sneered.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, and what if I am? I haven't got a sanguine temperament like
+yours. Of course, we could buy Phillips off; at least we could buy him
+off for the time being and keep his mouth shut till we devised some plan
+for getting rid of him altogether. But he is a cunning devil, is Aaron
+Phillips, and has learnt how to profit by past experience. It is no use
+asking him to come to your hotel. He isn't going to walk into a trap
+like that, and he isn't going to wait much longer, either. If we could
+give him a thousand pounds just to go on with, why&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A thousand devils," Copley exclaimed furiously. "Where am I going to
+get a thousand pounds? I mean, where am I going to get it just at this
+moment? I've got this place here, which isn't paid for. I managed to get
+the bank to advance the money till I could complete the purchase, and
+the furnishing was an easy matter. One can get as much credit as one
+likes in this country, provided one winks at extortionate charges. As I
+will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> never pay for the stuff at all, the West End tradesmen can charge
+what they please. But the fact remains that though people are tumbling
+over one another to get my custom I am fairly at my wits' end for ready
+cash. Of course, it will be all right when the flat season begins in
+earnest. With any luck there'll be a
+<a name="hatful" id="hatful"></a><ins title="Original has hatfull">hatful</ins> of money to
+share between us before the October meeting at Newmarket. We ought to
+make over a thousand pounds at Mirst Park on Saturday week. I suppose
+you've got it all ready. Got the telephone in place? The worst of this
+game is that one has to take so many people into one's confidence."</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right," Foster explained. "Everything is in its place now. I
+went down to Mirst Park the day before yesterday. The house is finished
+and all the workmen have gone. The telephone is in good order, because I
+tried it. The man who fixed up the extension from the hall to the roof
+was a bit curious, but I managed to put him off the scent by some lie
+about the doctor's orders and a patient who had been recommended to try
+outdoor treatment. But we ought to have a mechanic of our own, Copley.
+If any hint of our little secret leaked out, the man who fixed that
+extended telephone would be certain to see it, and naturally he would
+ask himself a question or two. The fewer outsiders we have to deal with
+the better."</p>
+
+<p>"There's no doubt of that," Copley agreed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> "Then there's nothing to
+settle now. Did you rehearse the bit in Covent Garden?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes. I was in the office we have taken next door to the Post Club,
+and went through the whole thing with Radley, who was stationed outside.
+There wasn't a hitch anywhere. I don't see why we shouldn't clear a
+thousand pounds; indeed, we might make a great deal more. But perhaps it
+would be just as well to be on the safe side. It would be a fatal
+mistake to arouse the suspicions of the bookmakers at the beginning, and
+if this scheme breaks down we've got another one."</p>
+
+<p>Copley smiled as he finished his brandy and soda. He threw the end of
+his cigarette into the grate as the door bell rang.</p>
+
+<p>"Come along," he said. "Here are our guests. Let us go into the
+drawing-room and wait for them. We must assume respectability even if we
+have it not."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>
+<a name="ix" id="ix"></a>CHAPTER IX<br />
+<br />
+<small>IN THE TOILS</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">IN spite of his dislike of Copley, Fielden could not see much to object
+to in his manner as he came forward to receive his guests. He was,
+perhaps, a trifle loud and domineering, perhaps a little too familiar in
+the way in which he held May Haredale's hand in his. Foster more or less
+obliterated himself. It was his r�le in company to play the confidential
+servant. He was quiet and subdued, though nothing escaped his sharp
+glance. The dinner was excellent. Everything was in good taste, as
+Fielden was forced to admit. The talk, for the most part, was lively and
+was kept principally to the topic of sport. Afterwards there was a move
+towards the billiard-room, and ere he realized it, Fielden found himself
+engaged in a game of pool with Sir George and Foster, while May Haredale
+and Copley looked on. A moment or two later these two vanished on a
+pretext of Copley's that he wished to show May some sporting pictures he
+had lately acquired. The pictures were duly inspected, but Copley made
+no move to rejoin the party.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>
+"Hadn't we better go back?" May suggested.</p>
+
+<p>Copley turned an admiring glance upon the girl. There was no mistaking
+the expression of his face. May had more than her fair share of courage,
+but she was feeling a bit restless and nervous. She was wondering why
+she disliked this man so much. She had had nothing but kindness and
+courtesy at his hands. She knew that he had helped her father more than
+once. Yet her instinct told her that Copley was not to be trusted. There
+was a boldness about him that repelled her, something in his glittering
+eye from which she recoiled. Now she knew almost before the words were
+spoken what Copley was going to say.</p>
+
+<p>"The others are not likely to miss us for a bit," he said. "Besides,
+there is something I have to talk to you about. To be perfectly candid,
+I asked you over here this evening on purpose. I wonder why it is that
+you avoid me so."</p>
+
+<p>"I was not aware of it," May murmured.</p>
+
+<p>"But, indeed, you do. I have noticed it more than once. Surely you must
+know why I come so frequently to Haredale Park. I am not much of a
+ladies' man, Miss May, and I never have been. I have led a rough kind of
+life. I know so little of the atmosphere of drawing-rooms. But every man
+recognizes, when the time comes, when he meets with the woman who is
+made for him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> alone, and that is the point I have reached. I think I
+could provide you all you need. You will have a fine house and a good
+position, and everything you want. I daresay this is a rough way of
+putting it, but it is none the less sincere for that."</p>
+
+<p>It was sincere enough, as May had to admit. Copley's assurance had
+vanished. He was speaking from his heart. The man was rogue and
+scoundrel through and through, but had fallen deeply in love with May
+Haredale. He was prepared to go any lengths to make her his wife. It was
+the only piece of honesty and sincerity that he had ever displayed since
+he was old enough to know the distinction between right and wrong.</p>
+
+<p>May stood silent and trembling. She was not insensible to the compliment
+Copley was paying her. She knew that he meant every word he said, and
+she knew, too, that there must be a hard fight before she could convince
+him that the thing he so ardently desired was impossible. She had an
+uneasy feeling, too, that Copley had not yet played all his cards. "I
+ought to thank you, I suppose," she said. "In a sense you are doing me
+an honour, and this is the first time that any man has asked me such a
+question, and naturally I feel disturbed. But what you ask of me is
+quite impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"Why impossible?" Copley asked grimly. "Oh, I didn't expect you to jump
+at me; I know you are not that sort of girl. Perhaps that is one of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>
+main reasons why I am so anxious to make you my wife. But if there is no
+one else&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"There is no one else," May said with a sorrowful sincerity which was
+not lost upon her companion. "There is no one else, and there never will
+be. If it is any sort of consolation to you, Mr. Copley, I shall never
+marry."</p>
+
+<p>"Never is a long day," Copley smiled. "At any rate, as long as there is
+nobody else in question I shall feel encouraged to go on. I am a very
+persistent man, and in the end I always get my own way. I'll ask you
+again in a week or two, and, perhaps, when you have had time to think it
+over&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no," May said firmly. "There must be no thinking it over. I could
+not marry you. I could not care for you enough for that and I would
+never marry a man to whom I could not give myself wholly and entirely.
+It is the same to-day, it will be the same next year. Mr. Copley, I ask
+you not to allude to this distressing topic again. If you do, I shall
+have no alternative but to treat you as a stranger."</p>
+
+<p>There was no mistaking the sincerity of May's words. Her natural courage
+and resolution had come back to her. She met Copley's glance without
+flinching. Her little mouth was firmly set. Even Copley, with all his
+egotism and assurance, knew that the last words had been said.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>
+A sudden blind rage clutched him. His thin veneer of gentility vanished.
+He stretched out a hand and laid it upon the girl's arm.</p>
+
+<p>"So you mean to defy me," he said hoarsely.</p>
+
+<p>"Defy you!" May cried, indignantly. "What do you mean? Have you
+forgotten that you are a gentleman? Anybody would think to look at you
+and hear you speak that you were playing the villain in some sensational
+melodrama. You have paid me the compliment of asking me to be your wife,
+and I have done my best to decline in such a manner as to give you as
+little pain as possible. You will be good enough to take me back to the
+billiard-room and not to allude to this matter again."</p>
+
+<p>Copley laughed derisively. He had forgotten himself. The love and
+passion in his heart had died away to a sullen anger. Never since he had
+known May Haredale had he felt such a wild longing to possess her. Well,
+if the girl would have it, then he must speak openly and freely. She
+must be made to understand that here was her master, whose lightest wish
+she must learn to obey.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't understand," he said. "I suppose you think you have only to
+raise your hand and pick and choose. Ah, you are mistaken, my dear young
+lady. If you don't believe me, ask Sir George. He promised to speak to
+you on my behalf, but I see he hasn't done so. Probably he shirked it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>
+Now I shall have to tell you myself. Do you know that at the present
+moment I am master of Haredale Park? I don't imagine you are acquainted
+with business, but you know that your father is not a rich man. Has that
+fact escaped you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am aware of it," May said coldly.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, then. Where do you suppose he has found the money to pay his
+racing debts? Do you suppose it dropped from the clouds? During the last
+twelve months, your father has had from me something like thirty
+thousand pounds. Even a rich man can't always put his hand on large sums
+of money like that. And I should have refused to part with the money if
+it had not been for your sake. But when a man is in love, he is guilty
+of all sorts of follies and extravagances and when a man like me is in
+love he does not stick at trifles. Now try to realize my position. Try
+to realize that if I say the word there is an end to Haredale Park as
+far as you are concerned. I am not boasting. I could turn you both out
+to-morrow if I chose, and what would become of you then? Ask yourself
+the question. You needn't answer it now; you can take time to do so."</p>
+
+<p>May Haredale trembled from head to foot. She had half-dreaded,
+half-expected this, but the blow was no less crushing now that it had
+fallen, and she could see from the grim expression on Copley's face that
+he meant every word he said. She had read<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> of similar situations in
+novels, but they had sounded cold and unconvincing, and little like the
+real thing now that she was face to face with it.</p>
+
+<p>"You would never do it," she faltered.</p>
+
+<p>"By Heaven, I would!" Copley cried. "Ah, you do not know what manner of
+man I am. Why, when you look at me like that, instead of melting I grow
+all the harder. I must make you my wife. You little know the sacrifices
+I have made to bring this about. I never thought that I could be a fool
+for the sake of a woman. I could almost laugh at my own folly, but it
+has become part and parcel of my very existence, the only object in the
+world that is worth attaining. Well, it is no use talking, for I could
+go on in the same strain all night. It is for you to decide. You can
+please yourself whether your father is turned out of house and home, or
+whether your prosperous and happy future&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Prosperous and happy future," May echoed scornfully. "The words on your
+lips sound like blasphemy. It seems almost incredible that a man with
+any sort of pride should stoop to such a trick as this to force a woman
+to marry him, when, from the bottom of her heart, she loathes and
+detests him."</p>
+
+<p>Copley jeered.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, go on," he said. "Let it come out. Treat me as if I were dirt under
+your feet. But you will think better of it before a week has passed.
+Tell<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> your father what I have been saying to-night, and talk it over
+with him. Perhaps he will be able to persuade you better than I can. Let
+us go back to the billiard-room."</p>
+
+<p>May turned coldly away, but her eyes were dim, and all the world seemed
+slipping away from beneath her feet.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>
+<a name="x" id="x"></a>CHAPTER X<br />
+<br />
+<small>CONFESSION</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">FIELDEN was not enjoying his game of billiards. It was a favourite game
+of his, and one which he had not had much opportunity of exercising
+lately, but he would have given something for an excuse to get out of
+it. The reason was obvious why Raymond Copley had made an excuse to get
+May out of the room. His instinct told him what was going on, and if he
+had had any lingering doubt on the subject it would have been dispelled
+by the most casual glance at Sir George.</p>
+
+<p>For Haredale had lost all geniality. He became silent and depressed.
+From time to time he glanced anxiously towards the door. If such a thing
+were possible to a man of his position, and with a record like his, it
+might be said that he looked as if he had been committing some crime and
+was in deadly fear of being found out.</p>
+
+<p>There was no longer room for hesitation in Fielden's mind. There was a
+conspiracy between Sir George and Copley against May Haredale's
+happiness. Fielden was boiling. It seemed incredible that a man like Sir
+George could deliberately become a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> party to such a scheme as this. And
+so the game went on, with two people at least not taking the faintest
+interest in it. Then the door opened and May Haredale entered.</p>
+
+<p>Fielden shot a swift glance in her direction. He saw how pale her face
+was, how rigidly haughty and set were her features. There were traces of
+tears in her eyes, but so far as Fielden could see he had no cause to
+despair. Whatever had been said or done, Copley had not gained much. His
+face showed that. Defeat was written all over it. He was not the man to
+put up with disaster without showing it, and Fielden knew in that moment
+that so far, at any rate, things had not gone well with his host. Sir
+George saw it, too, for his jaw dropped, and he turned almost a guilty
+face towards Copley. For a moment there was an awkward silence.</p>
+
+<p>"It is getting very late," May said. "Don't you think we had better be
+going?"</p>
+
+<p>Haredale looked at Copley as if waiting for a lesson.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not so very late," he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it seems so to me," May said. "Besides I am very tired. I am sure
+Mr. Copley will excuse me."</p>
+
+<p>Copley murmured something more or less appropriate. He was not used to
+taking the trouble to disguise his humiliation.</p>
+
+<p>"If you must go, you must," he said. "I'll come round after breakfast
+and see you to-morrow morning,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> Sir George. I have something important
+to say to you. Perhaps you will be there, too, Mr.
+<a name="Fielden" id="Fielden"></a><ins title="Original has Field">Fielden</ins>. I
+fancy I can put something in your way. I want some one to take a general
+superintendence of my stables. Sir George tells me you are thoroughly up
+to the work, and that I can place every confidence in you. You seem to
+be the sort of man I am looking for, and, though I am interested in
+racing, I have very little time to spare to look into the details."</p>
+
+<p>It was hard work to return thanks for this ungracious speech, but
+Fielden managed it somehow. He was feeling strangely elated, and hoped
+that nothing of his emotions found expression on his face. He was glad
+enough to find himself at length seated in the brougham with his friends
+on the way back to Haredale Park. It was a singularly silent ride, for
+May never spoke a word the whole time and Sir George was ill at ease.
+When they reached home May turned to Fielden.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you will excuse me a moment or two, Harry," she said. "I have
+something to say to my father. It won't take many minutes. Perhaps you
+will wait for us in the library. I think you will find everything you
+want there."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George stood nervously in the hall shuffling from one foot to
+another. It seemed to take him a long time to get out of his overcoat.
+He turned to May testily.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>
+"Surely, there is nothing you have to say to me to-night," he said. "It
+will keep till to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>Without reply May turned towards the drawing-room and Sir George
+followed. He closed the door carefully behind him. She crossed to the
+fireplace and stood facing her father. Her face was firm, though her
+lips trembled slightly, and the task before her was by no means a
+pleasant one.</p>
+
+<p>"I hardly know how to begin," she said. "It is so difficult for me in my
+unfortunate position. I have never ceased to regret the death of my
+mother, but I cannot remember feeling the want of her so much as I do
+now. I suppose you can guess what happened to-night. You know what Mr.
+Copley said to me."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George shook his head. His attempt to appear unconcerned was so
+grotesque a failure that, in spite of her unhappiness, May could not
+repress a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"You are very transparent," she cried. "You make a bad conspirator,
+father. You know perfectly well what happened to-night. You know why we
+were asked to dine with Mr. Copley. He has done me the honour to ask me
+to be his wife. Now don't pretend to be surprised, because Mr. Copley
+had your full sanction; in fact, he told me he had discussed the matter
+with you more than once."</p>
+
+<p>"And you accepted him?" Sir George asked eagerly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>
+"We will come to that presently. Now let me ask you a question. Suppose
+that your position was as good as it was twenty years ago, that there
+were no mortgages on the estate. In that case, what would you have said
+to Mr. Copley if he had expressed a wish to become your son-in-law? You
+wouldn't have turned him out of the house, because we don't do things
+like that. But your reply would have been no less unmistakable. You
+would have made Mr. Copley feel the absurdity of his ambition. He would
+never have been asked to come here again. Now isn't that so?"</p>
+
+<p>Sir George shuffled about uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>"Other times, other methods," he answered. "You see the condition of
+things is quite altered. Really, some of our best women marry rich men
+who have nothing particular to boast of in the way of pedigree. I can
+call a dozen cases to mind."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," May retorted. "And I can call a dozen cases to mind where you
+have expressed the strongest indignation with parents who have
+encouraged marriages of that sort. You have stigmatized the thing as a
+sale. Why, you refused to shake hands with Lord Middlebourne when he
+told you that his daughter was going to marry young Blackley. Yet, in
+the face of all this, you entered into a conspiracy with Mr. Copley, a
+conspiracy which you must know would be fatal to my happiness."</p>
+
+<p>"You, you didn't refuse him?" Sir George gasped.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>
+"Refuse him! Of course I did. I hope I did not say too much. But I let
+him know that the thing was impossible. I told him that in no
+circumstances could I become his wife. I have felt that this was coming
+for some time, and I blame myself for permitting things to go so far.
+Mr. Copley took it very badly. He lost his temper. He threatened me. He
+even went so far as to say that, unless I thought better of my reply, he
+would turn us out of Haredale Park."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George turned a white and anxious face towards his daughter.</p>
+
+<p>"Did he say that?" he asked hoarsely.</p>
+
+<p>"I have already told you so. But, of course, this is ridiculous. You
+would never have been so foolish as to place yourself in the power of a
+man like Mr. Copley. It is very well to know such people, and I daresay
+you have found him useful in business. But as to the rest&mdash;&mdash; Why do you
+look at me like that? You don't mean to say that his story is actually
+true?"</p>
+
+<p>Sir George seemed to have some difficulty in speaking. When at length
+the words came they were free enough.</p>
+
+<p>"It is true," he said. "My dear child, you must not blame me unduly. I
+have been terribly unfortunate of late. Everything I have touched has
+gone wrong. I am almost afraid to look at my betting book, and if the
+Blenheim colt does not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> win the Derby, then I shall be something worse
+than a pauper. You don't know what hopes I build upon this. If it comes
+off all right we shall be rich and prosperous. But it has been an awful
+struggle to keep my head above water so far, and when Copley offered to
+help me in an open-handed way, I dared not refuse. Of course, I had not
+the least idea then that he had given you even more than a passing
+thought. It never occurred to me that he was lending me this money
+merely to have a hold upon me, and I thought it possible you might care
+for him. There is always the chance&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you didn't. I cannot believe you would ever think so meanly of me
+as that."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I don't know," Sir George said, stung into retort. "Anyhow, it is
+unfortunate that Harry Fielden should come back just now."</p>
+
+<p>The hot blood flamed into May's face.</p>
+
+<p>"That is unjust and ungenerous," she cried. "In any case, my reply would
+be just the same. I never did care for anybody but Harry Fielden, and I
+never will. You know that. There is not the slightest chance of his ever
+being in a position to keep a wife. But we are talking in a circle. I am
+more than sorry to hear what you say, but if the worst comes to the
+worst we shall have to dispose of everything and leave Haredale Park.
+For nothing shall induce me to marry Raymond Copley."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span>
+"Well, there's an end of it all," Sir George said. "This makes a beggar
+of me. But don't decide like that. Think it over and give me your final
+answer in the morning."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>
+<a name="xi" id="xi"></a>CHAPTER XI<br />
+<br />
+<small>ON THE EDGE</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">IF Harry Fielden had hoped to see May again that night he was
+disappointed. She was tired, Sir George said, and hoped that Fielden
+would not mind if she did not come into the library. He was a little bit
+under the mark himself and would go to bed. So Fielden was left to his
+uneasy thoughts with the hope that he might learn something in the
+morning. But glancing at May across the breakfast table he could read
+nothing from the expression of her face. She was a little silent, but
+otherwise her features were tranquil, and it was not till an hour or so
+afterwards that Fielden found himself alone with her.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you are better?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, there's nothing whatever the matter with me," May said in her
+candid way. "I am only worried, that's all. You have been here quite
+long enough to see that things are not going with us as they should. It
+will be a terrible thing if our colt fails to win the Derby. Indeed, I
+don't know how we shall be able to carry on till the end of May<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> in any
+case. What a wretched business it all is! How foolish people are to risk
+their happiness on the speed of a horse! But the Haredales have always
+been gamblers. I suppose it is in the blood. Put on your hat and take me
+for a walk across the Downs. I need something to blow the cobwebs away."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden was eager. For some time he walked in silence by the girl's
+side, waiting for her to speak. He had a feeling that, sooner or later,
+May would confide in him. She stopped suddenly and raised her eyes to
+his.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to ask you a question," she said. "I want you to put
+yourself in my place for a moment. Suppose that the honour and fortune
+of the family rested in my hands, and it was for me to say whether the
+Haredales were to leave this old place in poverty and disgrace, or
+whether they were to stay on occupying the old position, what would you
+do?"</p>
+
+<p>"It depends on circumstances," Fielden said.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course it does, my dear boy. I didn't expect you to make such a tame
+reply as that. Surely you must know what I mean. It is for me to decide.
+I have the opportunity of bringing into the family the necessary money
+to set everything right. But at a price."</p>
+
+<p>"As usual," Fielden, said sadly. "The price happens to be yourself."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>
+"You have guessed it. The price is myself. I suppose it would be no news
+to you if I told you who the man was."</p>
+
+<p>"Not after last night," Fielden said between his teeth. "So Raymond
+Copley has asked you to marry him. I suppose it is the old story which
+one has read in books and newspapers a thousand times. Copley has got
+your father under his thumb and has threatened to ruin him, unless you
+consent to be his wife. I am not a very shrewd person, but I felt sure
+of this when we came home last night. You refused Copley, of course, and
+he took his refusal in the way such a cad would. He threatened you and
+said he had your father on his side. And now you are hesitating what to
+do. You have said that no power on earth shall force you to consent,
+that you cannot save the family honour at such a price. You are right,
+May. It is a vile thing to ask of a girl. It is so mean and
+dishonourable. Heaven knows, I care for your welfare. I never knew how
+much I did care till we met in London the other night. Then I realized
+for the first time the price I am paying for my folly. If I hadn't been
+a fool, you would be my wife to-day, and it would have been my pleasure
+and privilege to help Sir George out of his trouble. Can you ever
+forgive me?"</p>
+
+<p>May turned a tearful face towards Fielden. Impulsively she held out her
+hands to him, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> he caught them almost fiercely. They were alone on
+the wide stretch of Downs. Not a soul was in sight. Neither knew how it
+happened, but a moment later Fielden's arms were about the girl, and she
+was crying unrestrainedly upon his shoulder. There was only one thing
+for it, and that was to kiss the tears away and bring the smiles back to
+May's lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we have done it," Fielden said ruefully. "I am a nice fellow to
+talk about other men being dishonourable. I ought to be well thrashed
+for giving way to temptation like this. Fancy a man in my position
+daring to make love to any girl. But you knew what my feelings were."</p>
+
+<p>"I was sure," May whispered.</p>
+
+<p>"But what are we to do? It would be another matter, I suppose, if it
+were three months later and the Blenheim colt had won the Derby. Then,
+perhaps, Sir George would forgive me and make the best of it for your
+sake. As it is, I have only succeeded in complicating matters. You are
+resolved, of course, that nothing will induce you to change your mind so
+far as Copley is concerned. But will you have strength enough to do it,
+May? I don't think you realize the pressure which would be put upon you
+when you find that Haredale Park will have to go, when you find yourself
+in lodgings&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Never," May cried passionately. "I refuse even to discuss it. The idea
+is unthinkable."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>
+Fielden pressed the point no longer. He really had not the heart to do
+so. Sufficient unto the day was the evil thereof. But it was with mixed
+feelings that an hour or so later he walked across the fields to Seton
+Manor. Copley was waiting to receive him. The latter was in his hardest
+and most businesslike mood. There was something repellent about the
+expression of his face. The library reeked strongly of tobacco and
+spirits. From the ruddy tinge on Copley's face he had partaken of more
+than one brandy and soda already.</p>
+
+<p>Fielden hoped there was nothing in the expression of his face which in
+any way betrayed his thoughts. Fancy a man like this married to a girl
+like May Haredale! Copley was braggart and bully to his finger-tips&mdash;a
+man without heart, or conscience, or feeling. Nay, he was worse than
+this, as Fielden very well knew. For the moment, it was on the tip of
+Harry's tongue to say he had thought the matter over and had decided to
+decline Copley's offer. But more prudent thoughts prevailed. It would be
+as well to be as near Copley as possible, to be on the spot, to act when
+disaster threatened. Besides, Fielden, to some extent, was in league
+with Aaron Phillips, and if there was anything in the way of rascality
+afoot, it might be possible to detect it. It would be a fine thing to go
+to Copley with the evidence of his rascality in plain black and white,
+and agree to silence on the condition that this persecution of Miss
+Haredale ceased.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+"Ah! you have come," Copley said in his blunt way. "Well, I have
+arranged everything for you. I want you to take over the entire
+management of my stable. The last man had four hundred a year and the
+run of the house, and I am prepared to offer you the same terms.
+Everything will be left in your hands. As I told you last night, my
+racing stable is only a side-show, and I don't want to be bothered with
+it. You can make a start next week at Mirst Park. I have horses running
+in races both days, and I shall probably run down myself. But you know
+the ropes well enough."</p>
+
+<p>"I think you can leave it to me," Fielden remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, then, that's settled. You can ask the housekeeper to give
+you a room. You can have all the meals you want, and the horses will be
+yours to handle as you like. I must wish you good morning, for I have a
+score of things to occupy my attention before I motor to town at six
+o'clock. I think that will do. Good day."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden took his leave, hardly knowing whether to be pleased or not. He
+spent the next hour or so in the stables, interviewing the stud groom
+and the helpers, who seemed to know all about the new arrangement. He
+said little or nothing about it, but was somewhat surprised to find what
+a poor set of horses Copley owned. For the most part<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> they were little
+better than platers. There might be a racer or two amongst them, but
+only for small meetings. The groom was quite open in his comments, and
+to these Fielden listened discreetly. He was free, presently, to go over
+to Haredale Park and get his belongings together. He strode across the
+Downs and passed the wide stretch of turf where the trial of the
+Blenheim colt had taken place. He was hurrying down the slope when he
+came face to face with Aaron Phillips.</p>
+
+<p>"I was looking for you," the latter said. "I haven't been letting the
+grass grow under my feet since we met last. I am beginning to get a hold
+of the game. We shall be able to make those fellows sit up before long.
+I suppose you couldn't manage to get away on Friday and Saturday next
+for the two days' racing at Mirst Park? If you can, I shall show you
+something that will open your eyes."</p>
+
+<p>"As it happens," Fielden explained, "I am going there. I have just been
+appointed a kind of general manager to Mr. Copley. I have to thank Sir
+George Haredale for this. As you can imagine, Phillips, it is not a
+congenial occupation. But there are urgent reasons why I ought to accept
+it. We have a horse or two entered for the Mirst Park meeting, and I
+shall go with them. Now, then, what is it?"</p>
+
+<p>Aaron Phillips' face lightened.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>
+"What a stroke of luck!" he exclaimed. "In that case, I need not detain
+you now. But I'll contrive to see you on the course, and then I think it
+will be our turn."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span>
+<a name="xii" id="xii"></a>CHAPTER XII<br />
+<br />
+<small>A LION IN THE PATH</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">COPLEY did not appear to be so busy as he had professed when he
+dismissed Fielden so unceremoniously. He lighted a fresh cigar and sat
+down moodily over a mass of accounts. He pushed these aside presently,
+and took up a copy of the <i>Sportsman</i>, which he proceeded to read with a
+perplexed frown on his moody face.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot for the life of me understand it," he muttered. "The trial was
+fair and square, and I see no reason why the boy's information was not
+to be relied upon. But that colt is more firmly established in the
+betting than ever. I can't recollect anything like it. It seemed a dead
+sure thing to lay that money against the horse. And, yet, though I laid
+over ten thousand pounds against him, in this morning's paper he is at a
+shorter price than before. Well, if the public like to be such fools,
+it's their look-out, not mine. Still, it's unpleasant. I wonder if
+Foster has learnt anything this morning."</p>
+
+<p>Foster came in a moment or two later. His usual<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> smile had deserted him,
+and he looked troubled and anxious.</p>
+
+<p>"I wanted to see you," said Copley. "I can't for the life of me
+understand this betting. Here's the Blenheim colt backed for a ton of
+money again. Why, in the face of the commission we have put on the
+market, he ought to be fairly knocked out."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I've seen it," Foster replied. "I've sent for the boy. I wonder if
+that young rascal played us false. But, no, I don't think he would dare
+do that. Besides, he stands to win a pot of money himself. At any rate,
+I have sent for him, and if there was anything about the trial that was
+not fair we shall know it in half an hour."</p>
+
+<p>For the next hour or so the two conspirators sat discussing the matter.
+Then there came to them a diminutive youth, shrunken and clean-shaven,
+with the air of one who has passed all his life in the atmosphere of a
+stable. His little wizened face was white with agitation, and he stood,
+with his eyes cast to the ground, waiting for Copley to speak.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" the latter asked roughly.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, sir," the boy said humbly. "I don't know how it was done.
+Ah, that there Raffle is a deep 'un. I made sure as the trial the other
+morning was all open and above board, and now I find as how it wasn't
+the Blenheim colt we saw at all. It is no use asking me to explain,
+gentlemen,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> and it is no use bullying me, for the more you do that the
+more muddled I get. It is only a word or two I 'eard between Raffle and
+the 'ead lad that put me on the scent. We've got two or three 'osses in
+the stable as like the Blenheim colt as two peas. They are nearly all
+the same blood, you know. What old Raffle is a-driving at, I dunno. But
+it looks as if one colt was changed for another at the last moment, and
+nobody would have been any the wiser if I hadn't 'eard that little
+conversation this blessed morning."</p>
+
+<p>Copley and Foster exchanged glances. It was no use to scarify the boy,
+for the conspiracy was none of his making, and he was obviously telling
+the truth; indeed, he had been well paid to bring information to Copley
+and had nothing to gain by further deception. But what was the meaning
+of it all? Why had Raffle chosen to bring off a mock trial? So far as
+Copley knew, Raffle had no reason to suspect the honesty of the stable
+boy. He could not know that he was in Copley's pay, nor could he have
+known, either, that Copley and Foster would witness that early morning
+trial. Could it be that there was some one else in the field whom Raffle
+wished to deceive? At any rate, whether that was so or not, Joe Raffle
+had put both Copley and his accomplice in a hole. After witnessing the
+trial they had laid against the colt to an enormous amount, and, after
+all, Sir George Haredale's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> horse might win the Derby. They dismissed
+the boy with strict injunctions to keep his eyes open and let them know
+the latest developments. Then they talked the matter over to see if they
+could find some way out of the trouble.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a bit of a facer," Copley muttered. "I am bound to confess I never
+expected anything like this. I wonder what that old fox Raffle was
+driving at? Whom is he trying to deceive? I'd give something to know."</p>
+
+<p>"What does it matter?" Foster asked impatiently. "Wilfully or not, he
+has deceived us. As I figure it out, we stand to lose something like
+five thousand pounds. If that horse starts fit and well for the Derby we
+shall be in a rare mess. And there's nothing to beat the colt. It would
+be maddening to be done at the beginning of the season. Fancy having to
+upset all our plans because of a misfortune like this!"</p>
+
+<p>"Unless we could stop the colt," Copley suggested.</p>
+
+<p>Foster looked keenly across the table at his companion.</p>
+
+<p>"That's not a bad idea," he said thoughtfully. "If the Blenheim colt
+lost the Derby we should win ten thousand pounds at least. At the price
+the horse stands in the betting to-day, we could lay another twenty
+thousand pounds without knocking him altogether out of the betting. I
+don't call to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> mind a case in which the public have been more infatuated
+about a horse. Why, our commission never shook him at all. Suppose,
+without anybody knowing it, we could guarantee that the horse didn't
+start. In that case, we could lay a hundred thousand pounds against him,
+with the absolute knowledge that it would be only a question of time
+before we scooped up the money. Our Mirst Park scheme is a mere fleabite
+to it."</p>
+
+<p>Copley's sombre eyes lighted a little.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if we could only do it," he sneered. "But the age for that game is
+past. There is no chance of hocussing a horse, or laming him, or bribing
+a stable boy, or squaring a jockey. That was all very well in the old
+days, when meetings were few and far between, and we hadn't got an
+enlightened Press that watches everything as a cat watches a mouse. It's
+no use wasting time over idle dreams of that sort, Foster. Poor as he
+is, Sir George wouldn't even hear of such a thing."</p>
+
+<p>"Think not?" Foster asked. "Well, I believe myself that every man has
+his price. I have never found anything to the contrary. I thought you
+were a fool to come down here at all. I thought you were a fool to allow
+yourself to be fascinated by that girl, but now I begin to see a way of
+turning it to account. I don't suppose she'll marry you. I never thought
+she would."</p>
+
+<p>The big veins on Copley's temples thickened.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>
+"Stow that," he said hoarsely. "You are going too far. I'll not listen
+to a word of it. It is no business of yours. If you have anything good
+to suggest, I shall be glad to listen to it, but I'll thank you to leave
+Miss Haredale's name out of the discussion."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, very well," Foster said sulkily. "But, in this case, one thing
+leads to another. To gain Miss Haredale you found money for her father
+when we could have done with it ourselves&mdash;indeed, we wanted it pretty
+badly. Now is your chance to get it back, and more. Sir George can't pay
+you. He could as easily repay a million. He will find, too, that it is
+impossible to coerce Miss Haredale into marrying you. Don't get wild. I
+don't want to introduce the young lady's name more than I can help, but
+I am bound to speak of her. You will find that she will hold out to the
+end, and that, if need be, she won't object to leaving Haredale Park.
+But Sir George will cut up rough when the time comes. He is chockful of
+family pride. He is the sort of chap who is wedded to the family home,
+and when the pinch comes you'll find him ready for anything. Of course,
+he will make a fuss. He will ask you how you dare suggest such a thing
+to him, but it will come right in the end."</p>
+
+<p>Copley glanced contemptuously at the speaker.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you talking about?" he exclaimed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> "What are you driving at?
+Do you take Sir George for an utter fool? Do you suppose that he is
+likely to scratch a horse he has backed to win or lose everything he
+has?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, why not? He backed the colt at a very long price, and I don't
+suppose he has put down more than a thousand altogether. On the other
+hand, he owes you at least forty. Suppose you ask him to pay that back
+at once. Suppose you let him know that if he doesn't you will turn him
+out of his house a mere beggar. Suppose, if he consent, you offer to
+wipe out his debt and give him, say ten thousand pounds, the day after
+the colt is scratched. You needn't do it now; you can wait a month. Then
+you can put the screw on at once. He'll kick, jib, order you out of the
+house, but he will knuckle under in the long run. If he doesn't, then
+I'm a fool and know nothing about human nature. Why, the thing is so
+easy and perfectly safe not a soul will know anything about it. The colt
+pulls up lame one day at exercise, he is reported to be coughing, and
+before the fools who back horses know what has happened the pen has been
+put through the name of the favourite. You've got the game entirely in
+your hands. Then we can get our commissions out all over the country and
+make a fortune without a penn'orth of risk. By Jove! it makes me tremble
+only to think of it. If the thing is properly worked, we should divide
+half<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> a million between us. Now, what have you got to say to that?
+Doesn't it sound right?"</p>
+
+<p>Copley brought his fist down upon the table.</p>
+
+<p>"By gad," he exclaimed, "I'll do it, Foster!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>
+<a name="xiii" id="xiii"></a>CHAPTER XIII<br />
+<br />
+<small>"AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN"</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">AS most people are aware, the camp-followers of the turf are a large
+body whose ways of earning a living are, to say the least of it,
+peculiar. This noble army numbers folk of all kinds, from the member of
+a swagger West End club to the humble seller of cards on the various
+courses. Amongst these, in his place, came Aaron Phillips. If he had
+been asked, he would probably have said that he was a professional
+backer of horses, a description which covers a wide field and embraces
+many methods of getting a living&mdash;more or less honestly.</p>
+
+<p>In all likelihood Phillips would have resented the imputation that he
+was not a sportsman, and have declared emphatically that he was nothing
+else. He had been connected with racing ever since he could recollect,
+but had never been across a horse in his life, and would have found it
+impossible to pick out the good points of an animal. But he was fond of
+horses in his way. He had heard them talked about for years, and most of
+the frequenters<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> of his father's public-house were either followers of
+racing or indirectly mixed up with the "sport of kings." He had been
+born, too, in the vicinity of a classic course and had always taken the
+greatest interest in the dramatic side of the turf. There was not an
+ingenious swindle but he had the details of it by heart.</p>
+
+<p>For some years before his departure for South Africa he had followed
+racing from one course to another. Though he had never done anything
+deliberately dishonest, he was up to every dodge, always seemed to have
+money in his pocket, and was invariably well dressed. The fact that his
+mother had belonged to one of the leading Romany tribes Phillips found
+greatly to his advantage. He was never above passing the time of day
+with such nomads as he encountered, and more than once had benefited by
+this politeness. Had he ever wanted a useful and faithful tool,
+something uncommonly smart in the way of a human ferret, he knew where
+to put his hand on such a person. Strange as it may seem, there was
+never a great fraud connected with the turf that was not freely
+whispered amongst its humble followers long before it reached the ears
+of the authorities. More than once Phillips had listened to the outline
+of a story which would have astonished the magnates of the Jockey Club
+if they could have heard it. And it was by such means that he had
+managed to pick<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> up the threads of a plot which, before long, seemed
+likely to promise sensational disclosures. It was an additional
+satisfaction to Phillips to know that the main persons in this plot were
+his old enemies Raymond Copley and Foster. He had followed up the clues
+in his patient way, and at last had something really definite to go
+upon.</p>
+
+<p>It might be inferred that Phillips already had these two in the hollow
+of his hand. But he had learnt patience in the hard school of adversity,
+and had no intention of throwing away the chance of making money for the
+mere sake of revenge. At any moment he might have pricked the glittering
+bubble which Copley had blown, and laid both scoundrels by the heels in
+gaol, but that would have entailed loss of time and a considerable
+sojourn in South Africa, without any material return beyond that of
+triumph over his enemies. Now he was beginning to see a way to crush
+both Copley and Foster, and fill his own pockets at the same time.</p>
+
+<p>He was not without his peculiar code of honour. Harry Fielden had
+defended him at one time and he was not going to forget it. Fielden
+would have been astonished to learn how much Phillips knew about his
+affairs. He knew, for instance, all about May Haredale. He knew that
+Copley was infatuated with the girl and was prepared to go any lengths
+to make her his wife. He knew too, pretty well what was in old Raffle's
+mind, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> chuckled as he thought of it. And now the time had come to
+fire the first shot.</p>
+
+<p>He turned out of his lodgings on a sunny Friday in February, and made
+his way to Russell Square. He was more carefully dressed than usual and
+wore a dark, quiet-looking suit, with a grey overcoat and felt hat. His
+gloves were neat, his boots well polished, and, save the horseshoe pin
+in his white cravat, there was no suggestion of the racing man about
+him. He turned presently into Kelly Street, and, knocking at the door of
+a certain house, asked for Major Carden. The Major, he was informed, was
+just finishing breakfast, but would see Mr. Phillips.</p>
+
+<p>It was the usual room in a lodging-house&mdash;shabby Axminster carpet, dingy
+horsehair furniture, with the inevitable lustres on the mantelpiece. The
+tablecloth was none too clean, though on it was a vase or two of
+flowers, tastefully arranged. At one end of the table sat a stout
+pink-faced person with a carefully-trimmed grey moustache. He was a
+typical specimen of the retired military man, bluff and hearty in
+manner, with a pair of faded grey eyes faintly tinged with pink.
+Evidently, too, he had been accustomed to mix with the best people, as
+he would have phrased it himself. Probably, he still belonged to a good
+club, and no doubt found it exceedingly difficult to make both ends
+meet.</p>
+
+<p>The second person at the breakfast table was an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> exceedingly pretty
+girl, who looked none the less refined and attractive because her black
+dress was of the plainest. She was chattering gaily as Phillips came in.
+She appeared to have a proper respect and affection for her father,
+whose words she seemed to hang upon. The Major looked up from the table
+and nodded genially.</p>
+
+<p>"You are punctual, Phillips," he said. "I am afraid I am a little late
+this morning. Alice, my dear, this is Mr. Phillips. He is the
+distinguished journalist I was telling you about last night. We are both
+connected with the same papers."</p>
+
+<p>As the Major spoke, he winked swiftly at Phillips, and the latter
+smiled. What the Major was driving at he hadn't the remotest idea.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes," he murmured. "The Major and I are old friends."</p>
+
+<p>The girl smiled pleasantly. She appeared a trifle shy, and gave Phillips
+the impression that she had no friends, and that her young life was, for
+the most part, a constant sacrifice for her selfish and dissipated
+father. She rose presently, and with an excuse left the two men
+together. Immediately she was gone the Major crossed the room and
+produced a bottle of brandy, from which he helped himself liberally.
+Phillips curtly refused.</p>
+
+<p>"I met some old friends last night," the Major said. "I am afraid I was
+just a little&mdash;well, you know how it is."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>
+"I do," Phillips said shortly. "But what did you tell that lie for? What
+have we got to do with journalism?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear sir, there are times when one must dissemble. I know I am a bit
+of an old scamp, but, you see, my daughter doesn't know it. I wouldn't
+for worlds like her to know the life I am leading. She is a good girl
+and believes in me, and I have managed to give her a fine education. She
+is the only thing I have in the world to care for. She is the only thing
+that has kept me from going headlong to the dogs. I daresay when I am
+done with, some of my relations will look after her. Meanwhile, they
+take precious good care to keep me at arm's length. I don't blame them,
+either. I hit upon the journalistic dodge to account for my late hours.
+I was afraid you might give me away. I am bound to tell you this, and I
+hope you will respect my confidence. Well, now, what do you want me for?
+Sit down a minute."</p>
+
+<p>"I have come to put a little money in your way," Phillips replied. "I
+gave you a hint of what I was after the night before last. They tell me
+you are a member of the Post Club."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes," Carden replied. "I have managed, somehow or other, to keep
+myself on the club books. Not that I go to the Post very much, because I
+can't afford it. If I meet a young friend occasionally who is anxious to
+see life, I take him there to lunch,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> on the strict understanding, of
+course, that he repays me."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I want you to take me there. I would like to lunch there to-day,
+and I wish you to introduce me to Mr. Rickerby, the commission agent. It
+is a very simple matter. If you can bring this about and get me half an
+hour's conversation with Rickerby after lunch, I'll give you a tenner
+and pay for the lunch besides. There's no risk and no responsibility as
+far as you are concerned."</p>
+
+<p>The Major pondered the matter.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you up to?" he asked presently.</p>
+
+<p>"That," Phillips said, "is no business of yours. But I assure you that I
+am up to nothing wrong. Nothing I can say or do will get you into
+trouble. I don't mind telling you there is a big swindle on foot to rob
+the leading bookmakers and commission agents and I am trying to expose
+it. If I do, there will be a good round sum of money for me, and if I
+fail, I shall be none the worse off. Now, are you game?"</p>
+
+<p>The Major smiled. At that moment ten-pound notes were scarce, and
+Phillips' offer came in the nature of a windfall. But it was not part of
+his diplomacy to accept the suggestion too eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"I think so," he said. "I don't see why I shouldn't accommodate you.
+Perhaps, later,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> you might have something else to put in my way."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, then," Phillips replied. "I need not detain you now. I'll
+meet you at the club at half-past one."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>
+<a name="xiv" id="xiv"></a>CHAPTER XIV<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE POST CLUB</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">THERE are several smart betting clubs in London, but none smarter or
+more up-to-date than the Post Club. Like most institutions of the kind,
+it is somewhat mixed and largely devoted to the purposes of gambling.
+All sorts and conditions of men can be met there, from the magnates of
+the turf down to small bookmakers. At the same time the subscription is
+a heavy one and the entrance fee large. It is so large, indeed, that the
+police have never been bold enough to raid the club, which is conducted
+on the best principles. Betting on the tape goes on to an enormous
+extent, and there on most afternoons of the racing season nearly all the
+chief commission agents can be found. The club premises consist of a
+billiard-room, dining-room, and smoking-room, the last fitted with
+several tape machines, which bring the result of the day's racing
+directly from the course. Great wagers are constantly being made and
+sometimes enormous bets effected even after the horses have been
+dispatched by the starter.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>
+Till after lunch the club is very quiet as a rule. On the first day of
+the Mirst Park Meeting not more than half a dozen racing men were in the
+dining-room. At a little table near the door sat the Major and his
+guest, discussing a dainty luncheon to the accompaniment of a choice
+brand of champagne. The Major was beaming. This was a pastime after his
+own heart, and seeing that the luncheon was costing him nothing he was
+doing the thing very lavishly indeed. There was something almost regal
+in the way he spoke to the waiters. His manner was bland and florid,
+and, beyond all was the consciousness of the five-pound note in his
+pocket which Phillips had given him to pay for the repast. They sat for
+some little time, when the door was flung violently open and a large man
+in an impossible waistcoat came into the dining-room.</p>
+
+<p>Full-bodied and scarlet, he had an air of prosperity and in an
+aggressive way suggested money. Most persons in the sporting world were
+familiar with that huge personage in the striking waistcoat, for it was
+none other than Mr. Rickerby, of a firm of turf accountants, who
+advertised that they recognized no limit. In early life Mr. Rickerby, or
+Rick, as his friends styled him, had been a butcher. He had failed at
+that principally because he spent most of his time backing horses or
+arranging prize-fights. After he had passed through the Bankruptcy Court
+he began with a small silver book and, having a real<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> genius for
+figures, together with a striking presence, an enormous voice and
+amazing audacity which amounted almost to simplicity, he soon made
+headway in his new profession. In a short time he took a partner who had
+been a smart accountant, and now had a suite of palatial offices in the
+Strand, where he kept a large staff of clerks, and where telephone
+messages were pouring in almost day and night. Rickerby was a leviathan,
+and though he by no means despised the small fish that came into his
+net, revelled in big bets and dramatic wagers.</p>
+
+<p>He nodded to the Major with a mixture of insolent familiarity and
+fawning politeness. Occasionally the Major was of use to him. Besides,
+Carden was well connected and Mr. Rickerby had a profound admiration for
+the aristocracy. He would have passed on only, at a sign from Phillips,
+Carden detained him.</p>
+
+<p>"Come and lunch with us, Rickerby," he said. "Try this new brand of
+champagne. Waiter, lay a place for Mr. Rickerby. Bring another bottle.
+No, on second thoughts, you had better bring a magnum. Rickerby, let me
+introduce my friend Mr. Phillips. He is just home from the Cape."</p>
+
+<p>Rickerby touched an imaginary forelock.</p>
+
+<p>"Proud to make your acquaintance, sir," he said. "Do you do anything in
+our line?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I have," Phillips said. "I used to follow racing closely enough
+before I left England. Out<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> yonder, from my point of view, I found
+something better. Still, there is nothing so fascinating as the great
+game. I daresay I shall make a wager or two before the season is over. I
+suppose one can't make bets here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not unless you are a member," the Major explained. "The committee are
+most particular about that kind of thing. They must think of the police.
+But I've no doubt Rickerby will be glad to accommodate you."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, sir," Rickerby said. "Up to any amount you like. The Major's
+introduction is good enough for me, and a telegram or letter will always
+receive attention."</p>
+
+<p>Gradually the conversation became more general. Luncheon was a thing of
+the past, and cigars and coffee had been set out in the smoking-room.
+Phillips seemed to find Rickerby a mine of interesting information, for
+he plied him with diplomatic questions. Under the influence of the
+champagne and brandy Rickerby expanded.</p>
+
+<p>"Swindles, my dear sir!" he exclaimed. "There is no end to them. We drop
+on a dozen dodges every year of which the public know nothing. Why don't
+we prosecute? Because it isn't worth while, and the police are not
+sympathetic. Moreover, why should we let the public know of ways and
+means by which they might rob us? Ah, I could tell you of one or two
+men, and big men, too, in some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> of the West End clubs who would find
+themselves in a pretty tight place if some of us only liked to open our
+mouths. But what's the use? Why throw good money after bad?"</p>
+
+<p>"But don't you get done?" Phillips asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, very rarely," Rickerby responded, "but there are others in the
+club, who seem to me to lay themselves out for that sort of thing.
+There's a chap here called Selwyn, a rich young Australian fool, who
+thinks he knows everything. He's just the type of mark that the
+broken-down racing man prays for. He's in the hands of one or two here
+who are robbing him of thousands. He's soft enough to make bets five
+minutes after a race has been run. I've tipped him a hint once or twice,
+but bless you, it's no use. It is waste of breath to tell Selwyn that
+the men in whose hands he is are manipulating the telephone or wire and
+always betting on a dead certainty. One or two of the bets have been
+offered to me, but I am not taking any. I daresay you may think I ought
+to expose these people, but I've got something better to do."</p>
+
+<p>"I should like to ask you one question," Phillips said. "Have you
+noticed by any chance if the people you are speaking about are
+particularly lucky in their bets on races run at Mirst Park?"</p>
+
+<p>Rickerby looked admiringly at the speaker.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" he exclaimed, "you know more than I gave you credit for, but
+perhaps you are in the habit<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span> of studying this kind of thing. Now I come
+to think of it, I do recollect hearing it said that Selwyn had dropped a
+lot of money to these men last Mirst Park Meeting. If you really know
+anything, Mr. Phillips, I think you ought to say so."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I won't go quite so far as that," Phillips said modestly; "it's
+only an idea that occurred to me which I was reminded of by something I
+read when I was in South Africa. But mightn't this be a coincidence?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think not," Rickerby replied, "you could hardly say that of a series
+of bets in which Selwyn always loses and which are never made till after
+the race is run."</p>
+
+<p>"Extraordinary," Phillips said. "But I can't see how it can be anything
+more than a mere coincidence. I suppose you do a tremendous lot of late
+betting."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear sir, that is exactly what the club is for. Some of us wouldn't
+be able to live without it. But, all the same, we don't bet a second
+after the official time of starting."</p>
+
+<p>By this time the smoking-room was filling up rapidly. Two or three score
+of men had come mainly to hear the result of the afternoon's racing and
+to make their bets up to the very last moment that wagers were accepted.
+Phillips, apparently perfectly satisfied with what he had heard, lounged
+in one corner smoking a cigar, watching the crowd of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> sportsmen keenly
+out of the corner of his eye. He seemed to have one glance, too, for the
+weather outside, which had changed somewhat, for the sky was overcast
+and flakes of snow were falling. A little later the room was almost in
+darkness and the whole world seemed to be lost in a white drift. The
+clock over the mantelpiece pointed to nearly twenty minutes past three.
+The result of the three o'clock race had been announced, and, so far as
+Phillips could tell, there had not been one sensational incident in the
+way of a bet.</p>
+
+<p>"Your friend Selwyn is evidently not present to-day," Phillips observed,
+as Rickerby dropped into a seat by his side.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, he is," the bookmaker retorted.</p>
+
+<p>"That's very interesting," Phillips said. "I wish you would introduce me
+to Mr. Selwyn. I think a little later I shall be able to show him a way
+of saving money."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>
+<a name="xv" id="xv"></a>CHAPTER XV<br />
+<br />
+<small>JOLLY &amp; CO.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">PHILLIPS slipped out of the club by and by, and for a while walked up
+and down opposite, studying the building in which the Post Club was
+situated. It was a large block of offices on five or six floors, mostly
+given over to merchants and dealers whose business was in connexion with
+Covent Garden Market. Moving up and down as if waiting for a friend,
+Phillips was making an exceedingly careful scrutiny of the building.</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't as easy as I thought it was at first," he said. "I've got a
+pretty shrewd idea, for which I have in the main to thank that
+snowstorm. It is evident that Rickerby is perfectly right, and that
+there is some cunning plot afoot to rob this Selwyn. I wonder whether
+Rickerby was alluding to Raymond Copley. It can't be anybody else. Now
+it is clear the gang cannot make late bets during a snowstorm or thick
+mist or anything of that kind. I should like to know how they manage to
+get the name of the winner into the club before the horse is past the
+post. But that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> I must leave for the present. The point I have to find
+out now is how the man upstairs who comes to do the betting gets his
+information. If there was another block of buildings opposite the club I
+could understand it, because it would be easy to signal from one window
+to another. But there's nothing opposite except the Market with a lot of
+porters hanging about, and I don't suppose they have anything to do with
+it. The puzzle beats me for the moment. Still, having got so far, it is
+hard if I can't get to the bottom of it. The signal must come from
+somewhere in the block of buildings where the club is situated. Well,
+that gives me something to go on with anyhow, and I haven't much time to
+spare, especially as I must meet Fielden to-morrow at Mirst Park. I
+suppose there is only one thing to do, and that is to find out the name
+and occupation of every firm which has an office under the roof. The
+first thing I need is a Post Office Directory."</p>
+
+<p>With the aid of this book he managed to winnow down the doubtful firms
+to five or six. The rest he found were established houses engaged in
+legitimate trade, the others being more or less new-comers whose
+callings were rather nondescript. By a stroke of good fortune, just
+before five o'clock Phillips obtained the assistance of a clerk in a
+fruit concern, whose firm was in the block of buildings in which the
+club was housed, and the doubtful firms were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> reduced to two. Standing
+outside looking up at the club, the windows of which were now in
+darkness, Phillips saw that next door were a couple of windows bearing
+on their wire blinds the legend, Jolly &amp; Co. There was a light behind
+the blinds, so that the lettering stood out clear and distinct.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I am getting on," Phillips commented. "Now, how am I going to
+find out about Jolly &amp; Co.? It is a bit too dangerous to ask casually
+for Mr. Jolly. But, stop. Most of the people have left, and it is any
+odds the light has been used by the charwoman who is cleaning out the
+offices. It won't do any harm to go up and see."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips put his plan into execution. He came at length to the second
+floor, and stopped at a door at the end of the passage which led to the
+rooms occupied by the Post Club. On the door the name of Jolly &amp; Co. was
+painted in white letters. From behind it came the sound of scrubbing.
+Phillips entered boldly. The room was furnished as an office. There were
+a table and a chair or two, and in a corner an American roll-top desk.
+Beside the desk was a telephone which, from its glittering newness, had
+not been long erected. Attached to the receiver in the place of the
+usual short flex was a cord at least eight or nine feet long. It was a
+small matter in itself, but it did not escape Phillips' keen glance. He
+wondered what it was for.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> It was certain that it was not attached to
+the receiver by accident.</p>
+
+<p>In one part of the room an old woman was kneeling down scrubbing the
+floorcloth.</p>
+
+<p>"Is Mr. Jolly here?" Phillips asked.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir," was the reply. "He went away early. I saw the key of the
+office hanging up soon after half-past three."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips smiled. He was beginning to understand now. There had been
+snowstorms most of the afternoon at intervals, and this, no doubt, had
+interfered with the campaign against the bookmakers.</p>
+
+<p>"That is very annoying," Phillips said. "I particularly want to see Mr.
+Jolly. I have some very important business with him. Can you tell me
+where he lives?"</p>
+
+<p>The old woman shook her head emphatically.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I can't, sir," she said. "I haven't any idea where he lives. And,
+besides, he is mostly a stranger to me."</p>
+
+<p>"He hasn't been here long, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir. He came last autumn and, of course, I does for him like I do
+for the other gentlemen. He stayed till about the end of November, then
+he told me he had to go abroad for the winter. He has only been back
+about a week."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips thought his time was not being wasted. Everything appeared to
+be going his way.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very sorry," he said, "but, really, I must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> find him. It is most
+awkward, seeing that he is a stranger to me. Would you mind telling me
+what he is like? If you can give me a description of him I might make
+inquiries in the neighbourhood. It is possible he may be in one of the
+hotels close by playing billiards or something of that sort."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that's possible," the old woman said. "I know Mr. Jolly is fond
+of a game of billiards, because my little boy has had to fetch him once
+or twice. He is young and clean-shaven, looks like a boy almost till you
+get close to him, and then you can see what a lot of wrinkles he has
+round his eyes. He might easily be mistaken for an actor. Dresses very
+well, he does, except he wears a steel watch-chain."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips gave the old woman a shilling and departed. He had found out
+all he was likely to discover. He had already moved towards the door
+when a sudden thought struck him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, by the way," he said, "I wish you would let me have the number of
+your telephone. If I can't come here again I shall telephone Mr. Jolly
+in the morning."</p>
+
+<p>The old woman intimated that the number was on the top of the telephone,
+and Phillips made a note of it. Then he went away, on the whole very
+well satisfied with his afternoon's work. He had yet, however, to verify
+a certain suspicion, and this he could not accomplish till late in the
+evening. It was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> eight o'clock or more before he turned into a public
+telephone call-office and rang up the number which he had copied in
+Jolly's office. He was not surprised to find that he received no reply,
+but it was not a reply he was after. What he really wanted was to get in
+connexion with the Exchange. He managed this presently. It was growing
+late, and there was no great pressure upon the office.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry to trouble you," he said, "but I can't get anything from
+this number. Can you tell me if Mr. Jolly has a wire between the office
+and his house?"</p>
+
+<p>The assistant amiably replied she would ascertain. In a few moments she
+spoke again.</p>
+
+<p>"No wonder you couldn't get a reply," she said. "Jolly &amp; Co. are not
+connected with the Exchange at all. We switch them on by arrangement for
+business purposes, but their wire is a private one. It has only been
+recently erected."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips drew a sharp breath. He was expecting sensational developments,
+but this information fairly staggered him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am much obliged to you," he said. "But I am very anxious to get on to
+Mr. Jolly. You say the wire is a private one. I suppose it goes from the
+office to Mr. Jolly's own house. Where is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"His place is called The Nook, Mirst Park."</p>
+
+<p>Once more Phillips was taken aback. The whole plot was opening up before
+his eyes. Many important<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> matters remained to be cleared up, but he felt
+he was getting on with a vengeance.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't know where he lived," he said, "but many thanks for this
+information and all the trouble you have taken. Would you mind putting
+me in connexion with the Nook?"</p>
+
+<p>The assistant was still obliging. For the best part of five minutes
+Phillips stood there with the receiver at his ear, and the longer he had
+to wait the more satisfied he appeared to be. Then, presently, the thin
+voice at the other end of the wire began to speak to him again.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very sorry," she said. "But I have rung half a dozen times and
+can't make anybody hear. Probably they have left the receiver off the
+instrument. I can try again presently."</p>
+
+<p>"A thousand thanks," Phillips said. "But I won't trouble you. I'll call
+round at the office in the morning. What a stroke of luck! Now for Mirst
+Park."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>
+<a name="xvi" id="xvi"></a>CHAPTER XVI<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE NOOK</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">ON second thoughts, Phillips deemed it more prudent to remain in town
+overnight. There would be no difficulty in reaching Mirst Park to-morrow
+in time to open his campaign. Besides, when he came to think it over
+there were a good many things yet to be done. He ate his modest dinner
+in his modest lodgings and then sat down over a cigarette to think out
+the result of his day's work. The more he cogitated the more satisfied
+he was with his rate of progress.</p>
+
+<p>He had got past the age when a man burns for revenge and that sort of
+thing. He infinitely preferred to make Copley smart and put money in his
+own pocket at the same time. As for his diamond-mining adventure, he
+expected to hear no more of that. He had been robbed of his precious
+plans and had no hopes of seeing his missing portmanteau again, but,
+like a prudent man, he was not inclined to cry over spilt milk.</p>
+
+<p>He had thought it all out before morning, and shortly after ten o'clock
+set out to call upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> Major Carden again. To his surprise he found that
+the Major had already breakfasted and was making preparations for going
+out. A big fur coat was carelessly thrown across an arm-chair, and
+Phillips smiled when he saw it. Probably the Major had struck a
+prosperous line. Possibly some of the ten-pound note had been laid out
+at an adjacent pawnbroker's.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't expect to see you this morning," the Major said genially.
+"Most infernally cold, isn't it? Looks like snow, too. Still, one must
+take the rough with the smooth when one goes racing."</p>
+
+<p>"So you are going racing?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I had thought of it. I don't often get the chance of treating
+myself, and my idea was to run down to Mirst Park this afternoon. You're
+going, aren't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, I am going down on business. But I wanted you to stay in town
+and do a little commission for me."</p>
+
+<p>The Major's florid face fell.</p>
+
+<p>"That is very awkward," he muttered. "You see, I promised to take my
+daughter with me. She is fonder of that kind of thing than I am, and the
+poor child seldom has an outing. In the old days of my prosperity Alice
+had her own horse, and deuced good across country she was. Can't you
+manage to put it off till to-morrow, Phillips? I shall be greatly
+obliged if you can."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>
+Phillips reflected for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," he said. "I daresay it can be managed. I will see you on
+the course this afternoon and let you know what my address is. If you
+are discreet and cautious over this little matter there is a fair sum of
+money in it for you. You can drop me a note to-night, because there is
+no pressing hurry, and you can get the information this evening or early
+to-morrow. What you have to do is to go round to the Post Club and find
+out all the heavy bets which were made there with Selwyn in connexion
+with to-day's racing at Mirst Park. You must let me know with whom the
+bets were made and who made them. I think that is all. But I shall see
+you on the course later, and if anything crops up in the meantime I
+shall let you know."</p>
+
+<p>There was nothing to prevent Phillips from making his way to Mirst Park.
+Half an hour later he took train from Waterloo and, arrived at his
+destination, proceeded to look out for lodgings. He had his own reasons
+for preferring rooms to an hotel. He needed to keep himself as quiet as
+possible. This matter satisfactorily settled, he turned his steps to the
+course, which was as yet practically deserted. There was little to
+indicate that a race meeting was in progress, excepting the shows and
+roundabouts and booths outside the stands and paddocks. There were the
+usual loafers picnicking on the grass, the usual litter of torn
+betting-tickets<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> and papers scattered far and wide. Phillips passed
+along, looking eagerly about him. He wanted somebody who could give him
+certain information. He stood on the centre of the course, some four or
+five hundred yards from the ring. He appeared to be admiring the
+landscape, which was pleasant enough under the brilliant sunshine,
+though this was interspersed now and then by ominous-looking clouds
+which seemed to threaten snow later.</p>
+
+<p>As most people know, Mirst Park course is situated in a kind of theatre,
+with rising ground behind the stands, so that it is possible for
+everybody to obtain a perfect view of a race from start to finish.
+Peeping out of the trees here and there were a few good-class houses,
+one of which, standing higher than the rest, towered over the top of the
+grand stand. There was the suggestion of a smile on Phillips' face as he
+adjusted his racing-glasses and made a close inspection of the house in
+question. He could see that it possessed a flat roof with a parapet
+around it. Phillips was still intent upon his examination when a
+policeman with a fine air of detachment strolled by.</p>
+
+<p>"The best natural course I have ever seen," Phillips said with
+enthusiasm. "Have you got many like this in these parts, officer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not that I know of," the policeman said. "I suppose you have never been
+here before."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>
+"I am from South Africa," Phillips said. "We've got nothing like this
+out there. I should like to have one of those houses yonder. It must be
+nice to sit in your own house and be able to watch all the races,
+especially in weather like this. Now there's that place at the back of
+the stand. I suppose you know who that belongs to. Some man with money,
+I expect?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can't tell you, sir," the policeman replied. "I've lived here most of
+my life, but that house yonder has been empty for a long time. I
+understood it was taken by some Colonial gentleman last autumn, but I
+don't think he has been in it yet. Of course, I don't know for certain,
+because my beat is on the other side of the Common, and I am only on
+duty here on race days."</p>
+
+<p>"Just so. What is the name of the house?"</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see," the policeman said, reflectively. "Oh, I know. I think
+they call it The Nook."</p>
+
+<p>The officer passed on, and Phillips replaced the racing-glasses in their
+case. Fortune was still on his side. He made his way through the woods
+up into the road which ran in front of the houses, and came at length to
+a pair of iron gates with the name of the house, The Nook, painted on
+them in gilt letters. The place appeared to be fairly well looked after.
+The paths were trim, but, so far as Phillips could see, there was little
+traffic through the gates and no sign whatever of wheels, either of cabs
+or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> motors. Peering through the shrubs, he noticed that the windows were
+fitted with curtains and blinds as if the house were inhabited. There
+was, perhaps, some risk in what Phillips was about to do, but he was
+prepared to take the consequences. He walked briskly up the drive until
+he came in front of the house. Most of the blinds were up. He saw
+evidences of refinement and luxury in the blinds and curtains, though it
+struck him as rather significant that the gardens had not had much
+attention bestowed upon them. Phillips hesitated before ringing the
+bell. It was an old-fashioned bell, with a drop-handle, and he could
+hear it clanging through the house with a hollow sound which suggested
+emptiness. As he expected, no reply came, though he rang two or three
+times. It was impossible for any one to see into the living-rooms, for
+the house was built upon a slope and the front door was approached by a
+flight of steps. Just as Phillips was turning away a man emerged from
+behind a belt of shrubs, followed by a truculent-looking bull-terrier.
+He looked like a gardener, though there was in his appearance that
+faint, intangible something which suggested a close familiarity with the
+turf. He eyed Phillips sourly and suspiciously, and none too politely
+requested to know his business.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you employed here?" Phillips asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am," the man growled. "I am the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> gardener. And there's no one at
+home, if you want to know."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips' assumption of annoyance was artistic. He turned away
+impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"Then Mr. Ronaldson is not here now?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Never heard the name," the gardener responded.</p>
+
+<p>"But he used to live here. I knew him well in South Africa. He gave me
+his address two years ago and asked me to look him up if ever I came to
+England. I suppose he has gone somewhere else then. Do you happen to
+know the name?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I don't," the gardener said sulkily. "We've only been here a few
+months, and my master hasn't come into the house yet. He's a stranger,
+too. You had better make inquiries in the village."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips expressed his thanks. He had found out pretty well all he
+wanted to know, and felt that if this repellent person had entertained
+any suspicions they were lulled to sleep by this time. He stood
+examining the repulsive-looking bull-terrier. He alluded to the animal's
+points approvingly. He spoke, too, as a man who knew what he was talking
+about. One or two remarks elicited the assent of the gruff gardener, who
+smiled slightly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he's a good dog," he said. "And capital in the house."</p>
+
+<p>"Keeps the burglars away," Phillips laughed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>
+"Oh, I daresay he would if I left him here. But I don't live on the
+premises. I only look round to see that things are all right. I believe
+the servants are coming in next week."</p>
+
+<p>"But why not have a caretaker?" Phillips asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, there's no occasion for that. They're more trouble than they're
+worth."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips nodded and walked leisurely away.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>
+<a name="xvii" id="xvii"></a>CHAPTER XVII<br />
+<br />
+<small>A FAIR DAY'S SPORT</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">AT Mirst Park there was not very much for Fielden to do. The horses he
+had brought with him were a moderate lot, and, in the words of the
+stud-groom, there was not a racer amongst them. With his intimate
+knowledge of horse-flesh Fielden wondered why Copley kept such an
+indifferent stable, and where he got his animals. They were even worse
+than the ordinary run of equine rubbish usually foisted on the
+millionaire whose ambition it is to figure as a patron of the turf.
+Perhaps the whole thing was a blind. Perhaps the stud at Seton Manor was
+merely intended to cover Copley's rascality in another direction. At any
+rate, Fielden watched the first two races with mingled feelings of
+contempt and amusement. He had seen his employer's horses figure in both
+in the sorriest fashion, and till the four o'clock race was free to do
+as he pleased.</p>
+
+<p>It was strange to move about the paddock, by the weighing-room and on
+the stand, rubbing shoulders with a score of men whom he knew well.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> The
+course was familiar to him, too. Were the past two years but a dream,
+and had he never left the scene of his former recreations? But no one
+recognized him. He strolled about listening to the roar of the
+betting-ring and the cries of the multitude, or threaded his way in and
+out among the horses. He even spoke to one or two jockeys whom he had
+once known, but none seemed to identify him.</p>
+
+<p>Despite the crowd and the horses, the ladies on the stand and the
+members in the enclosure, however, it was a lonely business, and his
+face lightened as he caught sight of May Haredale seated by herself on
+one of the stands. He made his way eagerly to her side. She turned and
+smiled upon him. There was a healthy flush on her face. Her eyes were
+sparkling, and yet there was a suspicion of anxiety about her which
+Fielden had noticed more than once lately.</p>
+
+<p>"Why are you alone?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it has only been the last few minutes," May explained. "We have a
+colt running in this race, and my father has gone to give instructions
+to his jockey. By the way, how badly your horses have cut up to-day. No,
+I am not particularly interested in this race, and I haven't so much as
+a pair of gloves on it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then what do you say to a stroll?" Fielden suggested. "It is cold, and
+we look like having<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> another fall of snow. I couldn't see the three
+o'clock race for the snow. Positively I hadn't the faintest notion what
+had won till I saw the numbers go up. Let us walk across the course to
+the starting-point and back. We shall have plenty of time."</p>
+
+<p>May consented, and soon they were beyond the enclosure and past the
+white posts and rails towards the patch of gorse across the Downs, where
+the starter was already fidgeting about on his cob. Away from the noise
+and excitement of the ring the flush faded from May's face, and her eyes
+seemed inexpressibly sad.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter?" Fielden asked anxiously. "We all change as we grow
+older. I suppose I am different from what I used to be. But I don't like
+to see you so quiet. It is so foreign to your nature, May. There was a
+time when you were all laughter and sunshine. Oh, dear, what a fool I
+have been, to be sure. How different things might have been if I had
+only had a little common sense. You don't know how I blame myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Were you altogether to blame?" May asked. "I don't think so. You had no
+one to look after you from the time you were at school till you came
+into your property. You were merely a boy then, and you behaved like
+one."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I know, I know," Fielden sighed. "But that's all past and done
+with. But don't talk about me. I am far more interested in you. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> hope
+nothing has happened to increase your anxiety. You know what I mean."</p>
+
+<p>May looked irresolutely at her companion.</p>
+
+<p>"I ought not, perhaps, to tell you," she said. "I ought not to tell
+anybody. But, then, well, you are Harry Fielden, and I have known you
+all my life. If you didn't care for me quite as much as you do, if I had
+not cared for you&mdash;but, there, we need not go into that. It is my father
+who has worried me. It is extraordinary what a change has come over him
+lately. He used to be so kind to me, to let me do as I liked, and even
+when we were so poor that we didn't know where to turn for money he was
+always happy and cheerful. Why, a few months ago he would have laughed
+at the idea of my marrying a man like Mr. Copley. Now he is almost eager
+for it."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden made no reply for a moment. A wave of indignation came over him.
+He caught his lip between his teeth and bit it fiercely. A year or two
+ago he would have smiled at the suggestion that Sir George would
+sanction a match between his daughter and a man like Copley. But during
+the hard and bitter months of his wanderings he had learnt some amount
+of cynical wisdom. He was no longer inclined, as he had been in the old
+days, to take every man at his face valuation. And, no doubt, when the
+pinch came, Sir George was just like the rest. He would speak loudly
+enough of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> willingness to give up the old house and live in humble
+lodgings rather than have any slur cast upon his honour. But it would be
+different when this pretty theory came to be put to the test. Fielden
+forgot all about the racecourse. He heard nothing of the shouting crowd.
+The horses streaming to the post conveyed nothing to his eye.</p>
+
+<p>"I want you to be candid with me," he said. "Is Sir George putting
+pressure upon you to marry that blackguard?"</p>
+
+<p>There was something so vehement in Fielden's speech that May looked at
+him in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely you are going too far," she said. "Mr. Copley is not a
+gentleman, of course&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you, he is a scoundrel," Fielden interrupted. "Believe me, May,
+I would not have spoken unless I had been bound to. That man is not fit
+to go into any respectable house. I cannot say more than that at
+present, because the secret is not altogether mine. But this much I tell
+you: Had there been no such person as Raymond Copley I should be a rich
+man at the present moment. I know that, but for the merest accident,
+there would be blood on that man's hands. You must not marry him, May.
+You must not give him the slightest encouragement. When I think of your
+associating with that rascal my blood boils. If the worst comes to the
+worst, I must tell Sir George what I know myself. It is with the
+greatest reluctance I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> entered Copley's employment; indeed, I only did
+so because there are certain things I want to find out and this seemed
+to provide a favourable opportunity. Otherwise, I would rather get my
+living by selling race-cards and sleep under a furze bush. But do you
+mean to say your father really insists on this?"</p>
+
+<p>A rush of tears filled May's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"That is what it comes to," she rejoined. "It is only the last two days
+that I have noticed such a change in my father. Harry, do you think it
+is as bad as he says it is? He tells me that unless I consent to marry
+Mr. Copley we shall be ruined and be turned out of the house without so
+much as a penny. It seems incredible. I can't understand a man with an
+atom of self-respect who would compel a girl to marry him against her
+will. It isn't as if I were rich, or intellectual, or beautiful."</p>
+
+<p>Harry thought he could understand. Indeed, any man could understand who
+looked down into the pretty, pleading, anxious face that was turned up
+towards Fielden.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no accounting for people like Copley," he said. "He is the
+kind of man that has not an atom of consideration for anybody but
+himself. He has no heart or conscience, and the more unattainable a
+thing is the more he longs for it. He cannot win you; therefore, you are
+the one thing in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> the world that he passionately desires. God help the
+woman, however fascinating and beautiful, who becomes Copley's wife! It
+would mean years of brutality and neglect and self-contempt. You
+mustn't, May. I understand the duty you owe to your father, but no man
+has a right to exact such a sacrifice as that. Don't you think I had
+better see Sir George and give him a hint of the sort of man Copley is?"</p>
+
+<p>May shook her head resolutely.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid that would do more harm than good," she said. "I must fight
+my battle alone, Harry, and if you interfered my father might forbid you
+Haredale Park. He has already hinted that, if you had not come home
+again, I should have been willing to become Mrs. Raymond Copley, and if
+I were not allowed to see you I don't know what I should do. There is
+nobody else I could confide in. But I will let you know how things go
+on. We had better go back. I feel better for this confession."</p>
+
+<p>But it seemed a hopeless business, and Fielden's face was sad and gloomy
+as he strode alongside May towards the stand.</p>
+
+<p>Ah! but hope was not dead yet.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>
+<a name="xviii" id="xviii"></a>CHAPTER XVIII<br />
+<br />
+<small>AN EVENING VISIT</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">FOR once Sir George Haredale did not seem to be in the least pleased to
+see Fielden. He was standing on the lower steps of the stand talking to
+Major Carden with the air of one who is conversing with an old
+acquaintance. By Carden's side was his daughter, eager and interested,
+following all that was going on around her with the zest and enjoyment
+of a child.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, here you are," Sir George said fussily. "I was beginning to wonder
+what had become of you. Carden, this is my daughter. Major Carden and I
+were at Eton together. We used to do a good deal of racing before you
+were born."</p>
+
+<p>The Major took off his hat with a flourish.</p>
+
+<p>"Charmed to meet the daughter of my old friend," he said, "charmed. Ah,
+those were pleasant days when one had youth and strength and a banking
+account which appeared to be inexhaustible. Now I deem myself fortunate
+if I can steal a day off occasionally to get down to a suburban
+racecourse. Let me present you to my daughter. My dear Alice&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>
+"But I know her already," May Haredale cried. "We were at school
+together. I had no idea that my father and yours knew one another. I am
+so pleased to see you again. Father, Alice Carden was my greatest friend
+all the years I was at Eastbourne. We parted promising to write to one
+another regularly, but somehow or another we have never corresponded.
+But now that I have met you I won't lose sight of you any more. Major
+Carden, you really must let Alice come and stay at Haredale Park with
+me. I want her for a long visit."</p>
+
+<p>Carden professed himself to be delighted, and this in all sincerity. He
+began to see visions of a snug and comfortable time, away from dingy
+lodgings and vilely-cooked food to which he had never become accustomed.
+The two girls paired off, and the Major strolled towards the paddock
+gates, for he had noticed Phillips there, evidently waiting for a chance
+to speak to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Got any instructions?" the Major asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing fresh," Phillips explained. "I want you to do exactly as I
+asked you, and if you can manage it this evening, after you get back to
+town, so much the better. I have written my address on the back of this
+card, and it is possible I may be here for two or three days longer. I
+want you to find out what wagering there was to big money with Selwyn at
+the Post Club to-day, and wire to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> address on this card. It is more
+than probable that, before the week is out, I may be able to put a good
+thing in your way. I suppose I can come round and see you whenever I
+like."</p>
+
+<p>The Major thought that would be all right. It would be just as well,
+perhaps, to get his daughter out of the way. With diplomacy he might
+contrive to expedite the invitation to Haredale Park, so that he could
+have the ground clear without fear of interruption. He returned to the
+place where his daughter was waiting for him.</p>
+
+<p>At a sign from Phillips, Fielden came forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," he asked, "how are you getting on?"</p>
+
+<p>"Splendidly," Phillips replied. "I have been far more fortunate than I
+anticipated. We will get some fun out of Copley and Foster yet. From
+your point of view I daresay you may think I am wrong. But I mean to
+make money out of this. I will expose Copley and fill my purse at the
+same time. You wonder what I am driving at? Can you manage to stay here
+over to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think so," Fielden said.</p>
+
+<p>"That's good. In that case we can push our investigations farther and,
+with any luck, before the week is out we shall not only know where
+Copley gets his money, but how he makes it. Of course, we know that he
+doesn't even begin as a millionaire; we know that he is an unscrupulous
+adventurer. But he has the command of ready money, and we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> wish to know
+how he makes it. As a matter of fact, I know that already. But there are
+a few weak points in my case, and we can't make a definite move till
+these are cleared up. Now I want you to have dinner with me in my
+lodgings. I told my landlady I might have a friend staying with me, and
+she will be ready to put a bedroom at your disposal."</p>
+
+<p>"Why this mystery?" Fielden asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it is no mystery. I only want to interest you. After dark we shall
+indulge in a little quiet burglary, that is, if you don't object."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not an alluring prospect," Fielden said.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course it isn't," Phillips agreed. "But when you are dealing with
+scoundrels it is necessary to use their own weapons. I presume you are
+as interested as I am in the exposure of Copley and Foster and all their
+methods."</p>
+
+<p>"Up to the hilt," Fielden said between his teeth. "Poor as I am, I would
+give all I possess to bring that about. I would give five years of my
+life to manage that between now and Derby Day. And if necessary I can
+find some money. I am better off than I expected, but I intended to keep
+the money for a start in life later. Still, if you want it and will
+promise to put it to a good use, I will give you every farthing
+cheerfully. You have only to say the word."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips chuckled.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>
+"Oh, there's no occasion to do that, sir," he said. "Keep the money in
+your pocket. I shall have enough and to spare before long. I mean to
+drag Copley's plunder from between his teeth. I will take all I can get
+from him, and when the time comes we shall drop a hint in the proper
+quarter, and there will be an end to Raymond Copley. Within three months
+you will see that man in gaol. You needn't be alarmed for Miss Haredale.
+She is as safe from that man as if she were the daughter of the King. I
+had better be going, because it is as well that we should not be seen
+talking together for too long. I have scribbled my address on the back
+of this card, and shall expect you about half-past seven."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden asked no more questions, but returned to his friends with a
+vivid sense of curiosity. He listened to Major Carden's flamboyant talk,
+and as he bowed to Alice Carden could not help thinking what a pretty
+and refined girl she was. He made his excuses for not returning to
+Haredale, and was faintly amused to see how relieved Sir George appeared
+to be.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I can't get back to-night," he explained. "I have several things to
+do here. But I hope to see you on Sunday, if I may be allowed to come
+over."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, you may," May smiled, as she held out her hand. "Miss Carden
+is coming to stay<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> with me to-morrow. I have persuaded her to come at
+once. I am ashamed to have neglected her so long."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden finished his business, saw the stud-groom and the horses safely
+on the rail, and then went to the retired part of the village where
+Phillips' lodgings were situated. It was little more than a cottage, but
+the place was neat and clean, and the cooking left nothing to be
+desired.</p>
+
+<p>"It is only a bit of fish and a steak," Phillips said cheerfully, "but
+you will find it beautifully served, and as to the wine, well, I got
+that myself, and I know it is everything it should be. Please sit down
+and make yourself at home. We can discuss matters over our cigars.
+There's nothing like racing to give you an appetite. I only hope it
+won't snow before morning."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope not," Fielden said. "To all intents and purposes the racing was
+spoilt this afternoon by the snow, and it is very odd that no one saw a
+yard from start to finish of the three o'clock race. It was most
+annoying."</p>
+
+<p>"Was it?" Phillips asked. "Well, I confess I didn't find it so.
+Yesterday at the time of the three o'clock race I was at the Post Club,
+and, singular to say, we had the same blinding snowstorm in Covent
+Garden. Now it surprises you, but from your point of view and mine that
+snowstorm was the most fortunate thing that could have happened.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> When I
+sat smoking my cigar in the Post Club there came to me the inspiration
+of a lifetime. I seemed to see in a flash exactly what had happened, and
+soon I shall know to a dead certainty. You must restrain your curiosity
+for a little longer. You will probably know all about it before you go
+to bed. Try one of these cigars. They are excellent."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden had hardly got his cigar aglow before the landlady came in with
+a telegram, which Phillips opened eagerly. There was a smile of triumph
+on his face as he handed it to Fielden.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you make of that?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I can make nothing of it," Fielden said. "It is a wire to the effect
+that no important wager was made this afternoon on the three o'clock
+race at the Post Club, and is signed Carden. I presume that is our stout
+friend with the florid face and ingratiating manner, who was talking to
+you this afternoon. But how it helps us I haven't the ghost of an idea."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips rose and threw his cigar in the fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Come," he said. "It is time to start. You haven't much longer to
+wait."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>
+<a name="xix" id="xix"></a>CHAPTER XIX<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE EMPTY HOUSE</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">THERE was just enough moonlight for Phillips' purpose, but not enough to
+render his task dangerous. Fielden asked no questions, partly because he
+deemed it would be useless, and partly because he did not wish to spoil
+what appeared to have in it the making of a dramatic adventure. His
+spirits were rising, and he was looking forward keenly to something in
+the way of enterprise. He and Phillips had been in more than one tight
+place together, and he had every confidence in his companion.</p>
+
+<p>They made their way along the main street in silence, and came presently
+to the deserted racecourse. There was very little evidence of the
+afternoon's sport, nothing but a few partially dismantled tents and
+booths, and the extraordinary remnants of reeking humanity that always
+haunt a race meeting.</p>
+
+<p>They went across the heath, and by and by Phillips pulled up in front of
+the avenue to The Nook.</p>
+
+<p>"This is the place," he said quietly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>
+"Oh, is it?" Fielden asked. "Perhaps you had better tell me before we go
+farther who lives here."</p>
+
+<p>"That is precisely what we've come to find out," Phillips said coolly.
+"I've got a pretty shrewd notion, but that isn't good enough for me.
+I've told you that there's a gang of clever swindlers in England who
+have put their heads together to rob the betting ring of an enormous sum
+of money. Operations began last autumn, but the flat-racing was nearly
+finished, so that they did not make quite such a haul as they had
+anticipated. Still, they made enough to keep themselves in luxury all
+the winter and to find the necessary funds for carrying on the campaign
+in the spring. It is a big combine, and unless something is done to stop
+it, these people will make colossal fortunes. Mind you, one or two of
+the large bookmakers have a suspicion, but up to now they haven't been
+able to prove anything. Indeed, without egotism, I may say they would be
+powerless without me. I got some vague idea of the scheme three years
+ago from a man who is now dead. Then when racing began again this year I
+fancied I could see a trace of the same idea in this business. I knew I
+was right when I discovered that Copley was operating on a large scale.
+I lunched at the Post Club with a member who gave me an introduction to
+Rickerby, the financial agent. You remember him?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>
+"I ought to," Fielden said drily. "Goodness knows, his firm had enough
+of my money. But go on."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I pumped Rickerby. I don't mind telling you that I went to the
+Post Club on purpose. He has been pretty hard hit. He believes he has
+been the victim of a swindle, and he is right, though it was no part of
+my policy at the time to tell him so. He can't very well refuse to take
+big bets, even when he feels there is something underhand going on. Only
+a short time ago he was hit for some thousands of pounds by one of the
+gang, and, moreover, had to pay the money."</p>
+
+<p>"This sounds very interesting," Fielden said, "but what has it to do
+with our present adventure?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I am coming to that," Phillips went on quietly. "You see, these
+bets are always made in the same way. One of the conspirators, who is
+actually a member of the Post Club, strolls into the smoking-room some
+five or six minutes before&mdash;well, we'll say before the three o'clock
+race. He hangs about till the horses are about finishing and then, in
+the most casual way in the world, makes a bet. Now, mind you, this bet
+is booked before the race is finished, as a careful comparison of the
+time shows. Yet the horse has won, and the man in the smoking-room of
+the Post Club knows it before the judge has given his decision."</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible," Fielden exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>
+"I know it seems impossible, and twenty years ago you would have said
+the telephone was impossible, and people would have scouted the idea of
+wireless telegraphy. But they both came, like the phonograph and other
+wonders."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's all very well," Fielden smiled. "But you are not going to
+ask me to believe that this thing is done by thought-reading or anything
+of that sort? You won't tell me that this famous member of the Post Club
+is a clairvoyant who sees the race finished while it is being run?
+Because, if that were the case, the favoured person would have no need
+of a syndicate to help him; he would do it all by himself."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not suggesting anything of the kind," Phillips said. "There's
+nothing occult about the business. The thing is capable of explanation,
+and I am in a position to give it, except for the finishing touches,
+which make this dodge almost a work of genius. I know who is at the
+bottom of it, I know who is working it, and I know how the information
+is conveyed to within a few feet of the tape machines in the Post Club.
+But how that information is filtered to the man inside is the thing that
+beats me at present. But so much I have found out. In the very next
+office to the smoking-room of the Post Club is a firm who call
+themselves Jolly &amp; Co. Now Jolly &amp; Co. only took their office last
+September or October. There is not the slightest sign of any business
+being done there,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> because I have been in the office myself. Taken in
+conjunction with what I have told you, it must strike you as an odd
+thing that this mysterious Jolly &amp; Co. shut up the office and went
+abroad last year after the flat-racing was over.
+<a name="Probably" id="Probably"></a><ins title="Original has Probable">Probably</ins>
+Jolly &amp; Co. went off to make a bit in the Riviera, or Egypt, or some
+other fashionable resort where fools and money congregate. It is an odd
+thing that during the January meeting at Mirst Park Jolly &amp; Co. should
+turn up again and resume operations in Covent Garden. Now I called to
+see Mr. Jolly. He had left his office, but I guessed that before I
+called, or I shouldn't have ventured. The first thing I saw was a
+telephone with an unusually long flex to it. I don't quite understand
+why this flex is so long, but I can make a shrewd guess. It cost me an
+hour or two and plenty of hard thinking to get farther in my
+investigations, but I found late in the evening that Jolly &amp; Co.'s
+telephone was a private wire leading from Covent Garden to his residence
+at Mirst Park. Now do you begin to understand?"</p>
+
+<p>Fielden shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"It begins to smell suspicious," he said. "I am bound to confess it
+looks very like a deep-laid conspiracy. But I must confess myself too
+dense to follow it."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it requires explanation. But luck favoured me in my investigations,
+and I managed to pick up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> a good many unlooked for clues. Still, the
+fact remains that from this house here to an office next door to the
+Post Club there is a private telephone. Now a child would admit that no
+one would have a private telephone from here to an office in London, at
+a cost of something like a hundred and fifty pounds a year, merely for
+the sake of sending domestic messages. I came here to have a good look
+at The Nook, as this house is called, and I found, not altogether
+unexpectedly, that nobody was living here. I was told by a gardener that
+the tenant had not yet taken possession, though it has been furnished
+for some time. I had rung the bell a few times, and when the man came
+professed I had called to see some one who used to live here.
+Considering that it is supposed to be a fully-furnished house, that bell
+made a great deal of noise. I am ready to bet that the house is
+practically empty. At any rate, I have come here to find out for myself,
+and as I believe there is nobody on the premises our task ought not to
+be difficult."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't like it," Fielden said. "It smells very much like burglary, and
+if we were discovered we should find some difficulty in giving an
+explanation which would satisfy the police. Isn't there any other way?"</p>
+
+<p>Phillips waved the suggestion aside impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"You can go back if you like, sir," he said. "As for me, I will see this
+thing through. We might<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> never have such an opportunity again. And,
+besides, I want to have a look at that telephone. I think we shall find
+something that will open our eyes. I am not in a position actually to
+prove it, but I am convinced that Jolly &amp; Co. will be found to be part
+and parcel of Copley and Foster. Now you understand why I am so anxious
+to enter the house. Still, if you prefer to remain outside and leave the
+matter to me&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no," Fielden said hastily. "Having come so far I won't turn back. I
+am taking it that you are correct in thinking the house is empty."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course it is, there is no question about that. The gardener told me
+so, and I see no reason to doubt his statement. I wouldn't miss this
+chance for anything. Even if I get nothing out of it, I should like to
+know how this swindle is being worked. But come along, we are wasting
+time. There is enough moonlight to help us without using lights, which
+is so far fortunate. It may be a little awkward for you, connected as
+you are with Copley, but it is all in the game."</p>
+
+<p>"Lead on," Fielden said curtly.</p>
+
+<p>They turned into the avenue and came presently to the front of the
+house. Somebody had evidently been in since Phillips' visit, for all the
+blinds had been pulled down. Then they walked cautiously round, looking
+for a weak spot where they could effect an entrance.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span>
+<a name="xx" id="xx"></a>CHAPTER XX<br />
+<br />
+<small>INSIDE</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">THE adventurers managed to squeeze through a scullery window, the latch
+of which had not been secured, and a moment later were in the house. As
+Phillips had surmised, the place was empty. There were, however, cooking
+utensils in the kitchen, a quantity of plates and dishes and glass, with
+two baskets containing a small supply of cutlery and silver. Floorcloth
+had been laid down on the kitchen floor and a carpet in the hall, and
+there were carpets on the stairs, but three of the four living-rooms on
+the ground floor were empty. But the fourth room was comfortably
+furnished. A fire was still burning in the grate, and on the tiled
+hearth Phillips detected the ends of two or three cigarettes. There was
+a faint aroma of tobacco on the air, not the sort of tobacco likely to
+be consumed by a caretaker.</p>
+
+<p>"It is just as I told you," Phillips chuckled. "I felt sure we should
+find the house empty."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet you are not altogether right," Fielden replied. "Somebody has been
+here recently, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> somebody who knows how to appreciate a good
+cigarette. Besides, look at that fire. I don't like it, Phillips, and
+wish we were well out of it. We don't happen to be in South Africa now."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's all right," Phillips said cheerfully. "No doubt the fire was
+lighted this morning by the gardener, and no doubt also one of the
+conspirators has been here. In fact, I should have been disappointed if
+I hadn't found traces of him. It isn't necessary for our friends to come
+often, but they couldn't very well work their scheme unless they were on
+the spot when racing is taking place at Mirst Park. I wonder what our
+friend thought of the snowstorm about three o'clock. I guess that must
+have upset his calculations a bit. Now look at this."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips bent down to the fireplace and lifted one of the cigarette
+ends, which he handed to Fielden.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know anybody who smokes these?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I think so," Fielden said after close inspection. "They are
+particularly expensive cigarettes, and can't be had unless specially
+ordered. The only man I know who smokes them is Raymond Copley."</p>
+
+<p>"Precisely. And you may bet your boots this is one of his. At any rate,
+it is a curious coincidence, and tends to confirm what I have already
+told you. I should be greatly surprised if Copley were not here this
+afternoon. Now let us get a bit farther.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> There is nothing to detain us
+after we have examined the telephone. I am afraid we shall have to use a
+match, but, then, we are bound to take certain risks."</p>
+
+<p>By the aid of a box of vestas the telephone instrument was found in the
+hall. It presented no special features. It appeared to be the kind of
+hanging instrument to be seen in hundreds of offices and private houses.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing remarkable about that," Fielden said.</p>
+
+<p>For the moment Phillips made no reply. He fetched a chair from the
+kitchen and mounted it. After the expenditure of two or three matches,
+the ends of which he was careful to deposit in his pocket, he broke into
+a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, I expected something like this," he said. "There is an extension to
+this instrument. If you look in the angle of the wall you will see that
+it goes up to the ceiling. To tell you the truth, I am glad to find
+this, because it bears out what strikes me as a very plausible theory. I
+was rather disappointed to find the telephone here at all. But now I can
+understand why it was placed in this particular spot. We have a cunning
+lot to deal with, and it was to be expected they would not do things
+like other people. Let us go upstairs and see how far this extension
+goes. To the roof, unless I am mistaken."</p>
+
+<p>The exploration proved troublesome, but the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> extension was traced to the
+second floor and thence along the ceiling, where it finally disappeared
+through a skylight which gave on to the roof. An iron ladder was
+attached to the skylight, and Phillips pointed out to his companion that
+the ladder appeared to have been regularly used. The iron rungs were
+worn bright, the sides were clean and shiny.</p>
+
+<p>"Come along," Phillips whispered. "We must get out on the top. But be
+cautious and display as little light as possible. I daresay we can
+manage with a solitary match."</p>
+
+<p>They found themselves on the roof presently. By feeling about they could
+trace the flex of the extension to a square wooden box screwed down to
+the leads. The box did not appear to be locked, and it was easy for
+Phillips to fumble about inside it until he drew out a cylinder of gutta
+percha with something glittering at either end.</p>
+
+<p>"Stoop down and light a match," he whispered, "and hide the flame under
+your coat. Now, then, bend down here. That's right."</p>
+
+<p>The match burst into flame under cover of Fielden's coat. The feeble
+light displayed another telephone receiver attached to the end of a
+somewhat long flex.</p>
+
+<p>"You can blow out the match," Phillips went on, "and don't forget to put
+the end in your pocket. It is just as well to be careful when dealing
+with such a gang. Perhaps you begin to understand?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> You don't know, I
+expect, that this roof commands the whole racecourse, and enables one to
+see everything from start to finish. Now a man could sit down here on
+this box and watch the race with the telephone receiver to his mouth. If
+he were a really good judge of racing&mdash;I mean, if he were any good as a
+judge of a finish&mdash;he would be able to spot the winner in nine cases out
+of ten fifty lengths from home, and therefore, if there was some one at
+the other end in the office of Jolly &amp; Co., the result of a particular
+race would be known in London before the horse was past the post. Do you
+follow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that's all very well," Fielden objected, "but that does not
+account for the fact that&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That the information is conveyed in the smoking room of the Post Club.
+Of course it doesn't. That, I confess, is where I am beaten for the
+present. I am certain that a second later the confederate in the Post
+Club knows what has happened. Don't ask me to tell you how the final
+touches are put on, because I don't know. But, knowing as much as I do,
+we shall soon find out, and I think you will admit that we haven't
+wasted our evening. You understand now why either Copley or a
+confederate was here this afternoon. The man, whoever he was, came with
+the intention of sending the result of the three o'clock race to Covent
+Garden. Why the three o'clock race is always picked out for this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>
+swindle we don't know, but that will be made plain sooner or later. They
+didn't make anything yesterday or to-day, because on both occasions the
+race was run in a snowstorm. It was the snowstorm that first put the
+idea into my head; in fact, it was the snowstorm that led me here at
+all. And now, let us go back to my lodgings and discuss the matter over
+a cigar."</p>
+
+<p>The telephone receiver was replaced in its box, the lid shut down, and
+the investigators began their descent to the lower rooms. They had not
+forgotten to be cautious and walked as quietly and carefully as if the
+house were occupied, which was, perhaps, as well, for as they reached
+the first-floor landing there came the scratch of a match downstairs. It
+was only a slight noise, but in the empty house it boomed loudly in the
+ears of the explorers. The match had been struck to light the gas, for a
+moment later the hall blazed up brightly, and Fielden and his companion,
+looking over the banisters, saw two men in the hall.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you made up a fire in the dining-room?" one of them asked. "You
+haven't? Well, do so at once. I am half frozen. It's precious poor fun
+motoring from London on a night like this. Did you bring in the hamper?"</p>
+
+<p>Phillips started at the sound of the voice.</p>
+
+<p>"This is awkward," he whispered. "I wish to goodness we had gone five
+minutes sooner. It<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> will be worse for you than for me if we are found
+out. Did you recognize that voice?"</p>
+
+<p>"Copley," Fielden muttered. "I'd give something to be out of this. The
+other man is Foster, of course. I wonder what ill luck brings these
+fellows here to-night. Still, as all these rooms are empty they are not
+likely to come upstairs. But they mean to stay, or Copley would not have
+been so fastidious about the fire."</p>
+
+<p>"They are going to make a night of it," Phillips replied. "Judging from
+that remark about the hamper, they have brought supper with them,
+expecting somebody else, very likely. Well, there is nothing for it but
+to wait. If we could only put out the gas in the hall we might have a
+chance. We can slip down while they are at supper and leave by the way
+we came. We must have that gas out."</p>
+
+<p>"They would only light it again."</p>
+
+<p>"Not if I plug the burner. I'll go and look for a piece of wood. It is
+likely the carpenters have left some behind: they generally do. If I can
+find a piece about four feet long, the trick will be done."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>
+<a name="xxi" id="xxi"></a>CHAPTER XXI<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE EAVESDROPPERS</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">TO Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away. While
+he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been
+made up downstairs. With grim amusement he watched Foster open the
+hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation
+of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper. There were sundry
+bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had
+been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared
+with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of
+glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth. Judging from the smell,
+Copley was smoking in the dining-room whilst his accomplice was
+preparing the supper. Matters had progressed thus far when Phillips
+stole gently back, carrying a long very thin slip of wood from a broken
+board, the end of which he had whittled to a fine point.</p>
+
+<p>"I've found it," he said. "If I lean over the banisters I can jam the
+point of this stick into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> eye of the burner, and put out the gas.
+They won't be able to light it again for a while. Is it safe?"</p>
+
+<p>The sudden pop of a cork was heard.</p>
+
+<p>"Sounds like it," Fielden whispered. "I think Foster carried in
+everything and they are at supper. Now is your time."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips leant over the banisters, and at the second attempt thrust the
+sharpened end of the long strip of wood into the eye of the burner.
+There was a feeble flicker or two, and then the whole place was wrapped
+in darkness. He was only just in time, for almost on the same instant
+Foster came out of the dining-room. They heard him muttering that the
+gas had gone wrong, and watched him, faintly outlined by a match, strive
+in vain to light the gas once more. After the third attempt he abandoned
+the effort with an oath and went back to the dining-room. Straining
+their ears, the two men on the landing could hear Copley's reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Choked up with dust, I suppose. But never mind so long as we are all
+right. Sit down and eat. I daresay those other fellows will be some time
+yet."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips whispered in his companion's ear.</p>
+
+<p>"I think we shall be safe. What do you say to creep away now we have the
+opportunity? Or would it be worth while to stay outside the dining-room
+and listen to what they're talking about? It is pitch dark, and we can
+slope at any moment."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden was feeling reckless. It did not matter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> what happened. Without
+further ado they tiptoed into the hall where, by the aid of the intense
+stillness and a door ajar, they commanded all that was going on. Copley
+sat at one end of the table, facing Foster at the other. For some time
+the two men ate steadily with an appetite sharpened by their drive
+through the cold air. When the meal was finished Copley pushed his chair
+aside and strode over to the fireplace. Would Foster remove the supper
+things? He had begun to gather the plates and dishes together when
+Copley stopped him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, never mind the things," he said impatiently. "Let the man remove
+them in the morning. He can finish up what is left. We have more
+important matters to attend to. Take a cigar and sit down by the fire.
+What is the next move?"</p>
+
+<p>"We have had cruel bad luck," Foster replied. "Who would have expected
+to have two race-days ruined by snowstorms? A prophet could not have
+foreseen anything like this. I reckon we have lost twenty thousand
+pounds the last two days."</p>
+
+<p>"It's a bad start," Copley answered. "We didn't have the luck, and we
+haven't made the money. I was on the roof yesterday and to-day, and I
+declare to you I couldn't see a single incident in the race. I've never
+seen two such blinding snow showers. It was simply maddening to stand
+there and feel a fortune supping through your fingers, all on account of
+the snow. And that's not the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span> worst, Foster. It will be another month
+before there will be two days' racing at Mirst Park, and we can't count
+upon a single penny till then. I tell you frankly I don't know where to
+turn for ready cash. It's all very fine to have tradesmen breaking their
+necks to get my custom, but that doesn't fill my purse with the needful.
+It's very odd that a man in my position can procure almost any article
+of value he pleases, but when it comes to raising a bit of cash
+everybody's suspicions are aroused at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, philosophy won't help us," Foster said. "We must annex some ready
+money to carry us over the next month, at any rate. The same ill luck
+can't happen at the next meeting. Such a coincidence couldn't happen
+twice. Don't forget that if we can manage to hang on for four weeks we
+shall make enough to carry us on to the Derby, and after the big race is
+run we shall be in clover. If you work your cards properly the Blenheim
+colt is bound to lose, and with this knowledge we can lay against the
+horse as long as anybody is fool enough to take our bets."</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't forgotten that," Copley said. "Of course, I haven't spoken to
+Sir George about it yet, but I have asked him to dine with me on Sunday
+evening at Seton Manor, and I shall put on the screw then. He'll kick at
+first. He'll talk about the blood of his ancestors and the honour of his
+race<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> and all that kind of rot, but he is bound to give in. If I asked
+him to-night he would say he would rather leave Haredale Park and beg
+his bread before he would do anything to be ashamed of. We have both
+heard people talk like that before now, but when it comes to the point
+Sir George will sing another tune. They all do."</p>
+
+<p>"Provided the lady does not change her mind," Foster said with a grin,
+which caused Fielden, listening at the door, to clench his fists. "You
+mustn't lose sight of that fact, Copley. Miss Haredale dislikes and
+despises you. But though she vows that nothing in the world will induce
+her to marry you, circumstances alter cases, and when she knows she is
+no longer mistress of Haredale Park, it is possible her frowns may turn
+into smiles."</p>
+
+<p>Copley laughed unpleasantly.</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't lost sight of these things," he said. "Miss Haredale has the
+bad taste to dislike me exceedingly. I would give anything if I could
+induce her to change her mind. I believe I might even grow honest and
+lead a respectable life. Still, that would be beastly monotonous. Your
+plan is the best. I had better accept my dismissal and leave Miss
+Haredale to go her own way. Then I can put the screw on Sir George and
+compel him to find some excuse for scratching his colt. When he sees
+that I mean to have my money and discovers the sheriff in possession, he
+will not be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> long in inventing a reason why the Blenheim colt should not
+run that shall be consistent with his confounded dignity. You can leave
+that safely to me, Foster. My word, how cold it is! I wish you would
+shut that door. The draught is cutting my legs off. I daresay&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>What Copley was about to say was lost to the listeners in the hall by
+the closing of the door. They could hear nothing save a murmur of voices
+which conveyed nothing to their ears. Phillips touched his companion's
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Here's our chance," he whispered. "The sooner we are off the better. We
+cannot learn anything more this evening; indeed, there cannot be much
+more to learn."</p>
+
+<p>They stole cautiously along the hall, through the kitchen and outhouses,
+and were soon outside safe under cover of the darkness. It was black
+enough now that the moon had gone down, and they could move freely into
+the road and across the heath to the village.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what do you think of these precious rascals?" Phillips asked.
+"Don't you agree that we are deep in the secrets of a vile conspiracy?
+We can't leave it where it is."</p>
+
+<p>"Most certainly not," Fielden said. "At present I am thinking more about
+Sir George Haredale than of anybody else. A year or two ago I should
+have scorned the idea of his doing anything dishonourable.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> But I have
+learnt worldly wisdom, and can imagine how it would be if Sir George
+were suddenly face to face with poverty. He is completely under Copley's
+thumb. If these two men bring off their coup, they will make an enormous
+fortune. But it must be prevented at all costs, Phillips. Think out some
+scheme of checkmate, and I shall be your debtor for the rest of my
+life."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I can manage that," Phillips said. "I'll tell you what my plan
+is when we get back to my rooms."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>
+<a name="xxii" id="xxii"></a>CHAPTER XXII<br />
+<br />
+<small>A SOLDIER OF FORTUNE</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">MAJOR CARDEN sat over the breakfast which his daughter had prepared for
+him. He had been unusually late the night before, and showed it in the
+additional pinkness of his cheeks and the slightly red rims under his
+eyes. Not that he was feeling much the worse for the previous evening's
+pleasure; indeed, in his philosophical moments, the Major was fond of
+speculating which was the wiser&mdash;to take his fill of enjoyment's cup
+with its concomitants in the morrow of suffering and tribulation, or
+abandon such courses, however delightful. One mode of life was jolly to
+a point, but, on the other hand, the man who exercised prudence and some
+measure of control had a compensation in his economy. As a matter of
+fact, the Major never had been economical. "Sufficient for the day is
+the evil thereof" summed up his religion to its fullest extent. After a
+stimulant he knew he would be himself again, so he ate his breakfast
+with a zest that was truly amazing after the carousal of the night.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span>
+For Major Carden always appeared to be in the best of health and
+spirits. Beyond his impecuniosity he had little to trouble him, and at
+the moment things appeared to be going very well indeed. He saw his way
+to make money out of Phillips, and had also been offered a roving
+commission on the Continent to purchase horses for the Army. This would
+entail his being away for three or four months, but his travelling
+allowance was liberal, he would put up at the best hotels, and enjoy
+himself in a manner consonant with his mission and dignity. He would
+tell his daughter that he was going abroad on some journalistic
+commission, for the Major, to do him justice, would have been loth for
+Alice to know all the expedients he resorted to in earning his
+precarious living.</p>
+
+<p>His love for his daughter was the one wholesome spot in his otherwise
+shady existence. He had been a selfish man all his life, had spent his
+own fortune and his wife's, and had broken the heart of that unhappy
+woman in a gentlemanly way. There had been no violence, no open
+unkindness, but the refinement of neglect that undermines health and
+spirit. When the crash finally came the Major removed to London with his
+young daughter. He told her just as much as he considered necessary,
+with the consequence that she regarded him as one of the best and most
+self-denying of men. Alice had few friends, and none knew anything about
+the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> Major's means, so that the journalistic fiction remained
+unassailable, and Alice could speak freely of her father as adding high
+intellectual qualities to his other gifts. His frequent late absences
+from home were explained in this way, and if he never said anything
+definite about his work, his diffidence might be attributed to natural
+modesty.</p>
+
+<p>In the circumstances, therefore, the Major was not sorry his daughter
+had had an invitation to spend a holiday at Haredale Park. He had
+thought of inviting himself also, but his new commission put that out of
+the question. After he had finished his breakfast he helped himself to a
+liberal dose of brandy and soda, and had just lighted his first cigar
+when his daughter came in.</p>
+
+<p>"You are very late," she said with playful fondness. "I declare you grow
+worse and worse."</p>
+
+<p>"Not my fault, my dear," the Major protested. "These things are
+inevitable amongst newspaper men. I thought I should be at home by
+eleven, but something important turned up at the last moment and they
+told me off to attend to it. They are good enough to say they can depend
+on me, Alice. That is one of the advantages of being steady. If anything
+goes wrong at the office the first thing they say is, 'Where is
+Carden?'"</p>
+
+<p>Alice smiled affectionately. To her this was quite natural. For a girl
+who had spent so many years in London she was wonderfully simple.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>
+"I suppose it can't be helped," she said. "How few men there are who
+would have endured your misfortunes and turned to and made a living as
+you are doing! I wish I were clever."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, so you are, my dear, so you are," the Major said magnanimously.
+"The great thing is pluck and perseverance. Without egotism, I think I
+am endowed with those qualities, and to some extent so are you, and you
+will make a name as an artist yet. Stick to it, my child, stick to it.
+At the same time, it is good to have an occasional change, and I am glad
+you are going to Haredale Park. I suppose you can manage to put your
+painting pupils off for a week or two? Probably you will find it lonely
+when I am away. I shall only be able to run over from the Continent
+occasionally."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I shall miss you," Alice said. "But I shall be safe enough. The
+landlady is always motherly, and she will see I come to no harm."</p>
+
+<p>The Major dismissed the subject with a flourish of his cigar. He had
+rather feared his daughter might give way to tears. He thought she might
+ask him to take her along with him and so put him to the pain of
+refusal. Possibly the girl was looking too eagerly forward to her visit
+to Haredale Park to think of anything else. She had not forgotten the
+days when Major Carden was a man of position and they occupied a fine
+house in the country, when she had her horse and plunged into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> dear
+delights of country life. It was good to feel she was going back to it,
+even though it was only for a little time. She had already made her
+modest preparations. She only hoped there would not be too many visitors
+at Haredale Park. But May Haredale had assured her they lived very
+quietly and had not many friends.</p>
+
+<p>"I am getting nervous about it," she said. "It will seem so different to
+the life I have been leading here. If I had only foreseen this I might
+have saved up and bought myself another dress or two. Still, I know I
+shall enjoy myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you will," the Major said heartily. "But you won't get much
+gaiety at Haredale. They don't go in for society much. You see, there
+are very few of the old families left. Times change, my dear, and we
+change with them. I don't suppose, plainly speaking, that Sir George is
+much better off than I am. I happen to know that much depends upon the
+Blenheim colt winning this year's Derby. I was in the Post Club
+yesterday with one or two of my&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The Major coughed hastily as if his cigar smoke had gone the wrong way.</p>
+
+<p>"What am I talking about?" he exclaimed. "Anybody would think I am still
+interested in sport. Do you know, beyond an occasional day at a small
+meeting, I have no time for that sort of thing. I was in the Post Club
+on business, purely on business.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span> It is a very sad thing to see young
+men wasting so much of their time and money on horses. But I can't
+prevent them from talking and am bound to hear the gossip that goes on.
+That is how I came to know so much about Sir George's affairs. Every
+penny he can scrape together goes on the stables, so you'll probably
+find that Miss Haredale leads a very quiet existence."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear it," Alice said. "I shall be happy with her. She was
+the greatest friend I had at school, and I can't understand how I ever
+managed to lose sight of her. Is it a nice place?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very pleasant," the Major said critically. "It is a grand old house,
+full of works of art and furniture and that kind of thing. Of course,
+all these things go with the estate, so that Sir George could not
+dispose of them, which is a precious lucky thing for the heir, for there
+won't be too much for him when the time comes. The stables are very
+fine, too, and Sir George has some of the best cattle in the country.
+Oh, I have no doubt you will enjoy yourself. When do you go?"</p>
+
+<p>"To-day," Alice said.</p>
+
+<p>The Major appeared to be slightly embarrassed.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes," he said, "I had forgotten. It is a trifle awkward, because I
+have only a little money just now. The cashier at the office is so
+careless. He omitted to draw my cheque on Friday. Till to-morrow I am
+not sure whether I shall be able to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> spare money for your fare. Next
+week it would be quite different."</p>
+
+<p>Alice Carden kissed the speaker affectionately.</p>
+
+<p>"How thoughtful you are!" she said. "You are always thinking about other
+people. But please don't worry about that. I have saved a little, and
+shall have enough to keep me for the next two or three weeks and bring
+me home again."</p>
+
+<p>The Major expressed his gratification. For once at least he was sincere.
+It was most unfortunate, he said, that he should be in temporary need of
+cash. He laid strict injunctions upon Alice to spend what she had freely
+and not for one moment to forget that she was a Carden; if she wanted
+more money she was to write to him without hesitation. He saw her off at
+Waterloo presently. He paid for the cab in the most lordly fashion, and
+insisted on his daughter travelling first class, though he had not the
+money to pay for the ticket. But Alice was looking forward too eagerly
+to her holiday to notice these things.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-bye," she cried. "You will have left for the Continent before I
+come back. But don't let the thought of my being alone in London
+interfere with your pleasure. I should like to feel you were not
+troubling about me."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll try, my dear," the Major said. "Good-bye."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span>
+<a name="xxiii" id="xxiii"></a>CHAPTER XXIII<br />
+<br />
+<small>A CHANGE OF AIR</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">ABOUT the same time that Major Carden was sitting over his breakfast,
+Sir George Haredale was gloomily contemplating his own. He had read most
+of his letters, and had impatiently pushed aside the sheaf of bills and
+applications for money which poured like a flood upon him at every post.
+Some of them were peremptory and some imploring. But they had been
+coming in for so long that the master of Haredale Park was more or less
+hardened to them. But one communication was distinctly out of the common
+and worried him excessively.</p>
+
+<p>"What the deuce does it mean?" he soliloquized irritably. "And who are
+these people,
+<a name="Absalom" id="Absalom"></a><ins title="Original has Absolom">Absalom</ins> &amp; Co.? I never had any dealings with
+them. According to their note-paper they call themselves financial
+agents, but the whole thing looks more like a communication from
+money-lenders. Yet I don't see how I owe them anything. They write to
+remind me that in virtue of an assignment made by Mr. Raymond Copley of
+a certain date I am in their debt to the extent of more than<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> forty
+thousand pounds. What the dickens is an assignment? And what does Copley
+mean by doing a thing of this sort without consulting me? These people
+hope I shall make arrangements to liquidate the debt in the course of
+the next fourteen days. Why, they might just as well ask me to find as
+many millions. But I daresay there is nothing really alarming about the
+thing if I only understood it. I wish I had a head for figures. I wish
+my father had given me a business training. Still, Copley will put it
+right. Perhaps he is annoyed at the way that May has been behaving. But
+I hardly think he will visit her folly upon me. However, I must say the
+thing is alarming."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George shuffled the letter into his pocket as the door opened and
+May entered. She was dressed for going out and was buttoning her driving
+gloves round her wrists. Outside on the gravel stood a smart cob in a
+Whitechapel cart.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going?" Sir George asked.</p>
+
+<p>"To the station to meet Alice Carden. She will be here for lunch."</p>
+
+<p>"I had forgotten her," Sir George murmured. "To tell you the truth, my
+dear, I am rather sorry you asked her."</p>
+
+<p>"But I was always fond of Alice."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, of course, why not? The girl is all right. But, between ourselves,
+Carden is a bit of a bad egg. He comes of an old family, and I recollect
+when his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> position was as good as ours. But he muddled his money away.
+He always affected the society of those sportsmen who are ready to do
+anybody. He made the mistake of regarding everybody as a fool except
+himself, and naturally he came to grief. Those fellows always do."</p>
+
+<p>"But he belongs to one or two good clubs," May protested.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I know that. He was never actually found out. He was mixed up in
+one or two very queer transactions, but contrived to keep clear of
+trouble himself. There are scores of men who meet him on familiar terms,
+but precious few ask him to their houses. Still, the girl is coming
+here, and we must make the best of it. But I wouldn't ask her again if I
+were you. You can easily drop the acquaintance after the next week or
+so."</p>
+
+<p>May discreetly refrained from discussing the matter further. There was a
+strong vein of loyalty in her nature. She liked Alice Carden, and was
+not disposed to visit any of the father's shortcomings on the daughter.
+She had almost forgotten what Sir George said during her drive to the
+station. It was a crisp day, and a frosty sun was shining. There was an
+exhilaration in the air almost like champagne. Before the station was
+reached May put her troubles behind her, not a very difficult matter for
+a girl in her twentieth year who boasts of a fine constitution and a
+perfect flow of animal spirits.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> Her cheeks were glowing, her eyes
+sparkling, as she advanced to meet Alice Carden.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought I would come for you myself," she said. "I brought a cart
+which I am driving. Now if you will pick out your boxes we'll get a
+porter to put them in the trap for you."</p>
+
+<p>"My boxes," Alice laughed. "Behold my humble belongings. I have come
+down here with one dress-basket which contains all the finery I have. I
+hope you haven't many dinner parties and that kind of thing, for,
+positively, I have only one evening dress, and I am afraid that that is
+hopelessly out of date. Still, if you have any special functions, it
+will be easy to plead a convenient headache."</p>
+
+<p>May laughed as she took up the reins.</p>
+
+<p>"Calm yourself," she said. "I assure you there will be nothing of that
+sort. We have dropped out of gaieties. For one thing, most of our old
+friends have left the neighbourhood, and my father doesn't care for new
+people. We three will probably dine alone every night of your stay, and
+we can ride and drive, and I can give you a day or two with the hounds
+if you like."</p>
+
+<p>Alice Carden protested sincerely that she wanted nothing better. It was
+pleasant to find herself once more driving down the country roads behind
+a good horse. It was like old times when she came to Haredale Park and
+surveyed the room which had been appropriated to her use. It was exactly
+as her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span> father had described. Here was the old oak, the long rambling
+passages, the china and pictures and ancient furniture, all in the
+setting where they had been fixed the best part of two centuries ago.
+Here was the open landscape in front of the mullioned windows. Here were
+the woods and fields and lawns, and in the distance the stables where
+Sir George Haredale's stud led its luxurious existence.</p>
+
+<p>It was pleasant to sit in the dining-room before a well-appointed lunch
+with the fine silver on the table, the vases of flowers, and the
+beautiful glass. Whatever Sir George's feelings on the subject of his
+daughter's guest were, there was nothing in his manner to which the girl
+could take exception. He was natural, courtly and charming, as he always
+was, and appeared to take the keenest pleasure in Alice Carden's
+arrival. So far as she could see, there was no sign of trouble, no grim
+shadow to forecast the ruin hanging over the house. The butler and a
+footman or two moved about the room. The sunshine poured through the
+painted windows. Altogether it was a household to be envied. Alice's
+spirits rose accordingly. She meant thoroughly to enjoy herself, and
+when lunch was over professed herself willing to fall in with any plan
+May had to suggest.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, let us have a ride," the latter said. "We will go over the Downs
+towards the sea and come back by Seton Manor. Now run away and get your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span>
+habit on. I will have a horse saddled for you which is not too fresh.
+You used to be a daring rider at one time, but it is as well to begin
+cautiously. In a day or two you shall have a hunter after your own
+heart."</p>
+
+<p>They rode out in the keen sunshine and broke across the wide expanse of
+Downs, and Alice Carden gave herself up to the exquisite enjoyment of
+the hour. It was good to feel the elastic movement of the cob, to listen
+to the thud of his hoofs on the turf and catch the breeze streaming in
+her face. They turned presently as the sun was setting, and jogged more
+quietly homewards. A little later, as they came to Seton Manor, a string
+of horses clothed and hooded were turning into the stables. Alice pulled
+up.</p>
+
+<p>"Who lives there?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>Some colour crept into May Haredale's cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"Our neighbour, Mr. Copley," she explained. "He is a newcomer and a
+great lover of horses; he is very rich, having made a large fortune in
+South Africa, and I suppose this is one way of getting rid of his
+income. Like most beginners at the game, he has hardly any good horses,
+but that is probably because he hasn't time to look after them himself."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he a friend of yours?" Alice asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well, he comes over to Haredale Park pretty frequently. My father
+has struck up a sort of intimacy with him. Between ourselves, I detest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>
+the man. He goes everywhere in virtue of his money, but he is not a
+gentleman, as anybody can see. I am going to tell you a secret, Alice,
+which you must not tell to a soul. Mr. Copley is anxious to marry me.
+Needless to say, I have given him very little encouragement."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, you wouldn't," Alice said. "You haven't forgotten what you
+used to tell me at school. Don't you remember how you confided in me
+about Harry Fielden, and how you used to read part of his letters? I
+never knew what became of him."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I never told you. Well, perhaps I will to-night before we go to
+bed. It was a very unfortunate business altogether. There was nothing
+wrong about Harry. He was merely very reckless and extravagant, and got
+rid of his money and went abroad. He hadn't a single penny left, and
+there was an end of my romance. It sounds very commonplace, but it is
+just as serious to me as if it were one of those pretty stories we read
+in books. So now Harry has nothing and I have nothing, and some day or
+other I shall end, I suppose, in marrying a man for the sake of a home.
+But you may be certain it won't be Mr. Raymond Copley."</p>
+
+<p>"How very sad!" Alice said sympathetically. "Do you ever see Mr.
+Fielden?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes," May laughed unsteadily. "In fact, he is coming towards us
+now."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span>
+<a name="xxiv" id="xxiv"></a>CHAPTER XXIV<br />
+<br />
+<small>A STRANGE VISITOR</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">INTEREST as well as sympathy lit up Alice Carden's eyes. She looked with
+something more than curiosity at the well-set-up young man who came
+striding across the turf towards them. May reached over and laid an
+impressive hand upon her friend's arm.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not sure I meant to tell you so much," she whispered. "I spoke on
+the spur of the moment. Harry came back to England unexpectedly a little
+time ago, and I met him by accident in London. It was a bit romantic in
+its way, but I'll tell you about that later. He came down here to his
+old home to get some of his belongings, and, to his surprise, nobody
+recognized him. I was the only person who knew him, excepting an old
+stud-groom who had been in the employ of the Fieldens for the last fifty
+years. When he found that no one knew him, he thought he might procure
+some congenial occupation in his own neighbourhood. It was part of the
+same romance that he should obtain this employment at the hands of Mr.
+Copley.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> But, of course, he does not pass in his own name. Please to
+recollect that he is Mr. Field. Now, my dear, you have the whole story
+in a nutshell. It is like the plot of a novel. I am the beautiful
+heroine, beloved by the rich bounder, while my heart is given to the
+handsome penniless young man of good family who is in the villain's
+employ. Don't think me heartless because I speak so lightly of it, and
+don't forget to behave as if I had not told you this story. Mr. Field is
+an old friend of ours, and that's the only thing you have to remember."</p>
+
+<p>Alice Carden promised to act discreetly. There was no time to say more,
+for Fielden was beside them, and Alice found herself bowing to him as if
+he were a new acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p>"You have not been here before?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"This is my first visit to Haredale," Alice said. "But I have seen you
+before, Mr. Field. Don't you remember you were with my father and Sir
+George at Mirst Park a day or two ago? We were not introduced then."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I have not forgotten it," Fielden laughed. "I understand you are an
+old friend of May's, I mean Miss Haredale's. Would you mind if I came
+over to-night after dinner?"</p>
+
+<p>May flashed a glance at the speaker.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall be delighted," she said. "I fancy my father told me he
+expected Mr. Copley, too."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden said nothing for a moment or two; then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span> it suddenly occurred to
+him that he had forgotten an important matter which would detain him
+that evening. He understood what May had hinted to him. He knew it was
+hardly prudent for him to be much at Haredale Park whilst Copley was in
+the neighbourhood. By way of turning the conversation, he suggested that
+the girls should dismount and inspect the stables.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing I should like better," Alice cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Then come on," Fielden said eagerly. "Let me help you down. You will
+find the stables everything to be desired. They are modern, luxurious,
+and nothing appears to have been overlooked. From first to last they
+must have cost about twice as much as the house. We have a dozen helpers
+more than are necessary; indeed, things are conducted on a most lavish
+scale."</p>
+
+<p>"And the horses?" Alice asked. "Are they&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, as to the horses, the less said about them the better. They are a
+pretty moderate lot. Perhaps later we may weed them out a bit. But come
+and see for yourself."</p>
+
+<p>It was growing dusk by the time the inspection was over. Then the two
+girls walked back towards the archway which led into the wide
+stable-yard. Outside the gate two of the stable helps were engaged in an
+altercation with a seedy-looking tramp in an advanced state of
+intoxication.</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me for a moment," Fielden said, "I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> must see what is wrong. Now,
+my man, what are you doing here?"</p>
+
+<p>It was easy for the girls to notice what was going on and to hear every
+word that was said. At the tones of authority in Fielden's voice the
+tramp looked up and made a ludicrous effort to pull himself together.
+Over his right eye there was a fresh cut, from which the blood was
+trickling. The helpers, too, showed signs of punishment, and a desire to
+fling out the stranger, but they dropped back as Fielden appeared.</p>
+
+<p>"I came to see Mr. Copley," the tramp said.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Copley isn't here," Fielden said curtly. "Still, if you want him,
+it would be as well to ask for him in a proper manner. What do you mean
+by pushing yourself forward in this fashion?"</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't," the tramp said sulkily. "I never said nothing to these men
+till they ordered me out, and one of them shoved up against me. I don't
+stand that from any one, guv'nor, and so I tell you. If you don't
+believe me, try it on yourself."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden was conscious that the blood was mounting into his cheeks. He
+returned for a moment to where the two girls were standing and walked
+with them into the road.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you had better leave us," he said. "I must give that fellow a
+lesson, and this is no place for either of you."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you won't get hurt," Alice Carden said.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> "It is curious, but I
+know that man quite well by sight. He used to be in my father's
+regiment; in fact, he was his servant. He comes to our rooms in London
+occasionally and my father helps him with a few coppers and some clothes
+now and again. I am afraid it is another case of degradation caused by
+drink."</p>
+
+<p>"It looks like it," Fielden said. "This man was probably one of the
+Major's racing-touts, one of those broken-down creatures occasionally
+employed on more or less shady jobs. But he must be taught decent
+manners. I don't think you need be afraid for me. I'll try to come over
+to lunch to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden saluted the two girls and returned to the spot where the tramp
+was swaying about defiantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Now what do you want?" he demanded once more.</p>
+
+<p>"What do I want?" the fellow sneered. "Well, I want a sovereign, and I
+am not going till I get it. If Mr. Copley was here I could have ten
+sovereigns. Yes, and he would be glad to pay me, too. You think, because
+I have been unfortunate that I can't get any money. You are wrong, young
+man, you are wrong."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you won't get any here," Fielden said. "If you have anything to
+say to Mr. Copley you had better wait. He will be here at five o'clock,
+but you must wait outside."</p>
+
+<p>"Me wait outside! Who are you talking to?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span> I don't wait for no man, not
+even for Raymond Copley. I have got to get back to London to-night
+anyhow. You just give me a sovereign or two and tell Mr. Copley you've
+done it. Tell him if I have any more of this sort of thing he had best
+look for somebody else to play building houses with fruit baskets in
+Covent Garden. Tell him that. If I have any more of this to put up with
+he can get somebody else to monkey with his fruit baskets. You needn't
+say more than that."</p>
+
+<p>In spite of the man's intoxication he knew what he was talking about,
+and was plainly desirous of conveying something definite. There was a
+malignant look in his eye which Fielden did not fail to notice.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, be off," he said impatiently. "I won't have any row here. Are you
+going, or shall I turn you out?"</p>
+
+<p>The intruder answered with a furious oath. He was anxious, he said, to
+see any man on the face of the earth who could do a job like that. He
+lurched violently at Fielden, and the next moment was sprawling on his
+back with the haziest knowledge of what had happened. Then, at a sign
+from Fielden, the two helpers took him by the shoulders and legs and
+carried him into the road. He rose muttering and threatening. He shook
+his fist towards the stables and lurched off until he was swallowed up
+by the darkness. Quite unconscious that his knuckles<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> were cut and
+bleeding Fielden went about his work. It was only when Copley himself
+appeared and asked what had happened that Fielden looked at his damaged
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's nothing," he laughed. "A tramp came here not long since
+asking for you and demanding a sovereign or two as if you were his
+banker. The fellow was insolent, and I had to knock him down, but I had
+no idea my knuckles were cut. Needless to say the man didn't get his
+sovereign, though he did leave a queer message for you. It is
+astonishing what strange things men say when they are in liquor."</p>
+
+<p>"And what did this one say?" Copley asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he said if he could see you he would get as many pounds as he
+liked. He went on to remark that if he had to put up with any more of
+this you could find somebody else to monkey with your fruit baskets at
+Covent Garden. Idiotic, wasn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>Fielden spoke carelessly, but he kept an eye upon Copley. He saw the
+latter start, remarked the queer look on his face, and how his eyes
+gleamed with anger.</p>
+
+<p>"Absurd," he said. "I suppose the fellow thinks I am interested in
+Covent Garden. But there is no accounting for the vagaries of a drunken
+man. Anyway, it's not worth thinking about. Anything fresh to report?"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span>
+<a name="xxv" id="xxv"></a>CHAPTER XXV<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE DERELICT</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">RAYMOND COPLEY went back into the house in a thoughtful mood. The
+much-envied and much-talked-of millionaire was not particularly happy.
+He had a good deal to occupy his attention and had reached a crisis in
+his affairs which was likely to prove awkward unless something turned up
+speedily. It was easy, as he often cynically observed, to obtain almost
+unlimited credit upon the strength of his fictitious wealth, but
+exceedingly difficult to raise even a hundred pounds in the City. He had
+practically no security to offer his bankers, and dared not do anything
+that would suggest to an outsider that he was in want of ready cash. One
+or two of his schemes lately had ended in failure, and, so far as he
+could see, it was almost impossible for him to hold out for the month
+which intervened between now and the next meeting at Mirst Park.</p>
+
+<p>Now here was a fresh cause of annoyance which he had not anticipated.
+Unfortunately for the ultimate success of Copley's schemes, they
+necessitated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> the employment of more than one subordinate, and these
+subordinates had to be paid. Moreover, they were drawn unavoidably from
+the refuse of the population, so that they were a standing source of
+danger, for it is hazardous to depend upon people who are usually ready
+to sell their services to the highest bidder. One of them had been so
+audacious as to turn up at the very gates of Seton Manor and demand
+money. Luckily, he had not said enough to rouse suspicions. His remarks
+to Fielden might easily be ignored as the ravings of a drunken wretch.
+Certainly they did not convey much intelligence. So far all was safe.</p>
+
+<p>But it was a warning, and a warning that Copley did not care to
+disregard. Happily, he thought, Fielden was not a curious man, or he
+might have inquired farther into the incident. He might even have been
+disposed to speculate a sovereign or two, and the tramp might have been
+in a sufficiently reckless mood to sell information at that price. The
+thing must be looked into at once.</p>
+
+<p>Foster sprawled in the library with a copy of the <i>Sportsman</i> in his
+hand and a cigarette in his mouth. He looked up carelessly at his
+employer, but seeing there was something amiss put down the paper and
+waited for Copley to speak.</p>
+
+<p>"What has gone wrong?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, everything," Copley said savagely. "Has a single thing gone
+straight since the Mirst Park<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> meeting? Here am I in a big house,
+furnished regardless of expense, with scores of tradesmen tumbling over
+one another to serve me, and yet I haven't a ten-pound note to call my
+own. As if that was not bad enough, that blackguard Chaffey has turned
+up here."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose he wants money," Foster asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that was the idea, no doubt. I didn't see him myself, but I
+understand he was drunk and objectionable, and Field turned him out.
+They had a bit of a scrimmage, and I hope Field gave the fellow a
+lesson. At any rate, he went off quietly in the end."</p>
+
+<p>"Then why worry?" Foster said.</p>
+
+<p>"Why worry? What a question! I forgot to tell you the worst. Chaffey
+came here demanding money. He said if I had been at home he could have
+got as much as he wanted. Imagine what Field must have thought. He would
+conclude that I was under obligations to the scamp, but, as you know, I
+haven't exchanged a dozen words with him. Everything has been done
+through you, and I must say I can't congratulate you on your choice."</p>
+
+<p>"You never do when things go wrong," Foster retorted. "Would you have
+had me employ a gentleman? Did you want a man of intelligence, who would
+have asked many questions of himself. Chaffey is the man for us. But you
+are making a great fuss about nothing."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>
+"Well, what do you think of this? Chaffey told Field that if he had any
+more of this sort of thing I could get somebody else to monkey with my
+fruit baskets in Covent Garden. Ah, I thought you would change your
+tune. Imagine a remark like that in a sporting public-house! Scores of
+people would smell a rat instantly. They would get on the track of
+money-making, especially if Chaffey happened to mention my name in
+connexion with the affair. If they only found him with money and plied
+him with drink, he would tell them all he knew."</p>
+
+<p>"Which is precious little," Foster said coolly, as he lighted a fresh
+cigarette. "Chaffey doesn't really know anything. Still, we must make
+him understand that we won't stand this kind of thing. What do you
+propose to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, follow him, of course. He can't be far away. He is sure to have
+gone to some pothouse. He went down the London Road, and the best thing
+is to go after him at once. Let us take the car and make excuses that we
+shan't be back in time for dinner. You think I am making much ado about
+nothing. But my nerves are not what they used to be. Come along."</p>
+
+<p>Foster made no objection. In truth he was almost as uneasy as his
+employer. By and by they were rolling along the road in a car, stopping
+under some pretext or other at every public-house. They came presently
+to a small place where they heard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> news of the man they were after. He
+had left a short time before; in fact, he had been violently ejected,
+because he had no money to pay for the drink he had consumed. Half a
+mile farther on the motorists espied a shadowy outline staggering down
+the middle of the road and lurching from side to side, singing as he
+went.</p>
+
+<p>"That's the man," Foster whispered. "Stop the car and I'll get out and
+tackle him."</p>
+
+<p>The tramp paused when he found himself within the radius of the powerful
+lights. He stood trying to collect his scattered senses, until, finally,
+he got some hazy idea of whom he was talking to. His face grew hard and
+sullen, and he looked none the better for a swollen eye and a cut
+forehead.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it's you, is it?" he said. "This is a nice way to treat a
+gentleman. Here am I, miles away from my happy home and not a penny in
+my pocket."</p>
+
+<p>"What are you doing here?" Foster asked.</p>
+
+<p>"That, sir," said the tramp with great dignity, "is my business. I have
+private occupations of which you know nothing. You are taking advantage
+of my poverty. Don't forget that I was in as good a position as yourself
+at one time."</p>
+
+<p>"You might easily be better," Foster said contemptuously. "Still, you
+haven't told me what brings you here, and why you made a disturbance at
+Seton Manor."</p>
+
+<p>"I was at the Lington Meeting," Chaffey answered.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> "I lost all I had and
+was tramping back to London when I recollected that Mr. Copley lived
+close by. I thought I would borrow a pound or two from him, and that's
+why I called. It would have been all right but for those stable men.
+Would you care to be treated like a dog? I lost my temper. You'd have
+lost yours if you had been in my place. And that's all about it. I don't
+want to make any trouble if you treat me properly. Give me a few pounds
+and I'll go back to London the first thing in the morning."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll give you money if you return to-night," Foster said curtly. "Get
+in the car and we'll drive you as far as Maley Junction. Come on."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not come on," Chaffey said with an assumption of his old
+dignity. "You give me the money and I'll go to town early in the
+morning. I can't go before, because I have heard something. There's a
+trial coming off here to-morrow morning, and I am bound to see it. You
+don't suppose I live on what I get from you. If the trial turns out as I
+hope it will, it will put a lump in my pocket. Now what is the good of
+standing frowning at me like that? I tell you I'm not going back to
+London to-night. I won't go till eight o'clock to-morrow morning. If you
+don't help me, I know a man who will give me a tenner cheerfully to hear
+how I monkey with the fruit baskets in Covent Garden. But do as you
+please. I don't mind lying in a ditch till morning, and I don't mind
+tramping to town to-morrow. It<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> wouldn't be the first time I've done
+both. Not that I want to quarrel with you, Mr. Foster; if you do the
+fair thing by me, I'll do the fair thing by you. Give me a quid or two
+so that I can get some supper and a bed, and I'll promise not to come
+near Seton Manor again. What's more, if the trial turns out all right,
+I'll send a message to Mr. Copley."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, give him money and let him have his way," Copley cried impatiently.
+"There isn't much chance of drumming sense into him to-night."</p>
+
+<p>A whispered conversation between Copley and Foster followed, then three
+sovereigns changed hands and Chaffey departed along the road with the
+air of a man who has an object in life.</p>
+
+<p>"You have done the right thing," he said. "I knew you would, when you
+came to think of it, and I'll let Mr. Copley know all about the trial.
+Good-night, gentlemen, and good luck to you."</p>
+
+<p>So Chaffey vanished into the darkness.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>
+<a name="xxvi" id="xxvi"></a>CHAPTER XXVI<br />
+<br />
+<small>A SECOND TRIAL</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">DESPITE his cheery optimism, Joe Raffle did not appear so gay as usual.
+He seemed to have something on his mind, and those under him noticed
+that now and then he spoke with a sharpness that was not customary. In
+fact, the groom was troubled. He had been glad to see his old master
+again and to know that his small conspiracy looked like setting Harry
+Fielden on his feet once more. But when he came to review the position
+of affairs he did not feel absolutely satisfied, though he had done
+nobody a wrong, nor had calculated on putting a single penny in his
+pocket. On the contrary, he had been convinced that he was doing a most
+disinterested action.</p>
+
+<p>But in the light of the past few days everything looked different.
+Raffle was by no means blind to what was going on around him. There was
+plenty of gossip in the stables, for some degree of friendship between
+the lads at Haredale Park and those at Seton Manor was inevitable, and
+it was an open secret that there might possibly be an alliance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span> between
+the two houses. It was plain to Raffle's keen eyes that May Haredale
+disliked Raymond Copley intensely and that Sir George was doing all he
+could to remove this objection. Raffle guessed, too, pretty accurately
+what was the state of Harry Fielden's feelings, and saw that if this
+marriage took place his little scheme would be worse than useless. If
+Fielden had not turned up again it would not have mattered. But as it
+was the large fortune which Sir George was about to annex seemed likely
+to go into the pockets of Raymond Copley.</p>
+
+<p>Joe hated Raymond Copley with all the contempt that an old sportsman has
+for an ignorant dabbler in the great game. He knew that Copley cared
+nothing for racing for its own sake, that he kept his stable only to
+give himself importance in the eyes of his neighbours. Raffle was not
+aware that the Seton Manor stud was a blind to cover the conspiracies
+hatched between Copley and Foster, but he knew enough to set his teeth
+on edge and to make him determined to stop this hateful marriage if he
+could. It was gall and wormwood to feel that after all he had been
+working and planning for the advantage of Copley. He knew that Harry
+Fielden would have some delicacy in interfering and believed it likely
+that, if May consented to become Copley's wife, he would forbid Raffle
+to say a word about the real ownership of the Blenheim colt.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span>
+This was bad, but worse was to follow. For the last two or three days
+the colt had been off his feed, and Raffle thought he was developing
+symptoms of staleness. To settle this point, he arranged for another
+early morning trial. He had confided his intention to a couple of his
+trusty helpers, who fondly imagined that no one knew of it but
+themselves. But these things leak out in stables, and in some mysterious
+way the projected trial reached the ears of Chaffey, who, when he chose
+to tear himself away from his beloved bars, was one of the cleverest
+touts that ever worried a stable. After parting from Copley and Foster,
+he staggered along cheerfully till he came to a roadside public-house,
+where he obtained a shakedown for the night. The thirst for drink was
+upon him&mdash;indeed, it was seldom or never absent&mdash;but he managed to put a
+check upon himself, and retired to bed with strict injunctions to be
+called at daybreak. In the morning he rose a trembling wreck, his tongue
+cleaved to the roof of his mouth, his nerves were a-quiver, but, by a
+supreme effort, he kept himself from the drink which called to him so
+strongly. The smell of it in the dingy public-house appealed to him
+mockingly, but he thrust the fierce desire aside and stole off to the
+Downs with splitting head and aching brows. He resolved to make up for
+his sufferings later. With luck he would be in London soon after nine
+o'clock. An hour later he would have sold his valuable information, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span>
+then&mdash;well, then, he would enjoy himself after the manner of his kind.</p>
+
+<p>Having concealed himself in a patch of gorse, he waited with what
+patience he could for the trial. It was a long and weary vigil, but
+presently he heard the muffled tramp of horses and the sound of voices.
+Cautiously Chaffey raised himself and peeped out. He knew he was hiding
+just behind the winning-post. The solitary figure standing there was
+familiar to him. With a grin he recognized Fielden.</p>
+
+<p>In the distance he could see two horses flashing along, and as they drew
+nearer he made out the fine dashing outline of the Blenheim colt. He had
+never seen that noble animal before, but his keen instinct told him he
+was not mistaken. He forgot his aches, pains, and everything else in the
+excitement of the moment. He saw the Blenheim colt holding his own,
+sailing along with a free and easy stride, and then suddenly, within a
+hundred yards or so of the gorse bushes, the other horse came away and
+finished many lengths ahead. The colt had a peculiar action that Chaffey
+did not fail to notice.</p>
+
+<p>"They are right," he said, "the colt's queer. My word! it was well I
+came here this morning. This will be five and twenty pounds in my
+pocket. And if I have any luck that bloomin' Copley can get somebody
+else to look after his fruit baskets. I've had enough of it."</p>
+
+<p>Chaffey dropped down as he saw Raffle coming up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> to the winning-post.
+The horses had been led away, and nobody could hear what Fielden and his
+companion and Mallow had to say.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a bad business," Harry observed.</p>
+
+<p>"Looks like it, sir," Raffle said gloomily. "I can't make out what's
+wrong with the colt. I thought I knew all about horses, but this puzzles
+me. He seemed quite right a day or two ago, and I can't see now what's
+wrong."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, there's plenty of time," Fielden said cheerfully. "I daresay you'll
+manage to make him fit for the Guineas. It is a good thing I didn't take
+your advice and back him. I am glad the money I got for the library is
+still in the bank."</p>
+
+<p>The stud-groom shook his head obstinately.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think you are right, sir," he said. "I still believe in the
+colt and, as you say, there is heaps of time between now and the
+Guineas. Of course, I must tell Sir George, and a fine state he'll be
+in, I expect. Just think what a difference that colt will make if he
+wins. And yet you refuse, sir, to benefit by so much as a penny."</p>
+
+<p>"Why should I?" Fielden asked. "Practically the horse doesn't belong to
+me. Legally, I suppose, he does, and I have no doubt I could put in a
+successful claim. But the colt was only a yearling when I went away. He
+has been trained in Mallow's stable and by Sir George's man."</p>
+
+<p>"I never call myself that, sir," Raffle muttered.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>
+"Ah, but you are, Joe, morally speaking. You have accepted service under
+him, and you take his money. I know you have behaved exceedingly well to
+me. I know you have meant everything for the best, and I thank you for
+it. But I cannot interfere. Can't you see that I am in honour bound&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"In honour bound to stand by and see Mr. Copley marry Miss Haredale?"
+Raffle asked indignantly. "I am sure I beg your pardon. I forgot myself.
+I had no business to speak like that to you. But that is what it is
+coming to. Here have I been working and scheming and keeping my mouth
+shut to put a matter of a hundred thousand pounds into Mr. Copley's
+pockets."</p>
+
+<p>"If the colt wins," Fielden suggested.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he'll be all right, sir. It is only a matter of a few days, but if
+this thing gets talked about, why, the colt will go bang down in the
+betting and we shall all make fortunes with the outlay of a few pounds.
+There is another thing I must tell you. You see, it is like this&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Raffle turned away as he spoke, and Fielden followed him, so that the
+figure eagerly listening behind the gorse bush could hear no more.
+Though, on the whole, he had had an exceedingly fortunate morning, he
+bitterly regretted that the deeply-interesting conversation had been cut
+short just at the point when he might have picked up information that
+might have made his fortune.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span>
+"I wonder what they're talking about?" he muttered, as he limped
+painfully and slowly across the Downs towards Seton Manor. "I suppose I
+had better give Mr. Copley a tip. I can send it to him from one of these
+pubs. He doesn't deserve any consideration from me, but it will be worth
+a fiver later. Now for breakfast and just one drink&mdash;only one before I
+get back to London and draw my money. There will be plenty of time for
+fun this evening. What a fool I've been! If I could only have kept off
+that accursed liquor I should have had a stud of my own by this time."</p>
+
+<p>With this philosophy on his lips Chaffey turned into the bar of the
+nearest public-house.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>
+<a name="xxvii" id="xxvii"></a>CHAPTER XXVII<br />
+<br />
+<small>DRIVING IT HOME</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">COPLEY sat at the breakfast-table waiting for Foster to come down. He
+had glanced impatiently through his letters, none of which appeared to
+be particularly interesting. Then he picked up a repulsive-looking
+envelope that lay by the side of his plate. The envelope was greasy and
+forbidding, though the handwriting upon it was fairly neat and clear, if
+a trifle unsteady. Copley was on the point of pitching it into the fire,
+feeling pretty sure it was something in the nature of a begging epistle,
+when he changed his mind and opened it.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear sir," it ran, "I was on the Downs this morning and saw the trial I
+was speaking to you about last night. Sir George's head man thought it a
+dead secret, but I had had it from a sure quarter, and I saw the race
+between the Blenheim colt and another at half-past seven. The colt was
+quite stale, and, if I am any judge of such matters, I think it will
+take all their time to wind him up for the Guineas. I thought you would
+like to know this, because, properly handled, there is money in it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>
+Perhaps it may be worth a five-pound note to me the next time we meet."</p>
+
+<p>There was no signature to this document, but Copley guessed where it
+came from. He rose from the table and stood for a while thinking this
+over. There was money in the tidings, but not in the way hinted at by
+Chaffey.</p>
+
+<p>"Anything fresh?" Foster asked, as he attacked his breakfast with zest.
+"You look rather pleased about something."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I am," Copley said, with a sinister smile he found it hard to
+conceal. "I've got something here that looks like good business if we
+can only hold on a bit longer. As you know, we don't quite agree as to
+how Sir George Haredale is to be handled. If I went to him boldly and
+told him that he must scratch the Blenheim colt, do you think he would
+consent if he saw I was in earnest? My opinion is he would kick me out
+of the house. But there is another way of working it, and for the hint I
+have to thank Chaffey, of all people in the world. Here is a note from
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"Wants more money," Foster said with his mouth full.</p>
+
+<p>"Not for the moment, at any rate. He thinks his information is worth a
+prospective fiver. As a matter of fact, it is invaluable. You know he
+told us last night that he wasn't going away till he witnessed a trial
+this morning. He has seen it, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> this letter gives me the result. The
+trial was that of the Blenheim colt. Chaffey says it will take them all
+their time to get him fit for the Guineas, even if they can manage it.
+Chaffey is probably in town by now, and has no doubt sold his
+information to some smart bookmaker. By this time to-morrow the Blenheim
+colt will be knocked out of the betting, and one will be able to get any
+price one likes. When this becomes public property Sir George will be
+justified in scratching the colt. He could say he had no hopes now of
+winning the Derby, and has taken this step solely on behalf of the
+public. Everybody will believe him. No questions will be asked, and his
+conduct will be regarded as most sportsmanlike. Do you see what I am
+driving at?"</p>
+
+<p>"By Jove!" Foster exclaimed. "That is really smart of you. As Sir George
+backed his colt at long prices the money loss will be small. You can
+arrange as to the money Sir George owes you, and directly the pen is put
+through the colt's name we shall be masters of a hundred thousand
+pounds. It isn't so much as we expected, but we shall be able to draw
+the money during the next few days, and then be in a position to carry
+on a war against the bookmakers till we have made as much as we like.
+Things are entirely in your hands. You have only to put it plainly to
+Sir George and offer to cancel his mortgages, and the thing is done.
+He'll fall in with your suggestion readily. He only wants the excuse to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span>
+get out. You'll want to handle him carefully, of course. But every man
+has his price, and I don't believe Haredale is any exception to the
+rule."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do it to-day," Copley muttered.</p>
+
+<p>"That's right," Foster said approvingly, "there's nothing like striking
+while the iron is hot. But if I were you I'd run up to town first and
+give Absalom &amp; Co. a hint to put the screw on without delay. What you
+have to do is thoroughly to frighten Sir George, who will probably send
+for you, and see if he can't arrange terms. We had better motor to
+London at once. It might be as well to get Absalom's people to send a
+man down this afternoon to let Sir George know that business is meant.
+By the time we get back this evening there will be a note from Sir
+George asking you to go over and see him. If not, I am no prophet."</p>
+
+<p>On the best of terms with themselves the conspirators started for town
+half an hour later, and before eleven o'clock Copley was closeted with
+the principal of the well-known financial house of Absalom &amp; Co.
+Apparently the interview was to his satisfaction, for he soon made his
+way to the Post Club. Foster joined him at lunch, and up to four o'clock
+they amused themselves by making small wagers on the day's racing. Soon
+after five one of the waiters came into the smoking-room and informed
+Copley that a gentleman was waiting to see him.</p>
+
+<p>He went downstairs to find Mr. Absalom in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> ante-room. The latter
+smiled as he heard the clicking of the machines.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you do anything in that way?" Copley asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Not I," the visitor laughed. "I leave that to the fools who have more
+money than sense. If there were no such thing as a horse or a bet I
+should be deprived of nine-tenths of my clients, and instead of being a
+rich man, I should be hard put to it to obtain a living. So the sport
+has all my sympathy. But I didn't come here to discuss racing. I want to
+speak to you about Sir George Haredale. I sent my manager down to see
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes," Copley said impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I won't detain you longer than I can help. My manager saw Sir
+George and had a long conversation with him. He was inclined to be high
+and mighty at first, but we soon changed all that. He was very anxious
+to know why you had transferred your debt to us, and we told him, of
+course, that you were engaged in very big speculations which called for
+all the ready capital you could lay your hands upon. We also hinted that
+we were finding money tight, and gave him to know that unless the cash
+was paid within a week, we should have to avail ourselves of our rights
+and place a man in possession at Haredale Park. That rather knocked the
+old gentleman off his balance. My manager said he was quite civil after
+that, and intimated his intention to do everything he could. But, at
+the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> same time, he appears to be very much annoyed with you. He thinks
+you have not treated him fairly, and seems to hope that when he has seen
+you he can arrange matters. Of course, he hasn't the least idea that we
+are merely dummies, so if you change your mind you can telephone to us
+and we will sit tight. He said he expected to see you this evening."</p>
+
+<p>Copley nodded approvingly. There was no need for hurry, for he knew that
+the longer Sir George Haredale thought over the matter, the more likely
+he was to yield in the end. After thanking Absalom, who went his way, he
+sent for Foster.</p>
+
+<p>"It's all right," he said when the latter came downstairs. "Absalom's
+people have seen Sir George, and have left him in a state of blue funk.
+I think the best thing we can do is to let him think it over for a day
+or two, because the longer he dwells upon the prospect before him the
+more likely he will be to listen to any terms I choose to offer. But we
+can talk this over after dinner. Let's get back to Seton Manor. By the
+way, I suppose you have dealt with those commissions. Did you manage to
+lay any money against the Blenheim colt to advantage? Has the trial
+leaked out yet?"</p>
+
+<p>"I managed to get a good lump on," Foster explained. "I fancy the story
+is getting known. According to one of the papers, the Blenheim colt has
+gone back to six to one. I think we have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> done as much as we can. At any
+rate, the money is as good as in our pockets."</p>
+
+<p>At Seton Manor Copley and his accomplice sat down to dinner in higher
+spirits and with better appetite than they had displayed for some time.
+There was nothing to trouble them. They had netted a huge sum of money
+without the slightest risk, and, what was more to the point, they would
+be in a position to handle it in the course of a few days. There was a
+good deal of flavour in Copley's cigar as he lay back in his seat
+sipping his coffee. A moment or two later a footman came in with a note
+on a tray. Copley smiled as he tore open the envelope, and intimated to
+the servant that he need not wait.</p>
+
+<p>"From the Baronet?" Foster grinned.</p>
+
+<p>"You've guessed it," Copley replied. "He wants me to go over at once on
+most important business."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>
+<a name="xxviii" id="xxviii"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII<br />
+<br />
+<small>HONOUR BRIGHT</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">AS time passed Sir George Haredale began to think that trouble was
+really before him. He had not the least pretence to be a business man.
+He had always been prone to take people at their own valuation. He would
+never have done anything dishonest or underhanded, and he paid his
+fellow-men a similar compliment. He had never counted the cost of
+anything, for the simple reason that he had never been taught to. If he
+wanted a thing he got it. If he couldn't pay for anything he simply owed
+for it. When, from time to time, his creditors grew pressing, he gave
+his lawyers instructions to raise another mortgage, and there, so far as
+he was concerned, was an end of the whole transaction.</p>
+
+<p>It does not take long, especially with two or three generations of
+similar incapacity, seriously to embarrass even so fine an estate as
+Haredale Park. The day came at length when Sir George was under the
+painful necessity of facing the inevitable, when his worried lawyer told
+him a few plain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> truths, and he realized that his income was barely
+sufficient to live upon. Unfortunately, at this crisis, an occasional
+run of luck on the turf had relieved the pressure, and it occurred to
+Sir George as a brilliant idea that here was a source of permanent
+income. Then luck ran steadily against him, as it always does sooner or
+later, and at the time Sir George made the acquaintance of Copley he was
+literally at his wits' end to know what to do.</p>
+
+<p>It was a misfortune, though a disguised one, that Copley in his
+headstrong way should fall in love with May Haredale. He had gone about
+his wooing in characteristic fashion, and had recognized that, unless he
+were in a position to force the pace, his suit was hopeless. Hence he
+had helped Sir George, although he needed every penny he had for
+himself. At that time Copley did not see his way to get it all back and
+a great deal more. But now he had the consolation of knowing that he
+would come out all right, whether May Haredale became his wife or not.</p>
+
+<p>He was playing his game with wonted caution and cunning. In response to
+Sir George's note, he pleaded some excuse, and on one pretext or other
+kept clear of Haredale Park for the best part of a week. He knew how to
+play his fish. He knew that delay was in his favour, and was not going
+to spoil his triumph by undue haste.</p>
+
+<p>Sir George was thoroughly frightened. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> interview with Messrs.
+Absalom's manager came in the light of a revelation to him. He realized
+that he was in Copley's power, and that the latter could ruin him
+whenever he chose. Not that he expected anything of the kind. He was of
+far too sanguine a nature for that, and being a gentleman and a man of
+honour he naturally believed the story that Copley was temporarily hard
+put to it for the want of money. From that point of view, of course,
+Copley was behaving very well. He had not pressed Sir George, nor had he
+insisted that the money must be paid. In point of fact, he had not
+mentioned the matter at all.</p>
+
+<p>But Messrs. Absalom's manager had been emphatic enough. There was
+something in his manner which Sir George did not like. He actually had
+no respect for the aristocracy, and spoke as if money were the only
+thing in the world that mattered.</p>
+
+<p>"It comes to this, Sir George," he said. "We must ask you to make
+arrangements to clear this off in a week. It is business, pure and
+simple, and my people want the money. Things are not going well, and we
+must look to you to settle this claim."</p>
+
+<p>"Within a week?" Sir George cried. "Impossible!"</p>
+
+<p>The shrewd manager shrugged his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry to hear you say that, Sir George," he replied. "In that
+case, we must take matters into our own hands and sell you up,
+including<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> your horses in training. We shall much regret this step, but
+necessity will compel us. The best thing you can do is to consult your
+solicitors and see if you can raise a loan. Otherwise&mdash;well, I think I
+have made myself plain."</p>
+
+<p>The man withdrew, leaving Sir George to his own disturbed thoughts. With
+his sanguine disposition and lack of business knowledge he still clung
+to the idea that Copley would be able to put this matter right. But when
+Copley wrote that business called him elsewhere Sir George's vague sense
+of alarm began to develop into a perfect nightmare. At the expiration of
+a week the first blow fell. A man, shabbily dressed and dingy of aspect,
+called to see Sir George and would take no refusal. He stood in the hall
+grimly quiet, waiting for the master of the house, who appeared
+presently and demanded in his haughtiest manner what the intruder
+wanted.</p>
+
+<p>"I am here on behalf of Absalom &amp; Co.," the intruder said. "Fact is, I
+represent the sheriff. It is no use blaming me, Sir George. I am only
+doing my duty, and it's not so pleasant, at that. But I am here in
+possession, and here I am bound by law to stay until this money is paid.
+As soon as that is done I shall be only too pleased to go away."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George began to understand the position. He had heard of these
+things before, but they had always appeared to be remote enough from
+him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> This was what was called an execution, and Sir George's dignity
+disappeared accordingly.</p>
+
+<p>"This is very awkward," he said. "I had not anticipated anything like
+this. How long will you have to stay here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it varies according to circumstances," the man explained. "It all
+depends upon what action the plaintiffs take. If they give you an
+extension of time I may be here for a month. Sometimes I have been in a
+house much longer."</p>
+
+<p>"A month," Sir George exclaimed, "impossible!"</p>
+
+<p>"It may be less than that," the man said. "If they don't give you any
+time at all I shall be gone in a week. In the ordinary course of things,
+at the expiration of seven days the sheriff will come in and sell
+everything."</p>
+
+<p>"Seven days!" Sir George repeated the words over and over again, as if
+he were trying to grasp their meaning. He had barely a week to find this
+money, and, if it were not forthcoming, everything he had would be
+disposed of. He would have to face the world without a penny. He
+wondered if these people would take his horses. He wondered whether
+their action would injure him in the Derby. But misfortunes never came
+singly, and it was possible that the Blenheim colt might not start for
+the historic race at all. For the moment everything lay in the hands of
+Raymond Copley. Probably he had not the slightest idea that Absalom<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> &amp;
+Co. had gone to these lengths. No doubt he would devise a way out of
+this disgraceful situation. It was the only chance.</p>
+
+<p>"If you wouldn't mind going away," Sir George said, "and coming back
+later in the day, I will see what I can do."</p>
+
+<p>The man smiled broadly.</p>
+
+<p>"Bless you! I couldn't do that," he said. "It would be as much as my
+place is worth. I might even get prosecuted, and I've a wife and family
+to think of. I dare not stir a step from here, Sir George; indeed, I
+dare not. If people treat me well I always try to give as little trouble
+as possible, and as yet nobody knows who I am and why I came. I daresay
+you can think of some excuse to account for my presence in the house."</p>
+
+<p>It was very humiliating, but there was nothing for it but a mild
+conspiracy between the master of Haredale and this grubby representative
+of the majesty of the law. Sir George led the way into the library.</p>
+
+<p>"You had better stay here," he said. "I can say you've come down from
+London on some business in connexion with the stable. By the way, it is
+just as well I should know your name. Oh, Brown, is it? Well, you had
+better remain here till I come back, and I can arrange for you to have
+your meals in the kitchen. I suppose you won't object to that?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span>
+"I shan't, if the servants don't," Brown said.</p>
+
+<p>"Very good. I am going to see a friend, and shall return as soon as
+possible. I suppose if you had a telegram from Absalom calling you back
+to London, you would disappear without any trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, sir, and very glad to go. I have never been in a big house
+like this before, and it makes all the difference. But I'll do my best
+to save your servants from knowing who I am and what I am doing at
+Haredale Park."</p>
+
+<p>Possibly the speaker had some hope that this complacency would not leave
+him poorer than it found him, and, in his sanguine way, Sir George was
+already settling in his mind the size of the tip he would give this
+fellow after he had seen Copley and made arrangements to get rid of him.
+Nevertheless the master of Haredale was really distressed and alarmed as
+he made his way across the fields to Seton Manor. Perhaps Copley might
+not be back from London till dinner-time. But Copley was there. He was
+in the stable-yard talking to Foster as Sir George approached.</p>
+
+<p>"Here he comes," said Foster with a grin. "I thought he wouldn't be very
+long. It is any odds that Absalom's man is in possession already. Our
+friend looks rather dejected, doesn't he? Now is your time to clinch the
+business."</p>
+
+<p>Copley smiled his assent. "I don't think we are likely to have much
+trouble with Sir George."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>
+<a name="xxix" id="xxix"></a>CHAPTER XXIX<br />
+<br />
+<small>ACTING THE FRIEND</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">COPLEY turned to his visitor with an air of surprise. He held out his
+hand with an appearance of great friendliness and began to talk about
+horses as if nothing out of the common had happened.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry I have been unable to see you," he said. "But I have been
+dreadfully harassed in business. You country gentlemen think that
+capitalists like myself have unlimited cash. Never, my dear Sir George,
+was there a greater mistake. There are times when I would give one of my
+ears for a thousand pounds in hard cash. Everything we have is locked
+up, and bankers are so chary of speculative securities. Of course, it
+comes all right in the long run, but really, for some days, matters have
+been extremely critical. However, I managed to make a satisfactory
+arrangement last night, and came home dead tired, with the full
+intention of not going near the City for two or three days. I hope there
+is nothing amiss with you. I don't suppose there is. Ah, you want to be
+in my line to know what anxiety is."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>
+"I think I've a pretty fair idea of it," Sir George said, as he shook
+hands. "You have been good enough to advise me once or twice, and I
+thought I would come over this morning and consult you about a worry of
+my own. I came on the off-chance, and esteem myself fortunate to find
+you at home."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, not at all, not at all," Copley said breezily. "In fact, I was
+coming to see you. My conscience has been pricking me, and I feel I have
+been very rude. But come into the library and tell me all about it. I'll
+help you if I can."</p>
+
+<p>"You are exceedingly good," Sir George said gratefully. "I have had a
+most unpleasant shock this morning. It has to do with those people,
+Absalom &amp; Co. They tell me you have transferred my debt to them. I can't
+understand it."</p>
+
+<p>Copley shook his head as he motioned his visitor to a chair. He passed
+over the cigars to Sir George, and sat down to listen in an attitude of
+respectful attention.</p>
+
+<p>"No, you wouldn't understand these things," he explained. "It is only
+the man of hard business training and instinct that can follow the
+ramifications of modern finance. Finance is a fascinating sport with
+substantial gains for the successful man, but Heaven help him who fails.
+He is bound to go to the wall, and no one has the slightest mercy for
+him. It is almost a truism to say that we are at war with one another.
+Though outwardly on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> good terms, we really are the bitterest enemies. It
+is part of the game. I go and stay with other financiers, and they come
+and stay with me. We drink each other's wine and smoke each other's
+cigars. We share grouse moors and yachts, we even marry each other's
+daughters. But, at the same time, it is everybody for himself. That is
+one of the recognized rules, and if you go under you may become a clerk
+or something of that kind, unless you prefer to blow out your brains. It
+is all the same in the City. I tell you this, so that you may understand
+what a lot of enemies one makes when one embarks in a new venture. It is
+a mistake to imagine that all the money the successful man makes comes
+from the public. Every time I make a quarter of a million, some of my
+friends must suffer. I have a very big thing on at present, and thought
+I had guarded myself at all points. But man is only human, and it is
+impossible to foresee everything. Two of my cleverest friends spotted
+the weak point in my armour, and were not slow to take their
+opportunity. They squeezed me to such an extent that, about a fortnight
+ago, they very nearly crushed the life out of me altogether. I was
+compelled to find forty thousand pounds at a few hours' notice. The only
+people I could think of were Absalom &amp; Co., and I transferred your debt
+to them. My dear fellow, if I hadn't done so I should have been in the
+Bankruptcy Court to-day.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> Absalom &amp; Co., in their turn, are being
+squeezed, and that is why they are putting pressure upon you."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you can't help me?" Sir George said blankly.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Sir George, I am afraid not. It is with great regret I say
+this. In two or three weeks I shall be in funds, and if you will wait
+till then, why I shall give you my cheque with pleasure. At the moment I
+have nothing. In a month's time I shall have a fortune at my disposal.
+But probably these people won't wait."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am ruined," Sir George exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>Copley murmured that it looked very much like it. He made no suggestion
+at all. He merely appeared to be duly sympathetic. He was waiting for
+Sir George Haredale to realize his position. That done, it would be easy
+to play his game successfully.</p>
+
+<p>For a time Sir George paced up and down the library. He cursed himself
+and his bad fortune, blamed Chance, bemoaned his cruel ill luck; in
+fact, like the weak man he was, he blamed everything except the headlong
+folly and short-sighted blindness which had brought all this about. In
+the meantime, Copley sat letting his fish play until his strength
+<a name="was" id="was"></a><ins title="Original has were">was</ins> exhausted and he could readily be drawn to land. It was a
+one-sided battle.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there nothing you can suggest?" Sir George<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> cried despairingly. "Is
+there no way of getting delay?"</p>
+
+<p>Copley made no reply for a time. When at length he spoke he dropped his
+voice to a persuasive whisper.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there is one method," he said. "Absalom is a sportsman, and he
+takes a great interest in racing matters. Between ourselves, he finances
+some of the swell bookmakers, and I understand has a grip upon some of
+the large commission firms. If you could show him a way to make thirty
+or forty thousand pounds on a race like the Derby, you might induce him
+to withdraw his execution for a month. Though he is in a corner, or he
+wouldn't have dropped on you, the suggestion I speak of would be worth a
+sacrifice."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't follow you," Sir George said.</p>
+
+<p>"No? Then I must speak more plainly. At the present moment you own a
+colt which looks like winning the Derby. I know the colt has been
+coughing lately, but your man Raffle is very sanguine and knows what he
+is talking about. I see the colt has come back in the betting to eight
+to one, and the public never seem to be tired of backing him. That,
+however, is the public's look-out and is no concern of yours. In the
+colt's present condition you will be justified in putting a pen through
+his name and nobody could blame you. Owners don't raise horses for the
+benefit of the public, and if the public choose to come in and forestall
+the market and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span> horse is scratched, then they must take the
+consequences. It has been done over and over again, and I don't see why
+you shouldn't do it yourself. You needn't do it to-day, or to-morrow, or
+even next week, but if I can assure Absalom that this is going to
+happen, why, in that case, I feel certain these proceedings will be
+withdrawn, and perhaps such terms arranged as will wipe the debt out
+altogether. Do you follow me?"</p>
+
+<p>Sir George sat white and rigid. He seemed trying dimly to comprehend
+what Copley was driving at. All the time Copley was speaking he did not
+meet the eye of his victim. But Sir George's face was no index of his
+feelings. He was quivering from head to foot with a nameless indignation
+and, though Copley did not know it, was within an ace of inflicting
+personal punishment on the financier.</p>
+
+<p>"You can't be in earnest," Sir George said with difficulty. "Surely, you
+were joking when you asked me to do this thing? Why, it would be
+contemptible, dishonourable to the last degree. I expect to win a
+fortune with the Blenheim colt, but I backed him at a very long price,
+and if he breaks down the loss will not be so great. It would be bad
+enough to lose a fortune which I regarded as as good as in my pocket,
+but deliberately to scratch the horse, to wait for a fortnight whilst
+these friends of yours are laying against the colt, is an insult which I
+did not dream any man would put upon me."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span>
+"You will pardon me if I don't see it in that light," Copley said
+coolly. "You have a right to do what you like with your own. You are
+justified in scratching the horse and, indeed, you have every excuse for
+doing so. I don't see that it matters much whether it is done to-day or
+in a fortnight's time. You may lose the few thousands pounds you put on
+the colt, but that seems probable in any case. And, on the other hand,
+you have it in your power to wipe out your debt to me&mdash;that is, to
+benefit to the extent of forty thousand pounds."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George's indignation began to ebb. He no longer felt a disposition
+to smite Copley hip and thigh; he was thinking of his own position and
+future.</p>
+
+<p>"And if I refuse?"</p>
+
+<p>Copley shrugged his shoulders eloquently.</p>
+
+<p>"In that case, there is no more to be said or done," he answered. "I
+would help you if I could, but I am powerless just now. But perhaps you
+will think better of it. I am sure you will be tired of that man in
+possession by the end of a week."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>
+<a name="xxx" id="xxx"></a>CHAPTER XXX<br />
+<br />
+<small>AN ULTIMATUM</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">COPLEY rose as if the interview were over, and he had done all he could
+for his friend. But Sir George lingered. He stood gazing into the fire
+thoughtfully and moodily. Copley's last shaft had gone home. Sir
+George's whole nature revolted from spending a week in the company of
+the man in possession. He wanted to gain time, to have an opportunity to
+consider matters, and, above all, to get rid of the incubus which, in
+his mind's eye, he could see seated patiently in the library at Haredale
+Park. Yet he also knew what he ought to have done. He ought either to
+have knocked Copley down out of hand, or to have walked out of the house
+with a curt intimation that he and Copley must be strangers in the
+future.</p>
+
+<p>But, like the weak man he was, when the pinch came he did neither of
+these things. It would never have occurred to him to assert that he was
+a man of honour. All the world had taken it for granted, and in this
+opinion Sir George shared. But, on the other hand, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> was face to face
+with disgrace, and in a few days would be homeless and penniless, a mark
+for the finger of scorn, and the object of pity of those whom he had
+looked down upon from a lofty standpoint. But was there, after all, any
+great harm in what Copley suggested? Scores of owners of horses had done
+such things before, and he had a genuine excuse for drawing the pen
+through the name of the Blenheim colt, since it had fallen ill. If other
+people benefited by the knowledge, it was no concern of his. If the colt
+were no better at the end of a fortnight, he could be scratched and
+things go on as they were. Besides, the colt was a good one, and in the
+autumn there would be every chance of winning the St. Leger with him.
+This reasoning was all very specious and wrong, but it wasn't long
+before Sir George had justified himself, as Copley felt sure he would
+do.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a little," Sir George said. "You can't expect me to make up my
+mind at once. I must have time to think it over. But I can't do anything
+as long as that man is at Haredale Park. If you can get rid of him for
+me&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I think I can do that," Copley interrupted. "But if I telephone to
+Absalom &amp; Co. from here they will want some guarantee from you
+that&mdash;well, you know what I mean. They won't want any writing, your word
+will be good enough for that."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span>
+Sir George expanded at this suggestion. It never struck him that a mere
+negotiation on this point from Copley's view would be as good as a
+written document.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I can give it," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," Copley said briskly. "I am glad to hear you talk like that.
+It is a commonsense view of the situation. Sit down and smoke your cigar
+in peace and don't worry any more about the matter. I'll go into my
+office and ring up Absalom &amp; Co., and in an hour's time you will be free
+from your trouble."</p>
+
+<p>For three-quarters of an hour Sir George sat immersed in gloomy
+thoughts. Manipulate the transaction as he might, deceive himself as he
+pleased, there was no getting away from the fact that he was
+contemplating a shameful thing, and the knowledge that he was saving
+himself did not mend matters. The best part of an hour had passed before
+Copley returned with a cheerful face.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought I could manage," he exclaimed. "I felt sure there would be
+little difficulty, if we only convinced Absalom &amp; Co. that there was a
+good thing for them here. But, mind you, I had to give them my word.
+They wouldn't accept anything in the least vague. Nothing is to be done
+for a fortnight; in fact, not till after the next meeting at Mirst Park,
+and at the end of that time the Blenheim colt is to be scratched. You
+have only to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> keep him short of exercise, and the public will conclude
+that something serious is amiss with the colt. I had to promise this
+before I could move these people at all. Of course, if you don't want to
+go as far as that I can ring them up again. It would be a pity to do so,
+however, seeing that by this time Absalom's have taken steps to withdraw
+their action, and in a few minutes the man at Haredale Park will receive
+a telegram calling him back to London at once. You had better think the
+matter over. Don't say that I persuaded you, for, if you wish to break
+off negotiations, it is not too late to do so."</p>
+
+<p>Copley's voice was gentle, but there was nothing persuasive about him.
+He meant to leave the matter entirely in Sir George's hands. But, as he
+had confidently expected, Sir George did not repudiate the bargain. On
+the contrary, he thanked Copley for what he had done, and when they left
+the library a few minutes later the arrangement was ratified. As they
+made for the stable-yard Copley paused as if something had suddenly
+occurred to him.</p>
+
+<p>"There is one other matter," he said. "I didn't like to mention it
+before for fear you should imagine I was forcing your hand. Now I can
+speak freely. It relates to your daughter. When I lent you that money I
+expected to have the privilege of calling myself your son-in-law. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>
+have not yet had anything definite from Miss Haredale; in fact, I am
+afraid she dislikes me. But things can't go on like this, and you
+promised to put in a good word for me. I daresay you will think it
+strange, but I have set my heart on this marriage. It will be well,
+perhaps, to let your daughter know how things stand. I fear she doesn't
+comprehend the position. Tell her yourself."</p>
+
+<p>There was no mistaking the ring of command in the last words.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," Sir George promised. "I will do so without delay. I can't
+for the life of me understand May's hesitancy. Almost every girl in the
+county would jump at the chance of being Mrs. Raymond Copley. Besides,
+May must marry a rich man. But leave it to me, Copley. Come over after
+dinner this evening and see if we can't fix this thing up once and for
+all."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George returned to Haredale trying to feel on good terms with
+himself and elated with the turn things had taken. But he could not
+disguise that he had done wrong. He could not still the voice of
+conscience. However, he was relieved to hear from his butler of the
+departure of Brown on receipt of a telegram. The man had made certain
+promises. He would call again later in the day, but had left his address
+in case Sir George wanted to write to him. It was very correct and
+discreet, no one was any the wiser, nobody had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> guessed about this black
+disgrace, and in the fullness of his heart Sir George wrote a short note
+to Brown enclosing a cheque. He was sealing up the envelope and putting
+on the stamp when May entered.</p>
+
+<p>She was fresh from her ride. Her eyes were sparkling and her cheeks
+glowed. There was something in her gay abandon and her clear light of
+innocence that jarred upon Sir George. Why should she have none of this
+trouble? Why should she be outside of it all? To some extent, she was
+the cause of the mischief. But for her Copley would never have lent Sir
+George any money; but for her he would never have found himself in the
+clutches of Absalom &amp; Co. This was as specious as his other moralizing,
+and he never imagined that he had fallen into a trap set by Copley. What
+he wanted was some one to vent his anger upon.</p>
+
+<p>"Where have you been?" he asked irritably. "I have been looking for you
+everywhere. I have just been having a conversation about you with Mr.
+Copley. He wants to know&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"He already does know," May said coldly. "I thought I had made that
+quite clear. I shall be glad if you will not allude to this again. It is
+most distasteful to me."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George brought his fist with a bang on the table.</p>
+
+<p>"You are a fool," he cried. "I beg pardon, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> I can't think of any
+other word. You don't seem to realize what obligations we are under to
+Mr. Copley. Do you know that if he liked he could turn us out of the
+house to-morrow? Do you know that even this morning he has saved us from
+a great disgrace? And he has done all this out of affection for you. I
+can assure you that Mr. Raymond Copley is not the man to be played
+with."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear father," May protested, "why this violence? I don't in the
+least want to play with Mr. Copley."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, this is no joking matter. You ought to be proud to think that a man
+like that is ready to lay his wealth at your feet. Now, I want you to
+understand that if you treat him in this way he will very likely teach
+you a lesson. It is no use beating about the bush. We are in his hands.
+And, therefore, you must marry him."</p>
+
+<p>"Must, my dear father. Surely&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I am not going to listen to any more. I won't argue with you. You
+are either going to marry Mr. Copley or I wash my hands of you
+altogether. I will not be ruined for the mere whim of a girl. Now you
+quite understand me? If this thing isn't settled to-morrow, Haredale
+will be no place for you."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxi" id="xxxi"></a>CHAPTER XXXI<br />
+<br />
+<small>A POINT-BLANK REFUSAL</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">IT was a cruel shock to the girl. She had never heard her father speak
+like that before; indeed, she would not have deemed him capable of such
+harshness. For many years May and her father had been the best of
+friends; indeed, their relationship had been more like brother and
+sister than anything else. She had shared in Sir George's pleasures, she
+had known most of his troubles, and generally had been allowed to do
+exactly as she pleased. And if she had a proper sense of pride, it was
+Sir George who was mainly responsible for it. He had never forgotten
+that he was the master of Haredale Park, and that the family had lived
+there three centuries and more. He had always spoken his mind freely to
+May on the subject of new-comers and interlopers. He had declared that
+no matter what his neighbours might do, not one of them should ever
+cross his threshold; he had apparently despised these new rich from the
+bottom of his heart. It seemed only the other day that Sir George had
+spoken most contemptuously about<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> Raymond Copley. A few months before
+and he would have laughed to scorn any suggestion on Copley's part to
+become one of the family.</p>
+
+<p>"We need not envy them, my dear," Sir George had said over and over
+again. "After all, money is not everything. Of course, one has to be
+agreeable to these people in the hunting-field and when one meets them
+at neighbouring houses, but, thank goodness, we need not go farther than
+that. You won't have much when I die, but so long as you marry the right
+sort of man I shall be quite content with your choice. I can trust you,
+I know."</p>
+
+<p>These recollections crowded into May's mind as she stood face to face
+with her father. It struck her almost with painful force that she was
+making his acquaintance for the first time. This was another Sir George
+Haredale, of whom she had not the slightest knowledge. He looked hard
+and sullen, and met her eye with difficulty. May hoped he would have the
+grace to be ashamed of himself, that this was an outburst for which he
+would apologize presently.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you really know what you are saying?" she murmured. "I hope I have
+not mistaken you, father."</p>
+
+<p>"You have not mistaken me at all," Sir George said sullenly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am to understand that it is your wish that I should become the
+wife of Mr. Raymond Copley?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>
+"I thought I had made it quite plain."</p>
+
+<p>"You are so set upon this match that unless I marry this man I am no
+longer to consider Haredale Park as my home."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George nodded. He had not the courage to put it as plainly as that.</p>
+
+<p>"I will try to be calm," May went on. "But this has been a terrible blow
+to me. Even now I can hardly believe my ears. Do you mean to say that if
+I refuse Mr. Copley I am to be turned out of house and home?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be dramatic," Sir George interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't know that I was. I only want to have a clear understanding.
+Oh, the thing is monstrous. You cannot realize what you are saying. If
+you have no sort of feeling for yourself or me, just try to imagine what
+our friends will say. We know many people who would decline to be on
+visiting terms with Mr. Copley. There are lots of houses where he could
+not go. Even if I were fond of the man and could meet your wishes, it
+would be a long time before certain of our neighbours forgave me. What
+will you say when you meet them racing, or hunting, or shooting? Do you
+suppose this thing can be kept quiet? Do you suppose everybody won't
+know why I left home? Do you believe for a moment that common gossip
+will not say that you turned your daughter out because she refused to
+marry a man whom you declined to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span> call upon for months after he came
+here? I know such things happen in the case of boys, but I never yet
+heard of a father in your position who sent his daughter away because
+she refused to sell herself to a person whom she both disliked and
+despised."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George listened uncomfortably. He was violating all his best
+feelings. He knew what a sorry figure he must be cutting in the eyes of
+his daughter. Moreover, every word she said was true. This thing would
+get out. It would be a dainty morsel in the mouths of all the gossips,
+and, though he could rely upon May to be silent, other tongues would not
+be bridled. But he comforted himself with the assurance that things
+would never go as far as that, for when May saw that he was in earnest
+she would yield. There might be tears and reproaches, but in the end she
+would bow to his wishes, and though Copley was not popular, yet he would
+be accepted in time on the strength of being Sir George Haredale's
+son-in-law.</p>
+
+<p>"There are reasons why this must be," he said. "I am under obligations
+to Copley, under great obligations. Besides, he is paying you the
+greatest compliment in his power. There are many girls&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what have the majority of girls to do with me? I am not like them.
+I have not been trained in the same school. I know lots of my friends
+regard matrimony as a matter of business. They are too idle and selfish
+to think of anything but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> themselves. They would deem it a fine thing to
+have the spending of Mr. Copley's money. But I detest the man too much
+for that. He is not a gentleman, his manners are not good, and I am sure
+he is neither honest nor straightforward. I would do anything in my
+power to help you, but if it comes to this, that Haredale Park can only
+be preserved to us by this hateful marriage, then I decline. It is too
+great a sacrifice to ask of your daughter. Oh, how can you even make the
+suggestion?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will think better of it," Sir George said.</p>
+
+<p>"Never! I have said the last word. I will not allude to it again, and,
+unless you take back what you have said, I will accept you at your word
+and go out into the world and earn my own living. Don't mention it
+again."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George looked uneasily at his daughter. Her austere sternness
+disturbed him. He said that Copley was coming over later in the evening
+to hear what May had to say on the matter.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," she answered, "I am rather glad of that. I shall be able to
+settle this thing for ever."</p>
+
+<p>She turned and swept from the room. She was glad she had kept the tears
+out of her eyes. She was glad Sir George little knew how terribly he had
+wounded her. For the rest of the day May went about the house as though
+nothing had happened. She had a smile and a pleasant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> word for her
+visitor, so that even Sir George took heart of grace and deluded himself
+with the idea that his firmness had not been misplaced. It was only when
+Copley came that he found out how mistaken he was. Copley had no
+difficulty in getting May to himself, for Alice Carden was deeply
+engrossed in a book, and Sir George was sitting over his cigar in the
+library. At the very first hint of the reason for his visit May turned
+to him.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I know what you are going to say," she observed. "I shall be
+glad to have this matter finally settled. Oh, no, I don't mean what you
+do at all. Will you be good enough to come to the library with me,
+because I should like my father to hear what passes between us? I won't
+detain you more than a few minutes, and it is the best way."</p>
+
+<p>The self-satisfied smile died from Copley's lips. He had not expected a
+reception like this, and it surprised him, too, to see this
+uncompromising dignity in May's manner. Perhaps she had never been more
+alluring or more attractive in his eyes than she was at that moment, and
+he knew, too, without any words from her, that he was on the eve of
+defeat.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," he said, "though I don't see why we shouldn't settle it
+between us. It is our affair."</p>
+
+<p>May made no reply. She walked into the library, followed by Copley. Sir
+George turned eagerly as they entered.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span>
+"Ah, well?" he said with an uneasy attempt at playfulness. "I see you
+have come to an understanding."</p>
+
+<p>"I trust so," May said quietly, "though I don't think it is the
+understanding you anticipate. This is a very hateful position for me,
+and I would give a good deal to be out of it. But it would be cowardly
+if I tried to shirk my duty. Mr. Copley has already asked me to be his
+wife, and I refused him. I do not wish to give him any pain, but I had
+to put the matter plainly because he is a persistent man and not
+inclined to take 'No' for an answer. I understand he has come here
+to-night to renew his offer. Now, Mr. Copley, I have to tell you before
+my father that what you ask is impossible. I am old-fashioned enough to
+prefer happiness to money, and I could not marry a man whom I did not
+love. I have never liked you, I never could like you, in fact, I hope
+you won't think me rude when I say that I dislike you exceedingly.
+Besides, there is something unmanly and cowardly in pursuing a
+defenceless girl in this way. If you have one spark of proper feeling
+you will never allude to this topic again. I don't want to appeal to
+your pride. I think I have said enough."</p>
+
+<p>Copley said nothing at the moment. He was struggling to obtain the
+mastery of himself. His face flushed angrily. There was a nasty glitter
+in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>
+"Does she understand?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not my fault if she doesn't," Sir George muttered.</p>
+
+<p>"It is because I do understand," May said, "that I am all the more
+determined in my refusal."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxii" id="xxxii"></a>CHAPTER XXXII<br />
+<br />
+<small>AN EASY FALL</small></h2>
+
+<div class="figleft">
+<img src="images/quote.png" width="8" height="7" alt="open quote" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="cap">ONE moment," Copley put in. "If Sir George has explained matters, then,
+perhaps I can speak freely. Your father is indebted to me&mdash;I will not
+say anything about the amount, for that would all be wiped out and we
+could start on a much better footing if you would only take another view
+of the case. If you persist&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You can take that for granted," May said.</p>
+
+<p>"Would you like to think it over?" Copley suggested.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I have thought it over. I have had all day to think it over. I see
+you mean to force me to speak more plainly still. You have a hold over
+my father. He is deeply in your debt. You have lent him a large sum of
+money, not out of any feeling of friendship or generosity, but simply
+because you thought you could force me to marry you. Did any one ever
+hear of such a situation except on the stage? I know that if I do not
+change my mind you will visit your displeasure upon my father, you will
+make it impossible for us to remain at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> Haredale Park any longer. It
+seems a strange thing that a man should be so lost to all sense of
+decency as to use weapons like these to compel a girl to marry him. But
+it hasn't stopped there. My father has told me quite plainly, even
+brutally, that unless I make this sacrifice I am no longer to consider
+myself as his daughter. I must go out as if I were a mere underling to
+earn my own living. Very well; I am ready to do so. No, I don't want
+words from either of you. My mind is made up, and there is no more to be
+said."</p>
+
+<p>May turned away, and left the library with her head held high and a
+bright colour burning her cheeks. She was very near to tears, but was
+grateful for the pride which had carried her through this trying
+interview without the semblance of a breakdown. When they were alone Sir
+George turned to his companion.</p>
+
+<p>"I wouldn't have believed it," he said apologetically. "I never expected
+that May would be so disobedient. But you must make allowance for her. I
+daresay in time&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Never," Copley said emphatically. "She means every word she says. If
+you had half the pluck and grit she has you would never have found
+yourself in your present position. We have made a mistake, Haredale; we
+have gone the wrong way to work. I don't blame you any more than myself,
+but you may depend upon it that your daughter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span> will never be my wife.
+She will keep her word; she will go out into the world, if necessary, to
+earn her own living, and I shouldn't wonder if she made a very good one.
+I must put up with my disappointment, I suppose. I would give half I
+possess to be able to say that your daughter was my wife. But there must
+be none of these harsh measures, Haredale. Just think what people would
+say! We should both be boycotted. The thing would get into the papers
+and your life wouldn't be worth living. We must find some other way out.
+Now let us change the subject."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George was perfectly willing. Despite his selfish obstinacy the
+interview had been a trial to him, and he was exceedingly glad to get it
+over.</p>
+
+<p>"What else have you in your mind?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, business, of course. About the Blenheim colt? I am taking it for
+granted that you will scratch him. I don't see very well how you can
+back out. I have made the arrangements with Absalom &amp; Co., and as they
+have withdrawn their action they will expect you to do your part. Now
+what do you say to letting the colt have a run in the Champion Stakes
+next week at Mirst Park? I thought it would be a very good way of
+getting out. To begin with, the public will be glad to see whether or
+not their fears are justified, and if the horse cuts up badly, why,
+then, you can scratch him at once. It would appear absolutely fair and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>
+above board; in fact, it will be. Or, if you like, you can let it be
+understood that the horse is not quite fit and that you still have hopes
+of getting him in fettle for the Derby. Either seems a good scheme."</p>
+
+<p>"I see," Sir George said thoughtfully. "Yes, on the whole, that isn't a
+bad idea of yours. I shall be glad to get it over, too. I hadn't the
+slightest intention of sending the colt to Mirst Park, but Raffle
+reports that he is much fitter to-day, so that there is no reason why I
+should not adopt your suggestion. There is the chance that people will
+blame me for taking the risk, but, at the outside, that will be the
+worst of it. I will talk it over with Raffle in the morning, and let you
+know definitely."</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after breakfast next morning Mallow came into the library to
+hear what his employer had to say. The trainer would hardly believe his
+ears when Sir George unfolded his plan. He had a score of practical
+objections to make, but Haredale put them all impatiently aside.</p>
+
+<p>"Does the colt belong to you or to me?" he asked. "I have the very best
+of reasons for what I am going to do. It has always been my policy to
+take the public into my confidence. I want them to see at Mirst Park
+exactly what the horse can do. If they like to go on backing him after
+that it will be their own look-out."</p>
+
+<p>"But that isn't the point, Sir George," Mallow<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> insisted. "The colt is
+coming on splendidly again. It would be madness to extend him just now,
+and if he breaks down badly, don't blame me. I'll do my best between now
+and the day of the race, not because I want to, but because you are my
+employer and I must obey orders."</p>
+
+<p>Mallow refused to say more. He closed his mouth obstinately and went
+back to the stables in a peculiar frame of mind. He had had twenty years
+of turf experience. There was no cunning wile or deep-laid plot that was
+not familiar to him and he was wondering what dodge Sir George was up
+to. Hitherto he had found Sir George Haredale the soul of honour and
+integrity, but it was one of Mallow's theories that every man had his
+limits. Besides, no one knew better how critical Sir George's financial
+affairs were. Of late, too, Sir George had been hand in glove with
+Raymond Copley, and Mallow hated Copley from the bottom of his heart. In
+his own phraseology, Copley was a wrong 'un.</p>
+
+<p>Raffle was past all words when, in the fullness of his heart. Mallow
+confided in him. Raffle was a keen judge of such matters. He sought an
+opportunity later in the afternoon of seeing Fielden and telling him
+what had happened.</p>
+
+<p>"Is Sir George mad?" Fielden asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think so, sir," Raffle replied. "I don't like it at all. Depend
+upon it, Sir George has got<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> into a mess over his money matters and has
+thought out some scheme for putting himself right. Call me a fool if
+that there Copley isn't at the bottom of the whole thing. He and Sir
+George have been as thick as thieves lately. They say you can't touch
+pitch without being defiled. And since those two have been so friendly,
+Sir George is quite another man. However, unless you like to interfere,
+I must act upon instructions. I am bound to do as I am told."</p>
+
+<p>"How could I interfere?" Fielden asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, the colt rightfully belongs to you. He is as much yours as
+the coat on your back. I can't see why you should stand quietly by and
+watch the ruin of one of the finest horses that ever trod the turf."</p>
+
+<p>"I had forgotten that," Fielden said. "Perhaps, later, I may have
+something to say, but for the present that must be our secret, Joe.
+Mallow must carry out his instructions. By the way, what are they?"</p>
+
+<p>Something like a grin crossed Raffle's face.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, we've got to run him, sir," he said. "We've got to run him and do
+our best. That there is the faintest chance of his winning Sir George
+does not believe for a moment. Still, if you refuse to take a hand, I
+must do as I am told, that's all. Perhaps you will be at Mirst Park
+yourself on the first day."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span>
+"Of course. I am taking one or two of our crocks there. But I must be
+off, Joe."</p>
+
+<p>The conversation haunted Fielden. It was with him night and day till the
+first day of the Mirst Park meeting arrived. He had seen little or
+nothing of Phillips for some time, but that morning he had received a
+telegram asking him to meet Phillips in London early in the afternoon.
+He gathered from the message that Phillips had something important to
+say and so he decided to go to town. It would be easy to get back in
+time to see the end of the afternoon's sport. None of the Haredale Park
+party was over. Nor had Copley put in an appearance, and Fielden had his
+time almost to himself. He ran against Raffle in the paddock half an
+hour or so before the race for the Champion Stakes. There was a queer
+grin on the old man's face as he suggested that Fielden should go and
+have a look at the horse. They found the Blenheim colt in his stable
+looking in much better condition than Fielden had expected.</p>
+
+<p>"He looks splendid," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, he is a bonny colt," Raffle exclaimed with a look of affection in
+his eyes. "I never saw a better-tempered horse or a more genuine trier.
+He'll go every inch of the way, and I shouldn't be surprised if&mdash;but we
+won't talk about that."</p>
+
+<p>Raffle refused to say more. Moreover, he had the colt to look to, for
+the race was close at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> hand; so Fielden made his way into the stand,
+where he could command a good view. Not that he had any interest in the
+race. It was a foregone conclusion that the Blenheim colt would be
+beaten and in only one or two instances did he carry any public money. A
+moment or two later Raffle took up a position by Fielden's side.</p>
+
+<p>"The colt moves well," said Fielden, looking through his glasses, "and I
+don't see much signs of staleness, either. Upon my word, if I had any
+money to spare I'd back him for a trifle myself."</p>
+
+<p>"You might do worse," Raffle chuckled.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxiii" id="xxxiii"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE FIVE BASKETS</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">THERE was the usual roar from the ring which began to die down as the
+horses were seen fidgeting at the post. Then a murmur arose from the
+spectators, and the dancing kaleidoscope of colours broke into a thin
+stream as the field got away to a capital start. They came along all in
+a cluster round the bend of the course till, presently, there was a
+hoarse shout from the onlookers and the name of the Blenheim colt was on
+every lip. The horse hung for a moment or two coming up the straight,
+then seemed to recover himself and, moving along with a beautifully free
+and easy stride, caught the leaders a dozen lengths from home and
+slipped past the post a winner by a short head.</p>
+
+<p>"What did I tell you?" Raffle chuckled. "Well, they can't blame me. I
+was told by Sir George to do the best I could with the horse and I
+carried out my instructions to the letter. No, sir, I didn't back him
+myself. I wasn't quite sure. Besides, Sir George wouldn't have liked it.
+Between you and me, sir, I don't think he'll be altogether pleased."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>
+Fielden asked no questions. Whatever suspicions Raffle had he kept to
+himself. Fielden glanced at his watch and saw he would just have time to
+catch a train to town and join Phillips at the rendezvous in Covent
+Garden. He hurried away from the course and caught his train by sheer
+good luck.</p>
+
+<p>He wasn't at all easy in his mind. He was inclined to agree with Raffle
+that there was more than met the eye in this affair and that Sir George
+had little consideration for the public when he decided to run the colt
+at Mirst Park. On the face of it, it was a mad thing to do and the fact
+that the horse had won rendered Sir George's policy all the more
+inexplicable. There was something sinister, too, in the close friendship
+which had sprung up between Haredale and Copley. That Copley was an
+unscrupulous blackguard Fielden knew very well. Possibly this knowledge
+was not shared by Sir George, but there was no getting over the fact
+that Haredale's money matters were in a critical state. Better men than
+Sir George had yielded to temptation.</p>
+
+<p>Fielden was still debating the matter when he reached town. He turned up
+at the hotel in Covent Garden where Phillips was awaiting him, it
+wanting then just ten minutes to three. Phillips was relieved when
+Fielden came in.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you were going to fail me," he said. "I began to think that
+you had missed your train."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>
+"I very nearly lost it," Fielden laughed. "But why do you want me?"</p>
+
+<p>"We shall see that in good time, sir," Phillips said. "In about ten
+minutes from now we shall begin operations. There is just time to smoke
+a cigarette before we start. What is the best news from Mirst Park? I
+haven't seen a paper yet. Was the Blenheim colt beaten very
+disgracefully?"</p>
+
+<p>"He wasn't beaten at all," Fielden said. "In fact, he won with
+considerable ease. There was very little trace of staleness about him.
+But it is early to talk about that. We must wait and see what old Raffle
+says to-morrow. I should not be surprised if the colt has done himself
+some serious injury to-day."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips burst into a hearty laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"What a joke!" he cried. "And what a sell it will be for Sir George! Oh,
+I know a thing or two, Mr. Fielden. I haven't been moving about with my
+eyes shut lately. It is very good of your old friend to pull out his
+horse in public, for the benefit of backers generally, but the man who
+will be most surprised and most disappointed at the result of to-day's
+race will be Sir George himself. If there is another man madder than Sir
+George it will be that scoundrel Copley."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" Fielden asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, sir. The least said soonest mended. But if I had ten
+thousand pounds I'd cheerfully<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> back my opinion to the last penny that
+Sir George never hoped for and never expected a victory for the colt.
+I'll explain all in very good time. Now the sooner we are off the
+better. We are going to meet a gentleman named Chaffey whom I expect to
+see in a few minutes not very far from the Post Club on the other side
+of the street. You remember telling me how Chaffey turned up at Seton
+Manor, and what he said when he was drunk. I am glad you overheard that,
+because it solved a point that has been puzzling me for some time. I
+couldn't for the life of me make out how it was that Jolly &amp; Co. managed
+to signal the result of the three o'clock race at Mirst Park into the
+smoking-room of the Post Club. I doubt if I ever should have found out
+had not Chaffey gone down to Seton Manor and hinted that if he couldn't
+get what he wanted somebody else might have his job of playing with the
+fruit baskets in Covent Garden. I saw at once that this was connected
+with the swindle, but for the life of me I couldn't place it. After
+thinking over it for the best part of a week, I took a stroll through
+Covent Garden market and finally stood in front of the Post Club trying
+to piece the puzzle together in my mind. There were a good many men
+about loading and unloading baskets, and I saw that most of them carried
+them on their heads. Why, some of these porters can carry as many as
+eight or nine bushel<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> baskets on their heads. While I stood watching
+them an idea flashed into my mind. Look at this copy of to-day's
+<i>Sportsman</i>. Turn to the probable starters in the three o'clock race,
+and you will see for yourself that there is a number by the side of
+every horse. Now most racing men carry a <i>Sportsman</i>. There would be
+nothing suspicious in a backer pulling the <i>Sportsman</i> out of his pocket
+and consulting it at any moment. He might do it in a railway carriage,
+or on the course, or in a smoking-room, and it wouldn't attract any
+attention. Unless I am greatly mistaken, I have found the clue to the
+means by which Copley &amp; Co.'s confederate has the result of a race at
+Mirst Park conveyed to him into the smoking-room of the Post Club
+practically before the horses are past the post. Then, of course, he can
+make what bets he likes. He is perfectly safe, because he can't lose.
+But, come along, it is past three and I don't want to lose this chance
+of verifying my conclusions. Only we must be careful. We must not rouse
+Chaffey's suspicions. He must not know that we are even watching him.
+Close to the Post Club there is a shop where we can procure some cigars
+and cigarettes and keep our eye upon what is going on. Are you ready?"</p>
+
+<p>Fielden was ready and willing, for his curiosity was aflame. When he and
+his companion reached Covent Garden, they turned into a cigar shop in
+the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> same block of buildings in which the Post Club was situated. A good
+many customers had to be attended to, so that it was excusable to stand
+inside the door way and watch what was taking place on the other side of
+the road.</p>
+
+<p>The market was practically empty. Business had been finished for the
+day, and there were only two or three casual porters loafing about
+waiting on the off-chance for an hour's work. One of them standing by a
+pile of baskets with hands plunged deeply in his pockets and a pipe in
+his mouth was Chaffey.</p>
+
+<p>"No mistake about him?" Phillips asked.</p>
+
+<p>"That's the man," Fielden whispered. "I could swear to that expression
+of his anywhere. But what is he doing there? He doesn't seem to be
+particularly busy."</p>
+
+<p>"He is getting well paid for his job, anyway," Phillips chuckled. "As it
+is not likely to last long he'll be gone in a few moments. Have you the
+right time about you? What do you make it? Five minutes past three by
+post office time? The result ought to be here at any moment. Ah, I
+thought so. Just keep your eye closely upon Chaffey."</p>
+
+<p>In his excitement Phillips bent over and grasped his companion's arm.
+Fielden saw Chaffey suddenly pull himself up and moisten his hands. He
+touched his ragged cap as if in response to a distant call, then he
+proceeded to fling five baskets one on the top<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> of the other and balance
+them on his head. With this pyramid thus arranged he walked slowly
+across the market and disappeared down one of the corridors, where he
+was lost to sight.</p>
+
+<p>"What on earth does it mean?" Fielden asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's the signal," Phillips explained. "The result has just come
+into the office of Jolly &amp; Co. on the private telephone wire from The
+Nook at Mirst Park. The supposed Mr. Jolly stands near the window with
+the telephone receiver to his ear ready to flash the signal across the
+street. Now you understand why the flex of the telephone is so long.
+Before the horse is past the post the man on the top of the house at
+Mirst Park sends the number, and Jolly &amp; Co. signal it to Chaffey. Then
+Chaffey simply puts five or other number of baskets on his head, and the
+confederate in the Post Club has the result. Mind you, this could be
+done within five seconds of the race being settled. Now take this
+<i>Sportsman</i> and I'll eat my hat if the winner of the three o'clock race
+at Mirst Park isn't number five on the programme."</p>
+
+<p>When the result was published Phillips proved to be correct.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxiv" id="xxxiv"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV<br />
+<br />
+<small>NO. 5</small></h2>
+
+<div class="figleft">
+<img src="images/quote.png" width="8" height="7" alt="open quote" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="cap">THAT'S it," Phillips exclaimed. "I think we've got it right at last. We
+know by the evening paper that Dandy won the Longhill Handicap, which
+was the three o'clock race at Mirst Park to-day. We also know that Dandy
+is No. 5 on the <i>Sportsman</i> list, all of which goes to prove our case.
+It is a smart bit of business, isn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Exceedingly smart," Fielden said, "and, to some extent, risky. Whoever
+sends the message from Mirst Park is certainly a very good judge of
+racing. That telephone signal must have been started before the horse
+was past the post."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I don't know," Phillips argued. "In a very tight race they would
+have to wait to see what the judge had to say. But I am sure that either
+of us could spot the winner in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred within
+fifty lengths of the post. Therefore, the result would be known in
+London and signalled into the Post Club practically at the same instant
+that the race was over. I think we shall know how to deal with Mr.
+Copley now."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span>
+"What are you going to do?" Fielden asked.</p>
+
+<p>"That depends upon circumstances. I don't mind telling you, when I first
+came home and found Copley in an apparently good position, I intended to
+make money out of him. I didn't feel so keen upon revenge as I used to
+feel. It would have been no great satisfaction to me to get him ten
+years on the Breakwater, and, besides, I should have had to go out to
+the Cape and waste several months there. That is why I decided to hit
+him through his pocket. But I had to be careful, because I had a
+dangerous man to deal with and I didn't relish the idea of a prosecution
+for blackmail. That is one of the reasons why I went into this business.
+When I speak, I shall lay Copley by the heels without taking any trouble
+and probably without appearing in the matter. I shall have the
+satisfaction of sending him to gaol, and I shan't have to go out of the
+country at all."</p>
+
+<p>"You can't make anything out of this," Fielden reminded him.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not. If I were to go to Copley to-day and tell him what I had
+discovered he would give me a few thousand pounds to keep my mouth shut
+and, sooner or later, when the dodge is found out, as it must be, I
+should figure in the dock with the others. It is too dangerous a game.
+Still, when I come to think of it, sir, you are somewhat in my debt."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span>
+"Perhaps I am," Fielden admitted. "But I don't see what special favour
+you have done me&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"By getting rid of Raymond Copley," Phillips smiled. "I couldn't have
+served you better. We shall have him out of the way anyhow. Later, when
+you find yourself in a good position again, I will ask you to give me a
+responsible post in your stables. Oh, it will all come right, sir. You
+ought to win a big stake over the Derby, if you play your cards right,
+and the Blenheim colt will be worth a small fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"What have I to do with the horse?" Fielden asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I know all about that, sir," Phillips said cheerfully. "Never mind
+where I had my information. I am half a gipsy and my mother's tribe pick
+up news from all sorts of unlikely quarters. A lad who used to be in
+your stables told me the story. Nobody else would have believed him but
+me. I can give you chapter and verse if you like, but that would only be
+wasting time, and I can guess what Copley's game is, too. See if I don't
+prove to be a true prophet. The Blenheim colt will be sure to show signs
+of to-day's race; indeed, he is a marvel if he does any good during the
+rest of his career as a three year-old. But, then, the horse is a
+marvel. Still, very few of us know that, and we shall be able to back
+him for the Derby at our own price within the next few days. I will
+stick on the horse every<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> farthing I can rake together. If I could only
+get a couple of thousand pounds I could make a fortune. And you ought to
+make a fortune, too. You told me that you could find that sum, if
+necessary, and seeing that you have it in your power to prevent the
+Blenheim colt from being scratched you will be flying in the face of
+Providence if you turn your back on a chance like this."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden looked at his companion in some perplexity. He was astonished to
+find that Phillips knew so much. Whence did the man derive his
+information? But there never was a gipsy yet who was not fond of a
+horse. The various clans roam all over the country, and very little that
+is going on escapes their sharp black eyes and there is, besides, a sort
+of freemasonry amongst them. But it mattered little whence
+<a name="Phillips1" id="Phillips1"></a><ins title="Original has Phillips's">Phillips'</ins> information came, for he had certainly got it.
+He was correct in every detail, too, and for the first time Fielden
+began to see his way. He could lay his hands upon a couple of thousand
+pounds, and before the week was out he knew that the Blenheim colt would
+be at any price in the market that a backer needed. Two thousand pounds
+in itself was not much to lose. It would leave him only a little worse
+off than he was at present. On the other hand, it might bring him in
+enough to start life again as a rich man. He was thinking of May
+Haredale and all the brilliant possibilities in that quarter. He could
+stop this vile conspiracy. It<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> was for him to say what the future of the
+Blenheim colt was, and he could do this without arousing any gossip or
+giving the public any chance for spicy scandal. When the right moment
+came he could go to Sir George and inform him that he had no control
+whatever over the colt. Sir George might bluster and Copley might
+threaten, but their threats would be in vain. In the long run Sir George
+would benefit and May would be free from the persecutions of a scoundrel
+and Fielden would be in a position to offer her a luxurious home. He had
+learnt his lesson, too. He was no longer the careless and extravagant
+youth who had left England more or less under a cloud.</p>
+
+<p>He was aroused from his reverie by questions from Phillips.</p>
+
+<p>"Really, I beg pardon," he said, "but, for the moment, I was thinking
+about something else."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I understand that," Phillips said with a dry smile. "But we haven't
+finished. Our case is not complete. We must know whether there is any
+big wagering on the three o'clock race this afternoon in the Post Club.
+To get my facts I have brought Major Carden over here on purpose. I have
+paid his expenses to and from Germany, and I understand he wishes to
+return to-night, if possible. Let's go on to our hotel and wait for him.
+But I must tell you that Carden knows nothing. He thinks I have some
+deep scheme on for making money and so long<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> as I pay him for his
+information he is satisfied. You had better leave all questions to me."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden was willing enough to do so. To some degree he was not pleased
+to be mixed up in this business, though it gave him a hold over Copley.
+They had hardly reached their hotel before the Major came in. He made no
+objection to
+<a name="Phillips2" id="Phillips2"></a><ins title="Original has Phillips's">Phillips'</ins> offer of refreshment. They talked
+for a few minutes on indifferent topics and then Phillips went to the
+point.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you've got my cheque," he said, "or you would not have been
+here to-day. I hope it wasn't inconvenient."</p>
+
+<p>"It was devilish inconvenient," the Major said in his florid way. "But
+as you are willing to pay I don't mind. Now I am ready to give you all
+the information you need. Please don't be long because I have a train to
+catch before five."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we needn't waste more time," Phillips said. "I suppose you were in
+the Post Club all the afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear sir, I lunched there and I've only just come away. I left a lot
+of people there. Rickerby was there, with three or four more of the
+gilded plungers, including Selwyn. As to the first and second race&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, hang the first and second race," Phillips cried impatiently. "It is
+the three o'clock race at Mirst Park that I am interested in. Was there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span>
+any heavy wagering going on, and can you tell me who was betting? That's
+all I want to know."</p>
+
+<p>The Major went into detail. There had been a certain amount of business
+over the three o'clock race, but sundry heavy wagers had been deferred
+almost to the last moment. A large amount of chaff had gone on between
+one particular plunger and Selwyn and his satellites over a horse called
+the Dandy. Dandy had been a rank outsider and had only cropped up in the
+betting at the eleventh hour, so to speak. A quarter of an hour before
+the race there had been no takers. Then the argument grew more heated
+and finally Selwyn had laid several wagers against Dandy at a thousand
+to thirty. All this had taken place, so far as the Major could guess,
+whilst the race was in progress. There was something like consternation
+amongst the bookmakers when the news came that Dandy had won the
+Longhill Handicap by three lengths. Altogether it had been a dramatic
+afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>"And that's about all I can tell you," the Major concluded. "If you want
+me again, give me more notice, please. I really must be going."</p>
+
+<p>He took up his hat and swaggered from the room, leaving Phillips
+apparently very well pleased.</p>
+
+<p>"Our case is complete," he said. "The rest is in your hands."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxv" id="xxxv"></a>CHAPTER XXXV<br />
+<br />
+<small>A POISONOUS ATMOSPHERE</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">IT is impossible for a man to change the habits of a lifetime,
+especially when he has reached the age to which Sir George Haredale had
+attained. He tried hard to justify himself in his present embroilment.
+He juggled with his conscience, but the ways of the transgressor are
+hard, and the master of Haredale Park was having anything but a good
+time. He knew that he was doing wrong, that he was about to commit
+something in the shape of a crime. When a man has pledged himself to
+this kind of thing, it is marvellous how circumstances combine to help
+him.</p>
+
+<p>On the face of it things were not going well. The victory of the
+Blenheim colt in the Champion Stakes was a blow to him. He had expected
+the colt to lose, thereby giving him occasion to scratch it. If this had
+turned out as he had expected, he would have been the object of popular
+sympathy and his reputation as a sportsman and an honourable man would
+have been enhanced. But to his surprise and vexation, the colt had
+proved his sterling worth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span> and within the last few hours the public had
+established him more firmly than ever in the betting. There was always
+the chance, of course, that the race would leave its mark on the colt
+and that some ill effects might supervene, in which case the original
+programme could be carried out without exciting the suspicions of the
+many-headed.</p>
+
+<p>This was precisely what did happen. Three days later Mallow came into
+his employer's study with a long face and the information that the
+colt's lack of condition was rather more manifest than before. For once
+in a way Mallow was not polite and forgot the respect due to his master.</p>
+
+<p>"It's just as I told you, Sir George," he exclaimed. "The colt's been
+ruined. I don't say it isn't possible to get him fit in time for the
+Derby, because he's a wonder. But if you had tried to ruin the horse you
+couldn't have gone about it in a better way. I can almost cry when I
+think of it."</p>
+
+<p>"You are forgetting yourself, Mallow," Sir George said.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, maybe I am, sir, maybe I am. I have been dealing with fools and
+knaves all my lifetime, and I ought to be accustomed to them by now. I
+feel as if I had been a party to cutting that colt's throat. You don't
+deserve to have a horse like that in your stable; you don't deserve to
+win another race as long as you live."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George was vastly indignant. He wanted to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span> know if Mallow realized
+whom he was talking to. But Mallow was in no mood for politeness and
+told his employer a few home truths. He sketched graphically what the
+better-class sportsmen would say when they realized what had happened.
+It was useless to be angry, all the more so because he knew that every
+word Mallow spoke was true. On the spur of the moment he had intended to
+give Mallow instructions to have the horse struck out of all his
+three-year engagements, but looking his irate servant in the face he
+lacked the pluck to do so. So he proceeded to compromise.</p>
+
+<p>"At the worst," he said with some dignity, "it was only an error in
+judgment. If you can get the colt fit again before the Derby the public
+will have no grievance against me. They will win their money and that's
+all they care about."</p>
+
+<p>Mallow appeared to be somewhat mollified.</p>
+
+<p>"Then things are to go on as they are, Sir George?" he asked. "There has
+been a lot of mischief done, but it is not yet too late. But it is no
+use crying over spilt milk."</p>
+
+<p>This was going rather too far and too fast. Sir George's fears were
+aroused again.</p>
+
+<p>"Your instructions are not quite indefinite," he corrected. "We will let
+the matter stand over for a week. At the end of that time we will see
+the colt's condition. If there is no material change for the better,
+then I must scratch him."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span>
+With this perforce Mallow had to remain content and went out muttering
+to himself. He wanted to know what Sir George was driving at and what
+this new policy meant. The trainer had a shrewd idea, though he hardly
+dared to whisper it even to himself. Still, a week was a week, and much
+might be done in that time. Besides, if necessary, he knew Raffle had a
+great card to play. For some reason or other Sir George wanted the colt
+scratched and Mallow had no difficulty in laying this somewhat shady
+diplomacy on the shoulders of Raymond Copley.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the week drifted on and things remained in much the same
+position at Haredale Park. Sir George had said nothing more to his
+daughter, neither had she alluded to the detestable topic. But she was
+ready to take a step which would have considerably alarmed her father
+had he known of it. Copley was away on business. He came back on
+Saturday and made his way across to Haredale Park after dinner. In the
+drawing-room he was coldly informed that Sir George was in the library.
+He appeared to take this curt dismissal in good part and went off in
+search of Sir George whom he found sitting moodily over the fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Where have you been lately?" the Baronet asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my dear sir," Copley explained, "you forget that I have my business
+to look after. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span> have been exceedingly busy. When things take a turn
+for the better that is the time to follow your fortune closely. During
+the last few days I have been making money with both hands."</p>
+
+<p>It appeared to be no idle boast, for Copley was looking less gloomy than
+usual. Fortune was smiling upon him again. He and his confederates had
+had a rare haul over the Longhill Handicap. They were in funds, and
+unless things went very wrong indeed by the time the Derby was over they
+would be all rich men. But Sir George guessed nothing of this. He was
+only sorry to think that May should be so obstinate in refusing to take
+her share in the spending of these phenomenal riches.</p>
+
+<p>"I am exceedingly glad to hear it," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, thank you very much. You see, fortune cuts all round. What's good
+for me is good for you. In the first place, you can make your mind easy
+about that affair of Absalom &amp; Co., because they won't trouble you any
+more. After the Derby we need not worry ourselves as to money matters.
+That brings me to my reason for coming here this evening. I understand
+that the colt has broken down permanently. From what I see in the papers
+there is not the remotest chance of his winning a race as a three-year
+old."</p>
+
+<p>"It looks like it," Sir George answered. "At the same time, Mallow
+doesn't share my opinion. He is very obstinate."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span>
+"Oh, what the devil does it matter what he says or thinks?" Copley said
+impatiently. "He is only a servant. Surely you can do what you like with
+your own. Besides, in this matter the opinion of the whole racing world
+will sustain you. At the worst people can only say that you have made an
+error in judgment. The Press recognizes that you have acted like a good
+fellow and a sportsman in running this risk simply with the object of
+taking the public into your confidence. They don't know, of course, that
+you don't want the horse to win, nor what a surprise the Mirst Park
+victory was to you. And on the top of that they tumble over one another
+to back the colt, and if he doesn't start at all they are to blame.
+Still, it has been a good thing for me. I have laid against your animal
+thick and thin and after the Derby is over I shan't need to do any more
+work."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George made no reply. He sat gazing dubiously into the fire. Looking
+back at the course of events, he could hardly see how he had got himself
+into this mess. He ought to have refused to listen to Copley, and should
+have supported the opinion of such a sound judge as Raffle. Besides, he
+had never won a Derby in his racing career, and it seemed to him that he
+was wasting a splendid chance. But it was too late to repent, too late
+to draw back, and all Sir George could hope was that no one would ever
+have an inkling of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span> shame. He did not know, neither did Copley, that
+May was standing in the doorway. She had come in for something she
+required. Her evening shoes had made no sound on the thick carpets, and
+she had heard every word that was said. Not that she intended to play
+the eavesdropper. But one remark of Copley's had fascinated her and she
+stood as if rooted to the spot.</p>
+
+<p>She knew her ears did not deceive her. She had been brought up all her
+life in an atmosphere of racing. She knew almost as much about it as
+Raffle himself. The thing was plain and a wave of shame and humiliation
+rushed over the girl as she stood there drinking in every word.</p>
+
+<p>She could not blind herself to the truth. She could not get away from
+the fact that her father was a conscious participant in a disgraceful
+action. It mattered little that her father was in Copley's hands, or
+that Copley had suggested the whole thing. The shock was none the less
+painful. It seemed incredible that a man in Sir George's position should
+stoop so low as this. These plots had happened before and no one had
+spoken of them with greater contempt than had Sir George. Now was he
+self-confessed as a principal in one of the shadiest of them all.</p>
+
+<p>May stole away. For a moment she had been on the point of an outburst.
+But perhaps it would be better to wait and speak to her father quietly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span>
+later, to try to find some means of averting this dreadful dishonour.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot stay here," she murmured. "The atmosphere poisons me. I must
+get away, I must get away."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxvi" id="xxxvi"></a>CHAPTER XXXVI<br />
+<br />
+<small>FIELDEN INTERVENES</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">MAY went quietly back to the drawing-room. There was nothing in her face
+to indicate what she was suffering. For a time she sat gazing into the
+fire, watching Alice Carden who sat opposite her engrossed in a book. At
+the end of half an hour May had made up her mind what to do, and when
+Alice laid her volume aside, she began to speak.</p>
+
+<p>"How long is your father likely to be away?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, for two months, I suppose," Alice said. "But I may find him at home
+when I go back next week."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope not," May answered, "because I have a plan to suggest to you. I
+wonder if you would mind my coming with you? I suppose you could get me
+a bedroom in your house. I should like to pay for myself. Could it be
+managed, do you think?"</p>
+
+<p>"It would be delightful," Alice cried. "But why do you want to leave
+this beautiful house? What will Sir George say when he hears of it?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span>
+"He mustn't hear it," May whispered. "We have always been very good
+friends, Alice, and you can help me now if you will. I am going to
+confide in you and you must not whisper a word of it to a soul. So long
+as your father is away I shall be safe with you, and as he may not be
+back for some weeks I will have time to turn round. I must go away, I
+cannot stay here any longer. Something has happened which compels me to
+get my own living."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, impossible!" Alice cried.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, don't you know that it is the unexpected that happens? Well,
+in my case, it has. If anybody had told me this a couple of months ago I
+should have laughed the idea to scorn. It would have been incredible
+that my father should threaten to turn me out of the house. Hitherto we
+have been the best of friends, and I have regarded him as one of the
+most upright and most honourable of men. I have always prided myself
+upon the fact that nothing could rob us of our good name; but I was
+mistaken, Alice. Actually this place does not belong to us at all. My
+father is a mere lodger, dependent upon the good will of Mr. Raymond
+Copley, who can turn us out at any moment. Moreover, he has compelled my
+father to do a thing that I blush to mention. Do you know why Mr. Copley
+has brought all this about?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I can guess," Alice said. "He is anxious to marry you. Am I not
+right?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span>
+"You have guessed it," May exclaimed. "You have saved me the humiliation
+of telling you that. Mr. Copley can't say he has bought me. But he has
+bought my father, and it comes to this, that unless I consent to be
+Raymond Copley's wife I am to consider this my home no longer. These
+were my father's very words. I suppose he chose them because they
+sounded best. But it is as if he had told me to go. I couldn't marry
+that man; nothing would induce me to do so. There is worse behind&mdash;there
+is a conspiracy on foot which I overheard in the library just now. You
+must not ask me to tell you what it is. My tongue would refuse to tell
+it. Well, it is the last straw. I couldn't be more miserable than I have
+been the last week or so. I cannot stay any longer. I have little or no
+money, but I have my mother's jewels which ought to fetch at least a
+thousand pounds. I propose to go to London and look about for something
+to do. I want to come to you because we are such friends, and because I
+know you will sympathize with me. We can live very cheaply together and
+I will pay you for all I have, and before your father returns I shall
+probably have found work. You won't refuse, will you?"</p>
+
+<p>"How can you think such a thing?" Alice said reproachfully. "There is
+nothing I would not do for you, and I know we shall be perfectly happy
+together. It would be worse than death to marry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span> a man like Mr. Copley.
+I don't know why it is, but from the very first moment I saw him I hated
+him. I think he has such a cruel face. His mouth is so hard and his eyes
+are dreadful. But when do you want to go? When will you be ready to
+start?"</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't you say you must be back in town on Tuesday? Didn't you say
+something about your pupils? Well, suppose you go up on that day and I
+follow you on Wednesday. It would arouse suspicion for us both to go at
+the same time, and indeed I would ask you to stay longer only I can't
+breathe here. Knowing what I do, it is hateful to have to sit down to
+the same table with my father. I daresay I shall come to forgive him in
+time, but for the present it is beyond my strength. Mr. Copley is always
+about the house. Do try to make it Tuesday if you can. It seems so
+horrid of me&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Alice rose from her seat and kissed the speaker affectionately.</p>
+
+<p>"I won't hear another word," she said. "It is not in the least horrid of
+you. I will gladly do all I can to help you."</p>
+
+<p>Tuesday came at length and Alice Carden went away, leaving May to her
+own melancholy thoughts. She had not seen Harry Fielden for a few days
+and was thankful he had not been near her. It would be hard parting from
+him. It would be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span> difficult to say good-bye without betraying herself or
+giving him some inkling of what had happened. After lunch on Wednesday
+she stole out of the house and walked to the station. She had sent on
+her luggage by Alice Carden the day before, so that when she left for
+London it might seem that she was only going for a casual visit. She
+would not mind the new life, so she thought, and she hardened her heart
+as she looked out of the carriage window. But, all the same, she was
+glad to find herself alone, for the tears would come and the old
+familiar landscape grew dim and blurred.</p>
+
+<p>What would they say, she wondered, when they knew. What would Harry
+Fielden think? But, at that very moment, Harry Fielden had something
+else to occupy his attention. He was walking across the Downs towards
+Haredale Park with Raffle, and the latter was speaking his mind very
+freely.</p>
+
+<p>"I won't be quiet, sir, and I won't keep my mouth shut," he said. "I
+tell you, Mr. Harry, it is a foul conspiracy and there are no two ways
+about it. Sir George gave Mallow a week to try to pull the colt round,
+and he says, says he, 'Mallow, if he's no better by that time, he's to
+be scratched.' Those were the instructions and Sir George confirmed them
+this morning. Now I am not going to say that the colt is much better,
+but I am prepared to pledge my reputation, and it is worth something,
+that I'll get him fit in a month. The whole thing has been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span> arranged
+between Sir George and that man Copley, so that the horse can be
+scratched for the Derby. The public are to believe that Sir George has
+been unfortunate, but has played the game like a gentleman and a
+sportsman. Well, you may have what opinion you like, but I know better.
+Mind you, if I didn't know what I know I should have to put up with it
+and hold my tongue, because I am only a servant and no one can blame me
+for obeying my orders. But I have been making inquiries, and I find that
+Copley and his gang have been laying thick and thin against the colt for
+the past week. Do you mean to tell me they could know the colt would be
+scratched if they hadn't got Sir George in their power?"</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want me to do?" Fielden asked.</p>
+
+<p>A bitter smile crossed the old man's face.</p>
+
+<p>"I shouldn't have thought you'd ask what you were to do, sir," he said.
+"But I'm not going to stand it. I'm not going to sit down quietly and
+see this game going on. I daresay you think it will be bad for Miss May
+if this thing comes out. But bless you! if you go the right way to work
+nothing will leak out. The colt mustn't be scratched. You leave him
+where he is and he's certain to win the Derby. You are the very man to
+step in and stop the game. Let Sir George know what your power is. Let
+Copley see that he's got a gentleman to deal with. It will ruin Copley
+and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> his mob, but that doesn't matter. They are a fine set of thieves,
+if you ask me, sir, and I shouldn't mind telling Copley so. Now I would
+like to hear your opinion."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden had no particular opinion to offer. At the same time, he had
+information in his possession which would have astonished Raffle if he
+could only have seen into the mind of his old master. Pressing as the
+matter was, it was not possible to act on the spur of the moment, and
+Fielden contented himself by saying he would think over the matter.</p>
+
+<p>"But you can't do it, sir," Raffle protested. "There's no time to waste
+like that. The colt has to be scratched and maybe a telegram's already
+gone to London to that effect. The mischief may be done."</p>
+
+<p>"By Jove, I hadn't thought of that," Fielden exclaimed. "All right, Joe,
+it will be a most unpleasant piece of business, but I see now that it
+must not be put off any longer. I'll go straight over to Haredale Park
+and see Sir George at once."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George was in his library. He had given instructions to the butler
+to deny him to every one. In fact, he was seated by the library fire
+reading a letter which May had left for him. She had not minced matters.
+She had gone away for reasons well known to him, she said, and her
+address mattered nothing to anybody. Sir George was looking particularly
+old and grey and troubled as Fielden<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span> thrust his way past the butler and
+entered the library. Sir George's manner was not encouraging, and he
+curtly demanded to know the meaning of this intrusion.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry," Fielden said, "but my business would not wait. Am I to
+understand that you have struck the Blenheim colt out of the Derby? Is
+it done?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's not done yet," Sir George said indignantly, "but it will be done
+this afternoon. Perhaps you have some objection to make. Perhaps you
+would like to forbid it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do and must," Fielden said quietly. "The horse does not belong to you
+at all. He happens to be mine."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxvii" id="xxxvii"></a>CHAPTER XXXVII<br />
+<br />
+<small>BETWEEN TWO FIRES</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">SIR GEORGE HAREDALE pulled himself together.</p>
+
+<p>"You will excuse me," he said, "but I don't follow you. I have had much
+trouble and worry lately and I am not myself this morning. Did you say
+that the Blenheim colt belonged to you? If this is a joke I cannot say I
+admire it."</p>
+
+<p>"I assure you I was never more serious in my life, Sir George," Fielden
+protested. "I know what I say sounds extraordinary. The Blenheim colt
+belongs to me; it was never yours at all; in fact, it is not even
+entered in this year's Derby in your name. I have been making inquiries,
+and this is a literal fact. I have derived my information from
+headquarters. The conditions, monetary and otherwise, have been complied
+with&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't doubt it for a moment," Sir George exclaimed. "But what has all
+this to do with me? When you went abroad I bought every animal you
+possessed."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think so, Sir George. One or two<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span> were kept back; Raffle did so
+on his own responsibility. My solicitors have the papers and receipts,
+so that it is possible to earmark your exact purchases. I may tell you,
+however, that until I came here, I had no notion of this singular
+business. It appears that I forgot to advise my bankers before I left
+England and that, even up to the present moment, they are meeting my
+racing obligations out of the surplus moneys paid into my account. Now
+according to what Raffle says, <i>your</i> colt, I mean your entry for this
+year's Derby, was disposed of long ago. My colt Raffle kept for
+sentimental reasons and, for the last two years, he has been trained
+with your horses. Raffle has always declared that some day he would do
+something great with one of the Blenheim blood. When he found out how
+good a thing he had he was almost frightened. He was on the point of
+confessing to you several times, but when he heard that I was dead he
+decided to let matters slide. Raffle has a vein of sentiment in his
+nature and, I suppose, the romance of the thing appealed to him.
+Besides, he knew that you were a friend of mine and that May was more
+than a friend. He is very fond of your daughter, in which he shows his
+good taste. So the foolish old man resolved to keep the secret to
+himself. He had transferred his allegiance to you and yours and had set
+his heart upon restoring your family fortunes; in reality<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span> he was giving
+May a comfortable and settled future. He didn't want the money for
+himself. He was satisfied to feel that he was repaying the kindness he
+had had at your hands. From a lofty moral point of view the thing may be
+open to censure, but what I am able to prove I say through my lawyers,
+through my bankers, through Raffle himself, and through other witnesses
+whom we can produce. Of course I am in your debt for training expenses,
+but that, at the moment, is beside the point. The point is that the
+Blenheim colt which, bar accidents, is certain to win this year's Derby,
+as you are perfectly well aware&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not so sure of that," Sir George interrupted. "If I am to believe
+what Raffle says&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"We will come to that," Fielden went on. "I think otherwise. The horse
+has been knocked about in the betting a good deal lately and I am told
+that he has gone to an outside price again. I have managed to scrape
+together about two thousand pounds, every penny of which I have put upon
+the colt. I had made up my mind never to make another bet, but this
+opportunity is too good to be lost. If this horse wins the Derby, then I
+shall be a rich man again. If that good fortune is in store for me, it
+will be the last bet I shall ever make. And now, you understand why,
+apart from the morality of the thing, I object to the horse being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span>
+scratched. In fact, you are not in a position to do so."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George rubbed his head bewilderingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Please say it all over again," he asked. "I know you mean everything
+you say, I know you are not joking with me, but I can't understand it."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden went over his points once more slowly and carefully, and then,
+at last, Sir George began to see. He did not fail to grasp his own
+position, either. He knew the peril in which he stood, unless he could
+persuade Fielden to fall in with his plans. But Fielden had told him he
+had backed the colt for all he was worth, and he was not likely to ruin
+himself merely to save an old man from the result of his folly. Besides,
+this would entail a shameful confession, for Sir George was not aware
+that Fielden had an intelligent view of the situation.</p>
+
+<p>"This is very awkward," he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see why it should be," Fielden said coolly. "You can make a
+fortune, too. You have backed the horse heavily, and nothing in the race
+has any chance of beating him. I must consider myself. I have learnt the
+folly of sacrificing myself to my friends. In this affair I have some
+one to think about besides myself. May&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"May! What has she to do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>Fielden hesitated. He hated to give anybody pain, but the time had come
+to speak plainly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span>
+"She has a great deal to do with it," he said. "Whatever disgrace falls
+upon you cannot affect her good name. But, at the same time, I strongly
+object to any one being able to say that my future wife's father had
+been warned off the turf for malpractices."</p>
+
+<p>"Malpractices!" Sir George cried. "My dear Fielden, you are forgetting
+yourself. Explain, please."</p>
+
+<p>"I had much rather not," Fielden said. "But since you force me to speak,
+I must go on. I happen to know a good deal about Mr. Raymond Copley. I
+know you are deeply in his debt. I know that he helped you, because he
+hoped thereby to compel you to coerce May into a marriage with him. I am
+given to understand that you have done your best. I beg of you, Sir
+George, not to interrupt me. You have challenged me and I have a right
+to state my case. Copley is a scoundrel. I knew something about him in
+South Africa, though we never met. But he was in constant contact with a
+sort of partner of mine named Aaron Phillips. Phillips and I contrived
+to get an option on a diamond mine and, but for unforeseen
+circumstances, we should have made a fortune out of it. But the locality
+was kept a secret. The only man who knew where it was died and we had
+nothing but some plans to go on. Copley and Foster heard of this and
+resolved to get hold of those plans. The plans<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span> have vanished and
+probably will never be seen again. Then these two ruffians tried to
+murder Phillips. Indirectly they nearly murdered me. Phillips came back
+to England and sought me out. If he thought it worth while he could put
+the police on the track of Copley and Foster and they would be certain
+of penal servitude. But Phillips has other views. He has been following
+up these two men like a sleuth-hound and you may take my word for it
+that within a few days both Copley and Foster will be arrested in
+connection with one of the biggest turf frauds of recent years. Oh, I
+know what I am talking about."</p>
+
+<p>"Bless me!" Sir George cried, "is this true?"</p>
+
+<p>"Absolutely. I know about the whole thing. I know how the scheme has
+been worked and could put my hand upon the confederates at the present
+moment. But you will see for yourself before the week is out. You must
+not say a word of this to a living soul, and if you meet Copley during
+the next day or two I will ask you to behave towards him as if he were
+still a friend. Now you see the kind of man who has you in his toils.
+Simply because Copley has a powerful hold on you, you have promised to
+draw the pen through the name of the Blenheim colt. I won't unduly blame
+you, Sir George; no man knows how weak he is till he is face to face
+with a great trouble and a great temptation. Was not that the situation?
+Copley<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span> is in a position to turn you out of Haredale Park. He offers to
+cancel the debt if you will scratch the colt. At that moment the colt
+falls providentially lame. You can oblige him without a soul being any
+the wiser, and even gain popular applause over it, and make a fortune
+out of it by working it the right way."</p>
+
+<p>"Not a penny," Sir George said emphatically.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I am glad to hear you say that. At the same time, I can't forget
+what you were willing to do. At any rate, I am preventing you from
+something in the nature of a crime. You can't interfere with my
+property, but you can refuse to carry out what Copley desires and defy
+him to do his worst. You are safe from him, and in future your daughter
+will have no occasion to be ashamed of you."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxviii" id="xxxviii"></a>CHAPTER XXXVIII<br />
+<br />
+<small>LOOSENING THE GRIP</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">FIELDEN'S last thrust went home. Sir George fairly winced and the red of
+shame flushed his face. Never in the course of his life had anybody ever
+spoken to him like this before. And never did he feel less able to
+resist the reproach.</p>
+
+<p>"You are going too far," was all he could say.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I have no wish to," Fielden exclaimed. "I only want to save you
+from this crowning folly, and you need not be afraid of Copley. He is
+powerless to do you any mischief. Of course, you will still owe the
+money to somebody, but ere the law can make up its mind who is your
+creditor, if we have any luck at Epsom, you will be independent of all
+your creditors. Nobody need know of this. You may rest assured that not
+a word of it will ever pass my lips, and not even May shall be told."</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid she knows already," Sir George rejoined. "It is useless, my
+dear boy, for me to combat your statements farther. I thought I was an
+honest English gentleman, and now I find<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> that at a turn of the screw I
+am only a pitiful scoundrel. I fear that May has found out all about it.
+I was anxious she should marry Copley, for salvation seemed to lie that
+way, and I was under great obligations to the man. I was so annoyed with
+May that I said more than I should have done; indeed, I lost my temper
+and, in the heat of the moment, told her that if she did not obey me in
+this matter she was no longer a daughter of mine. Of course, I did not
+mean it."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden walked to the window and back before he ventured on a reply. Hot
+words hovered on his lips and anger filled his heart, but he tried to
+speak calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"That, to say the least of it, was indiscreet," he said. "If I know May,
+and I think I do, she is the last girl in the world to put up with
+treatment like that."</p>
+
+<p>"She didn't put up with it," Sir George confessed miserably. "She has
+gone, taking with her nothing but her mother's jewels which she intends
+to turn into money. In her letter to me she refuses to say where she is.
+She says she is going to get her own living and will never come back to
+Haredale. She must know what took place between Copley and me last
+night, for she alludes to something she overheard in the library. I
+wonder if you can help me?"</p>
+
+<p>Fielden groaned aloud. He had not expected<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span> a bitter disappointment like
+this. He was anxious to avoid scandal. Of course, the public would have
+to hear the strange story which, like a romance, clothed the Blenheim
+colt. But there was nothing in that to be ashamed of, nothing which
+would reflect on the honour either of Sir George or himself. Nor would
+the vast army of race-goers suffer. But the disappearance of May had
+altered all that. People would ask questions and neighbours were sure to
+talk. For the moment it seemed as if Fielden's efforts had been wasted,
+then an inspiration shot into his mind and he took comfort from it.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I know where to find her," he said. "But it may take me a few
+days and, meanwhile, you had better let it be known that May has gone
+away on a visit. We will assume that she is staying with Miss Carden for
+the present. I need not detain you longer. You will know what to do when
+Copley turns up to ascertain why the Blenheim colt has not been
+scratched. For obvious reasons we won't make the discovery public just
+yet; in fact, I see no reason why it should be made public at all. We
+can trust May, and I am sure we can trust Raffle, though you will have
+to tell Copley the truth. Still, as he will be in other hands before
+long, nothing he can say or do will matter much. I am going up to London
+and shall be greatly surprised if, when I come back, I don't bring you
+news of May."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span>
+Fielden took his departure, leaving Sir George to his own troubled
+thoughts. He was properly ashamed of himself. He knew what a humiliating
+figure he had cut. He knew how two people, whose opinions he valued
+highly, despised him. Yet, in spite of everything, himself included, he
+was glad to know that he would be compelled to keep faith with the
+public. He was glad to know that within a few days Copley would have no
+further power to harm him. He had known all along, juggle with his
+conscience as he might, that old Raffle had been perfectly correct in
+regard to the colt. Notwithstanding the folly of that appearance at
+Mirst Park, the colt was not so lame as he had made out and in a week or
+two would be all right again. At the present moment if he risked a
+thousand or two, there was almost absolute certainty he would get it
+back fifty-fold at the great Epsom meeting. As Sir George pondered the
+situation, his mind was equally divided between shame and exultation. He
+did not fail to see his conduct in its proper light, nor did he fail to
+see an honourable way out, with credit to himself and a good many
+thousands in his pocket. He sat thinking until it was time for his
+solitary dinner. He had proved everything to his satisfaction before he
+returned to the library for a cigar. He would have given anything to
+have had May back again, for once she was under his roof, the way looked
+perfectly clear. He was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span> still weighing the pros and cons when Copley
+strode angrily into the library.</p>
+
+<p>He had entered unannounced and looked at Sir George with the light of
+battle in his eye. He stood an imposing, bullying figure. But the master
+of the house was not afraid.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the meaning of this?" Copley demanded. "I hope you are not
+trying to shirk your obligations, because if you do, by gad, I shall
+have to teach you a lesson."</p>
+
+<p>"You mean about the colt?" Sir George asked.</p>
+
+<p>"What else could I mean? You promised he should be scratched this
+afternoon. It hadn't been done when I left London at six o'clock. Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down and have a cigar," Sir George said, "and I'll explain to you.
+But don't adopt that tone to me, because I don't like it. I am not
+accustomed to it."</p>
+
+<p>Copley burst into an offensive laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, aren't you?" he said. "We'll precious soon see about that. No, I
+don't want a cigar or anything to drink. I'll go home again and perhaps
+I can find another way&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think it will make much difference," Sir George said mildly. "I
+didn't scratch the colt for the simple reason that I find I haven't the
+power."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span>
+"Haven't the power? What are you talking about?"</p>
+
+<p>"I assure you I am speaking the truth. I wasn't in the least aware of it
+myself till this afternoon. It is quite a story in its way. Now do,
+please, sit down and listen. The man you know as Field is the son of an
+old friend of mine named Fielden, who at one time owned a considerable
+amount of property hereabouts. You may have heard some of the neighbours
+speak of him. The son preferred not to be known by his proper name, and
+that is why I introduced him to you as Field. Now Field, or Fielden,
+whichever you like to call him, is really the owner of the Blenheim
+colt. If you will be quiet I will tell you all about it. By the way,
+Fielden knows a good deal about you and also about your friend Foster.
+He ran against you in South Africa where he was in partnership with a
+man called Aaron Phillips. I don't know Mr. Phillips myself, but he
+tells a story which interested me very much. I have just had it from Mr.
+Fielden's lips. But sit down."</p>
+
+<p>Copley sat down suddenly. His bullying air fell away from him like a
+garment. He seemed to have some difficulty in getting a light to his
+cigar. Sir George could almost have smiled as he saw the change in his
+one-time friend. There was a look of anxiety, almost of anxious misery,
+in Copley's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span> eyes as he wriggled about in his chair whilst Sir George
+told his tale.</p>
+
+<p>"There you have it in a nutshell," the latter concluded. "That is the
+whole romance for you to deal with as you like. It doesn't matter a bit
+whether I want to serve you or not, you can see for yourself the
+position I am in and how powerless I am to prevent the Blenheim colt
+from running in this year's Derby. Mr. Fielden would not consent, even
+if he hadn't backed the colt to his last penny. You may depend upon it
+that if the horse starts he is bound to win, for in this year's moderate
+lot there is nothing to beat him. This upsets all your plans, but you
+will find that everything I say is correct. You have still time to get
+out."</p>
+
+<p>"How can I?" Copley asked. "Why, I have laid against the colt till I am
+tired of it, and if he runs he'll win. But it is no use my sitting here
+wasting time. I must go back at once and talk this thing over with
+Foster. I never heard such an extraordinary story in my life. I thought
+I was up to most of the moves, but a prophet couldn't have foreseen
+this. One thing is very certain, as matters have turned out I shall want
+every penny I can scrape together the next few days and I shall look to
+you to repay what you owe me. Of course, I don't want to be unpleasant,
+but necessity knows no law."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span>
+Sir George waved his cigar gracefully. He felt he could promise with an
+easy mind.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't let that trouble you," he said. "I think I shall be able to
+manage. Circumstances alter cases. Must you really go?"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxix" id="xxxix"></a>CHAPTER XXXIX<br />
+<br />
+<small>A DRAMATIC EXIT</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">MAY had taken her fortune in her own hands. She had, as she thought,
+shaken the dust of Haredale Park from her feet for ever. There was no
+reason, she thought, why she should not make her own way in the world.
+Her trinkets were more valuable than she had expected. She had disposed
+of one for a hundred pounds, and had no anxiety as to the immediate
+future. But she was miserable enough. Lodgings seemed to cramp and
+confine her. She missed the pure air of the Downs, and longed once more
+to feel the exhilarating stride of a good horse under her. At the end of
+three days she would have given her pride and all her possessions to be
+back at Haredale. Already she was trying to think of some excuse for
+returning home.</p>
+
+<p>She did not know how near her wishes were to being gratified. She was
+not aware that Fielden was looking for her all over London. He had
+jumped to the correct conclusion that he would find her near to Alice
+Carden, but the trouble was to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span> obtain Miss Carden's address. It was not
+till the Saturday morning that he ran against Phillips, who fortunately
+knew where Carden lived.</p>
+
+<p>"You won't find him at home," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want him," Fielden smiled. "Thank you very much. I'll see you
+later in the day, perhaps."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm busy," Phillips said darkly. "I've a good many things to do this
+morning. I've to interview Selwyn and other big plungers. After that, I
+have an appointment with one of the leading men of Scotland Yard, which
+will take us down to Mirst Park with a view to going over a certain
+house we wot of."</p>
+
+<p>Phillips bustled away and Fielden lost no time in seeking out the modest
+residence of Major Carden. He was disappointed to hear that Miss Carden
+was out, but it was gratifying to be told that Miss Carden's friend was
+in the house. Without waiting for further information, Fielden walked
+upstairs into the room where May was seated. She had pulled a chair up
+dejectedly in front of the fire and started at the sound of Fielden's
+voice. There were tears in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"So you have found me out."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, I have run you to earth," Fielden smiled. "I have been looking
+for you for three days. I had some difficulty in getting the Major's
+address, but felt quite sure that when I had that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span> you would not be far
+off. Like me, May, you have not many friends. And now, don't you think
+you have been foolish?"</p>
+
+<p>May smiled through her tears.</p>
+
+<p>"But what else could I do?" she asked. "Oh, my dear boy, if you knew
+everything you would not blame me."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I do know everything," Fielden said gravely. "At any rate, I
+know why you left home. I had a long interview with your father,
+and&mdash;well, I won't blame him. None of us know what we would do in a
+temptation like that. That scoundrel Copley had him entirely in his
+power. Now, tell me, do you know anything of the great conspiracy? Were
+you in the library the night before you left home, and did you hear Sir
+George and Copley&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I heard everything," May exclaimed. "I must tell you, Harry; I must
+tell somebody. I never felt so ashamed and humiliated in my life. It was
+bad enough to be turned out of the house because I refused to marry that
+man, but when I found that my father had entered into a plot with Mr.
+Copley to do a disgraceful thing, I felt I could not stay at home any
+longer. I suppose the mischief is done and the Blenheim colt has been
+struck out of the Derby. But though the public will never know how they
+have been swindled, I shall always feel that my father&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span>
+The girl broke down.</p>
+
+<p>"You need not worry about that," Fielden said. "I quite understand what
+your feelings are. But what you so greatly dread will never happen.
+Disgrace will be spared you and yours, because your father has not the
+power to interfere with the colt. Possibly before the day is out Copley
+will be as helpless as a child. You look surprised and I don't wonder. I
+am going to tell you something in the nature of a romance. To begin
+with, the Blenheim colt belongs to me."</p>
+
+<p>May was too surprised to speak. She sat on the arm of Fielden's chair.
+She did not seem to notice that his arm was around her, and that her
+head was very near his shoulder. She did not seem to care about anything
+now that Fielden was with her, and there was a link between the past and
+the present. It was a fascinating story which Fielden had to tell, much
+more remarkable than anything May had ever read of between the covers of
+a sporting novel. When the recital was finished she wiped the tears from
+her eyes, and a happy smile broke over her face. On the spur of the
+moment she bent down and kissed her companion.</p>
+
+<p>"Did any one ever hear the like of it?" she exclaimed. "It seems almost
+too good to be true. It is more like a fairy story than literal fact.
+But I am glad for your sake, for my sake, and for my father's sake. For
+he is my father, and it is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span> possible that in his position I might have
+acted in a like heedless and foolish way. It would have been a terrible
+blow for him to leave Haredale Park. It is only since I have been in
+lodgings that I have come to realize what it means to have no home, what
+it was to turn out of such a dear old place as Haredale. But, Harry, we
+don't appear to be out of the wood yet. It will be a bitter
+disappointment to Mr. Copley and his colleague to be deprived of their
+chance of swindling the public. I am sure Mr. Copley will be none the
+less vindictive against my father, because this was no fault of his. I
+am afraid we shall have to leave Haredale in any case."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think so," Fielden said. "Before long Copley will be powerless.
+We shall be able to hang on till Derby Day; then the gallant colt will
+win fortunes for all of us, and I shall be a rich man again. I shall be
+able to restore the old house and buy back the land, and then I shall
+have a home fit to ask my wife to. After that we shall be happy, only
+there won't be any more betting and gambling, because I have learnt my
+lesson, and it will be all the more effectual and lasting because it has
+been bitter. Meanwhile nobody knows anything about your trouble with
+your father except myself and, I presume, Miss Carden. You are supposed
+to be on a visit to London for a few days. It is lucky you have no maid
+to make<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span> mischief. I must return to Haredale this evening. Let me tell
+your father that I have explained everything to you, that you are coming
+back on Monday or Tuesday, and that Miss Carden will accompany you. I
+know Sir George will be glad to see you. He told me he could not
+understand how he spoke to you as he did. And, you see, as there is no
+one to follow your father, as the title will die out with him, Haredale
+Park will be your own some day. I know you love the place."</p>
+
+<p>"I couldn't tell you how much," May said unsteadily. "It is only during
+the last few days that I have realized the depth of my affection. I will
+come back. You may tell father I said so. I will return on Monday as
+early as possible and I hope you will be there to meet me. I thought I
+was going to be brave and strong and earn my own living; I thought that
+wanted no more than the pluck one has to exhibit in the hunting-field.
+But it is quite different. It must be a matter of custom and
+surroundings. It is all very well to run up to London to spend a few
+days with friends, but when you are alone, as I have been, the very size
+of the place frightens one. You don't know how glad I shall be to be
+home again. Why, twenty-four hours after I came here I began to cast
+about for reasons and excuses for going back."</p>
+
+<p>An hour later Fielden left, at peace with all mankind and inclined to
+take a roseate view of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span> future. Everything depended on the Blenheim
+colt. The path was clear and those chiefly concerned were going to have
+a straight run for their money. The poisonous influence of Copley would
+be removed. There would be peace and happiness at Haredale Park once
+more and, above all, May was coming home.</p>
+
+<p>Fielden flung himself down in the corner of his carriage and proceeded
+to open a late edition of an evening paper. He read the racing news of
+interest, then turned to the news items on the fifth page. Two headlines
+caught his attention at once and held him fascinated. They were
+sensational enough even to the ordinary person, but to Fielden they were
+pregnant with meaning.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p class="center">"ALLEGED GREAT TURF FRAUDS.</p>
+
+<p class="center">"ARREST OF MR. COPLEY AND MR. FOSTER.</p>
+
+<p>"Late this afternoon, the well-known financier, Mr. Raymond
+Copley, and his private secretary, Mr. Foster, were arrested in
+London on a warrant in connection with some alleged turf frauds
+which took place recently at the Post Club. We understand that
+the warrant was granted at the instance of Mr. Selwyn."</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span>
+<a name="xl" id="xl"></a>CHAPTER XL<br />
+<br />
+<small>CAUGHT!</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">RAYMOND COPLEY went away from Haredale Park with every ounce of fight
+knocked out of him. Never for a moment had he anticipated a development
+like this. He had gone there in his most truculent mood. Everything
+seemed to be prospering with him. He had only to hold out his hand and
+all would drop into it. He had no fear Sir George would defy him. Rather
+had he taken a journey across the fields in order to manifest his power.</p>
+
+<p>There had been no actual necessity for Sir George to put his colt out of
+the betting yet; indeed, it would have been diplomatic to wait for
+another fortnight. But Sir George must be shown that he could not do as
+he liked. He must understand the force he had to deal with in Copley.</p>
+
+<p>Now it had all vanished like a dream. The thing appeared incredible to
+Copley as he walked homewards. He could not realize it. He was not
+disposed to regard Sir George's story as a deliberate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span> lie, for it bore
+the impress of truth. The only way to settle the thing once and for all
+was to ask for absolute proof. But, if this were done, Harry Fielden
+would protest and, if he did so, the public would learn what was going
+on. Taking it altogether, the risk was too great.</p>
+
+<p>He would have to find some other way out of his difficulties. He had
+laid against the Blenheim colt thick and thin. He had literally piled
+the money against it with the comfortable assurance that it would never
+run at all, and that he was about to net a huge fortune without a
+pennyworth of risk. That prospect had vanished at a blow. If he stayed
+in England he would have to pay these debts, or the turf would know him
+no more. And if posted at Tattersall's, his career was at an end. There
+would be no more chance of making money in that way. He would have to
+start an entirely new plan if he meant to keep up his r�le of
+millionaire. But millionaires do not repudiate their racing debts, and
+Copley could see nothing but ruin wherever he looked.</p>
+
+<p>There was worse behind, too. It was disturbing to know that in some
+mysterious manner Aaron Phillips was mixed up in this business. But he
+had made no sign. He had not come near Copley, nor had he attempted to
+extort money from him. Yet he was actually a sort of partner with Harry
+Fielden, who had taken service with Copley under<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span> the name of Field. The
+more Copley thought over the matter the less he liked it. He had known
+Fielden by name, although they had never met. He realized for the first
+time that he had a deadly enemy under his own roof, so to speak. How
+much did these two know?</p>
+
+<p>Well, it wouldn't be difficult to discover. He would send for Fielden
+directly he got back to Seton Manor and pump him judiciously. Foster
+awaited him with the air of a man who finds the world a good place to
+live in. He looked uneasy, however, as he noted the expression of his
+employer's face.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Matter enough," Copley growled. "It's all over, my friend. You can say
+good-bye to your dreams of fortune. If we can get away with a whole skin
+we shall be lucky. As far as I can make out, we have made ourselves
+liable for thirty or forty thousand pounds, and have nothing to pay it
+with."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that's all right," Foster said.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, is it? I suppose you will admit that if the Blenheim colt turns out
+fit and well for the Derby there is nothing to beat him."</p>
+
+<p>"If he does turn out. But he won't."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, he will. But I'll tell you the story and if you can show me
+some way out you are a cleverer man than I take you for."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span>
+Foster listened with deepest interest. He looked just as anxious and
+haggard as Copley by the time the story was finished. For a long time he
+sat gnawing his fingers.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a facer," he said presently. "That horse will run, and he'll win,
+too, unless we can find some means of preventing him from starting. We
+<i>must</i> find some means."</p>
+
+<p>Copley threw up his hand impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the good of talking that rot?" he said. "The age for getting at
+horses is past. That was done with years ago. Even the sporting writer
+wouldn't dare to use a situation like this. You must think of something
+better than that. If the worst comes to the worst we've got a few weeks
+to turn round between now and Derby day. Sir George owes me forty
+thousand pounds, which I must get without delay. It is no use thinking
+anything more about May Haredale. With that money we may be able to
+cover our loss or hedge and bring it down to a trifle. We shall have to
+be contented with what we make over the Mirst Park meeting. So long as
+Rickerby and that set are not suspicious&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I begin to fear they are," Foster interrupted. "As you know, we ought
+to have had a big cheque last week, but it hasn't come, though I wrote a
+sharp letter about it again the day before yesterday. I don't know
+whether Rickerby suspects,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span> or whether he will refuse to pay, but in the
+face of what you have learnt the non-receipt of that cheque is alarming.
+Nor do I like what you say about Phillips and this chap Fielden.
+Phillips is a dangerous man and owes us a grudge. Let's have Fielden in.
+We may be able to bully something out of him."</p>
+
+<p>Copley jumped at the idea. He rang the bell and sent for Fielden, who
+appeared presently cool and collected, and ready to answer any
+questions.</p>
+
+<p>"Look here," Copley said in his most overbearing manner, "I've been
+hearing things about you. I am told your name is not Field at all, but
+Fielden. Is that so?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is quite correct," Harry said calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, what the devil do you mean by coming into my service under false
+pretences? No honest man&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll thank you not to take that tone with me," Fielden said. "We don't
+want to discuss the question of honesty. It is a subject on which you
+are not an authority. But I see you have found out everything and I may
+as well be candid. I entered your service because I had nothing to do. I
+assumed the name of Field, because I found nobody recognized me and I
+didn't want any of my old friends to know what I was doing. I suppose I
+am correct in assuming that Sir George Haredale has told you everything.
+Probably he has informed you that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span> my partner in South Africa was Aaron
+Phillips. I need not ask if you know Aaron Phillips, because that would
+be superfluous. I never met either of you till I returned to England,
+but I know about you. Phillips knows more. I am also aware of the
+conspiracy for preventing the Blenheim colt from running in the Derby,
+but that scheme is frustrated. Have you any more to say?"</p>
+
+<p>"This is a nice way to speak to an employer," Copley protested.</p>
+
+<p>"It would be if I were still in your employ," Fielden retorted. "But I
+no longer consider myself your servant. There is no occasion for me to
+remain with you. Perhaps the next time we meet&mdash;but never mind about
+that."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden turned curtly on his heel and left the room. The other two
+exchanged significant glances.</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty cool," Foster muttered.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and pretty sure of his ground, too," Copley replied. "I don't like
+it, Foster, I don't like it a bit. I have a feeling that those fellows
+know everything. It frightens me to think that Phillips has been lying
+low for so long. You may depend upon it he is up to some mischief. And
+now that you tell me you have not received Rickerby's cheque I feel all
+the more certain of it. Don't you think it would be as well to go over
+to The Nook and remove that telephone? It always struck me as a
+dangerous thing to leave it on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span> roof. You never know what
+inquisitive people there may be about. If anybody acquainted with racing
+only saw it they would be sure to make inquiries. We had better take the
+car and run over before it is dark. What do you say?"</p>
+
+<p>Foster had no objection; in fact, he rather liked the idea. Half an hour
+later the car was crossing the country and before dusk the two reached
+their destination. They were later than they had expected in consequence
+of a breakdown on the road, but they seemed to be in time, for the house
+was quiet and deserted and, so far as they could see, nobody had been
+meddling with the telephone. Foster drew down the blinds and lit the
+gas. It had not occurred to him to lock the front door. There was no
+occasion for hurry and, after procuring a chest of tools, he started on
+his work, which presented few difficulties.</p>
+
+<p>Then the door opened and two men walked deliberately into the hall.
+Copley turned upon them with a snarl.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span>
+<a name="xli" id="xli"></a>CHAPTER XLI<br />
+<br />
+<small>HOME AGAIN</small></h2>
+
+<div class="figleft">
+<img src="images/quote.png" width="8" height="7" alt="open quote" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="cap">WHAT do you mean by this?" Copley demanded.</p>
+
+<p>The intruders were not in the least abashed. On the contrary, they had
+every evidence of being very sure of their ground. The foremost touched
+Copley on the shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Raymond Copley, I believe?" he said politely.</p>
+
+<p>"It would be foolish to deny it," Copley sneered.</p>
+
+<p>"Very good, sir," the stranger went on. "And this other gentleman is Mr.
+Foster?"</p>
+
+<p>Foster nodded uneasily. He held the screwdriver he was using and waited
+for developments with white face and quivering lips.</p>
+
+<p>"That being so, gentlemen," the stranger said, "I may as well introduce
+myself. I am Inspector Andrews of Scotland Yard and this is my
+assistant. We have a warrant for the arrest of both of you on the charge
+of obtaining a large sum of money by means of a trick from Mr. Selwyn
+and others in connection with race meetings at Mirst Park. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span> warrant
+was obtained on the information of Mr. Selwyn, and you will please
+consider yourselves my prisoners. Anything you say, of course, will be
+given in evidence against you."</p>
+
+<p>Copley cursed himself under his breath. What a fool he had been to come
+here! The matter would have been bad enough if he had been arrested at
+Seton Manor, but to be taken here, to be identified in this fashion at
+The Nook was fatal. There was nothing for it in the circumstances but to
+try to bluster.</p>
+
+<p>"This is an outrage," he exclaimed. "It is a mere tale to extort money
+from a man in my position. You haven't a scrap of evidence to justify a
+proceeding like this."</p>
+
+<p>"That remains to be proved, sir," the Inspector said quietly. "I may say
+that your accomplice, Captain Eversleigh, is already in custody and is
+volunteering all the information we require. We have also arrested the
+man Chaffey in the neighbourhood of Covent Garden. More than that, we
+have interviewed the National Telephone authorities, and they have not
+been reticent, either. Besides that, we can produce the agent who let
+this house and who has already identified you. Also, we have taken
+possession of the office of Jolly &amp; Co., and your accomplice there is in
+our hands also. I don't think we have left anything undone. We motored
+to Seton Manor, but you had left just before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span> we arrived. We kept you
+under observation till now. Come, Mr. Copley, nothing will be gained by
+taking this attitude. I am telling you this in fairness to yourself so
+that you may know what you have to answer."</p>
+
+<p>Copley was done and submitted quietly to have the handcuffs put upon his
+wrists. Foster seemed equally subdued. He advanced towards the
+Inspector's assistant, then suddenly lunged forward, brushed him aside,
+and darted through the door into the open air. Instantly he was lost in
+the thick bushes. Inspector Andrews shrugged his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"You are to blame for that," he said. "No, it is no use following him
+just now. We must pick him up later. Mr. Copley, if you are quite ready
+we'll get back to London."</p>
+
+<p>An hour later Copley was safely housed. By seven o'clock his name was
+ringing from one end of London to the other. At first the published
+details were meagre, but the extra specials contained fuller tidings.
+They had managed to ferret out some racing particulars and to interview
+Rickerby, who was not in the least reticent. By ten o'clock Copley's
+arrest formed the one topic of conversation in the clubs. His name
+appeared largely on every poster and the South African millionaire found
+himself notorious.</p>
+
+<p>The news even reached the ears of May Haredale<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span> and her friend Alice.
+They had been treating themselves to the theatre in honour of recent
+events and paused on their way home to buy a paper. There was plenty to
+discuss as they partook of their frugal supper and they sat till late
+with the paper between them.</p>
+
+<p>"You have had a lucky escape," Alice said.</p>
+
+<p>"My father has," May replied. "I would never have married that man. I
+would have starved first. I never liked him and always felt there was
+something wrong about him. He won't trouble us any more and I only hope
+this terrible business won't upset my father."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't let us talk any more about it," Alice said. "Let us think about
+nothing else but your going home again. I don't know how I shall manage
+to stay in London after this. My fortnight at Haredale Park spoilt me."</p>
+
+<p>It is not necessary to say much about May's homecoming. Sir George met
+his daughter in the hall. He waited to say a few words to Alice Carden
+and then led May into the library.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you won't blame me, my child," he said. "I can say no more than
+that I am exceedingly sorry for what happened. It was only after you had
+gone that I realized what a brute I had been. I must have been mad. But
+I thought I was going to be turned out of the old home, and to marry
+Copley&mdash;pardon me for alluding to it&mdash;seemed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span> such an easy way out of my
+difficulty. I know now that women don't regard these things from the
+same standpoint as men do and, of course, I believed Copley was in a
+strong position. I regarded him as honest and straightforward,
+otherwise&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You could not have done that," May protested. "How could you? When you
+were ready to fall in with his&mdash;but I won't say anything about that. All
+that is past and done with for ever. As Harry Fielden said, no man knows
+how weak he is till he is face to face with a great temptation. It is
+enough that you sincerely regret what has happened. As for me, I am only
+too glad to return home on any terms."</p>
+
+<p>"You overwhelm me," Sir George murmured.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, don't feel like that, I implore you. But, tell me, what difference
+will this make to you? I have heard about the strange story of the colt
+and how Harry Fielden stepped in to prevent disgrace to our house. But
+that does not alter the fact that you owe Mr. Copley a large sum of
+money. I suppose it will have to be paid whether he is convicted or
+not."</p>
+
+<p>"Undoubtedly," Sir George answered. "But my lawyer says it will be some
+time before I am called upon to pay the money. I had a long interview
+with him this morning. Everybody knows now that Raymond Copley is no
+millionaire and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span> that he is an unscrupulous adventurer who passed
+himself off as a wealthy man in order to carry out his swindles. From a
+telegram I have just received a good many fresh details came out this
+morning when Copley was brought up at Bow Street. The magistrate has
+refused to allow bail, but it will be two or three months before Copley
+is convicted, and during the interval some of his creditors are sure to
+make him bankrupt. They will be anxious to rescue some of the plunder
+and there are probably several thousand pounds in the bank besides all
+the stuff at Seton Manor and other places. It will take time to
+investigate these things, and possibly the summer will be over before
+the Bankruptcy officials ask me to pay this money to Copley's estate.
+Long before that the Blenheim colt will have won the Derby."</p>
+
+<p>May could not repress a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"You are always sanguine," she said. "In fact, if you hadn't been so
+sanguine, you would not be in your present position. I suppose nobody
+knows of our trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"Only Harry Fielden," Sir George said thankfully. "I suppose, we shall
+have to regard him as one of the family, though what he is going to live
+on and how he is going to keep you, goodness knows. I've got nothing."</p>
+
+<p>A smile crossed May's face.</p>
+
+<p>"We are all going to make fortunes out of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span> the colt," she said. "If you
+are so sanguine, you must not grudge a little bit of a similar spirit to
+us. I know that Harry has backed the colt for all he is worth. It is
+very dreadful and wrong and extravagant, but Harry tells me that this
+will be the last time. How singular that the fortunes of two families
+should depend upon a horse! Only think, too, that, but for the merest
+accident, the Blenheim colt would not be in the Derby at all. That makes
+me think our good fortune is to continue. I don't think Fate would play
+us a low-down trick. It is impossible that the colt has been saved only
+to speed us to ruin at the last. But I don't like to think about it. I
+shall be in a fever of anxiety from now till May. But I'll try to be
+calm. I must realize that this is my last bet."</p>
+
+<p>Sir George was content to let it go at that. He was glad to have his
+daughter back, glad to think that things were no worse. Fate, too, had
+been kind to him, for he had preserved his name and reputation. He had
+lost nothing; indeed, he stood to be in a better position than he had
+ever yet occupied. For the first time for months he was looking forward
+to his dinner with gusto.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span>
+<a name="xlii" id="xlii"></a>CHAPTER XLII<br />
+<br />
+<small>FIRST PAST THE POST</small></h2>
+
+
+<p class="cap2">THINGS turned out much as Sir George's lawyer had predicted. After
+several adjourned hearings Copley was committed for trial, together with
+his associates, and Aaron Phillips had the satisfaction of giving the
+most damning evidence against the accused. Of Foster nothing whatever
+had been heard and it was assumed he had got safely out of the country.
+Copley's trial was set down to take place in June and in the meantime
+some of his creditors had made him a bankrupt. The bubble was pricked.
+Copley had nothing to gain by keeping up the pretence of being a man of
+integrity and substance. He stood out now unabashed and unashamed, and
+refused to give any information about his business affairs. Perhaps he
+was looking forward to the time, some years hence, when on his release
+from gaol he could blackmail Sir George Haredale.</p>
+
+<p>But Sir George had already taken steps to obviate that. He had learnt
+his lesson and was not likely to put himself in Copley's power again. A
+proper<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span> statement of the relationship between Copley and himself had
+been rendered by Sir George's lawyer and ample time had been given by
+the Bankruptcy officials to pay the debt. Therefore Sir George could
+look forward with easy mind to the momentous event at Epsom.</p>
+
+<p>Everything went smoothly and Raffle pronounced the colt as fit to run
+for a kingdom. The horse was established in the betting once more and at
+that moment there were few more popular men in England than Sir George
+Haredale. He was anxious, of course, for so much depended upon what was
+to take place between now and next Wednesday, and Harry Fielden was not
+very far from the spot; indeed, his feelings were like those of Sir
+George. His whole fortune, too, depended upon the running of the colt.
+About the only member of the party who was not unduly anxious was Raffle
+himself. He went about his business with a knowing smile and refused to
+discuss even the possibility of defeat.</p>
+
+<p>"Bless you, sir," he said to Fielden two days before the race, "I can't
+see what you've got to fret about. The race is in our pockets. It
+wouldn't do to disappoint the people now, for Epsom is Epsom. But that
+colt will just win from the start. There ain't going to be any risks,
+because so much depends upon it. What a story it would make, Mr. Harry,
+wouldn't it?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span>
+Fielden nodded. They were standing in the Blenheim colt's stall admiring
+the noble animal, which looked fit to race for his own life. There was
+no sign of staleness about him. He was apparently trained to the last
+ounce and, as Raffle said, his temper was perfect.</p>
+
+<p>"He won't mind the crowd and the horses," he said, laying his hand upon
+the colt's glossy neck. "I never saw such a tractable animal. It is a
+proud day for me to live to see the Blenheim blood doing a big thing
+like this. I always believed in it, sir, though we had a good many
+failures. I wonder what the public would say if they knew everything."</p>
+
+<p>"They are not in the least likely to do that," Fielden laughed. "I think
+we were wise to keep the whole thing to ourselves. It is just as well,
+too, to let the colt run as Sir George's property. At any rate, there's
+no harm done and we haven't broken any rules. Besides, it is all in the
+family. What are your plans for to-morrow, Raffle? If you don't mind, I
+will go to Epsom with you. Sir George and Miss Haredale can follow on
+Wednesday morning. I don't want to lose sight of the colt if I can help
+it. I wish Wednesday was over."</p>
+
+<p>Raffle highly approved the suggestion, so, on the morrow, they went off
+to Epsom with the colt. They literally slept with it all Tuesday night.
+The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span> fateful Wednesday dawned without a cloud in the sky and by noon the
+Downs were crowded with people. For the most part they meant to have a
+holiday, seeing that they were on the favourite to a man and that the
+chance of the favourite losing was as remote as a racing possibility
+could be. Shortly after two o'clock Fielden left the paddock and went to
+join Sir George and May and Miss Carden.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope all is well," May whispered.</p>
+
+<p>"It couldn't be better," Fielden said. "Another hour and you will be out
+of your misery. The colt looks as fine as a star. We are having him
+saddled at the top end of the course so that he won't be actually seen
+till he is ready for the start. It will be a popular victory, May."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes," May said nervously. "I suppose it will. I don't know when I
+felt so anxious. I was looking forward to enjoying this race, but I
+don't think I shall. I envy you, Harry. How can you keep so cool?"</p>
+
+<p>Fielden smiled. In fact, he was anything but cool. He looked confident
+but, at the same time, he was conscious of a dryness in his throat and
+of the quicker beating of his heart as he weighed the possibilities
+which the next hour held for him and the party from Haredale Park. At
+that moment he possessed practically nothing. If by any untoward fate
+the horse lost he would be as poor as he was before, and his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span> marriage
+with May would be indefinitely postponed. In case of this disaster Sir
+George would have to sell everything to pay his mortgages and the money
+he owed to Copley's estate. He would have to spend the rest of his days
+in humble lodgings. There would be an end to the glories of Haredale.</p>
+
+<p>But if the horse won! So much depended upon those four feet, upon those
+wonderful staying powers of which Raffle had so frequently boasted.
+Hitherto there had always been a weak spot in the Blenheim blood and it
+might crop up at the very moment when so much depended upon bone and
+muscle and sinew.</p>
+
+<p>And if everything did go well, why, then, Sir George Haredale would be a
+rich man again. Fielden would have more than he ever possessed before
+and the tarnished glory of the family would be restored. As he stood,
+quiet and reserved, he did not look like a man to whom the next
+half-hour meant so much. But he thought that half-hour would never be
+over.</p>
+
+<p>The minutes wore on nevertheless. The roar and fret and murmur of the
+crowd at last died down and the long winding ribbon of turf between the
+masses of people began to manifest itself. The gay kaleidoscope of
+colour gradually drifted into a ragged line at the post. Then a hoarse
+roar broke out again.</p>
+
+<p>"They're off!" May whispered, clutching Fielden frantically by the arm.
+"You must tell me how<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span> the race is going. Positively, I haven't the
+courage to look."</p>
+
+<p>Fielden did not hear a word she said. He had no consciousness of those
+tense nervous fingers on his arm. He stood like a statue with his racing
+glasses glued to his eyes. He watched the streaming glow of colours
+rigidly, until, presently, it seemed to him that one horse came floating
+easily and gracefully apart from the rest and then his heart began to
+sing within him. They came in much the same order round Tattenham
+Corner. Then the roar intensified till everything seemed to shake and
+rock, and Fielden trembled and could not see through his glasses. When
+he finally adjusted them to his satisfaction, he was conscious of a
+still deeper shout of gratification from the multitude. Then, as if in
+response to the ringing cheers, the Blenheim colt drew almost
+imperceptibly away from the ruck of horses and passed the winning-post a
+good half length ahead. The Derby was ancient history now. The Blenheim
+colt had won this classic race and a score or two of old friends were
+gathering round Sir George to shake him by the hand. The victory was all
+the more popular because ninety-nine out of every hundred spectators had
+backed the winner.</p>
+
+<p>Fielden closed his glasses with a snap. He was conscious now that May
+was clinging to his arm and that she was swaying backwards and forwards<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span>
+ominously. It was only for a few moments, however, and then a slight
+smile trembled on her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Take me away from here for a while," she whispered. "Let us take a walk
+on the course. Do you know, I feel as if I could enjoy a turn on a
+roundabout. I could even shy for cocoanuts. And only two or three
+minutes ago I felt as if I were going to faint. I never saw a yard of
+the race. If I had looked up I should have collapsed. I guessed how
+things were going only by the cheers of the crowd. I knew by that
+exultant roar that the colt was winning. But I don't want to go through
+it again, Harry, I have had enough. Now that we have all made fortunes,
+it will be so good to be at home again and feel that everything there
+actually belongs to us. Some of my father's old friends want us to dine
+in London. But I would far rather go home. You must back me up."</p>
+
+<p>But Sir George wanted no particular backing. Tried sportsman as he was,
+the strain had told upon him and he was glad, so he said, to find
+himself once more in a comfortable corner of a railway carriage on his
+way to Haredale. It was a lovely evening, too, and the face of the old
+house was bathed in sunshine.</p>
+
+<p>"It is smiling a welcome to us," May said. "To think that it is
+absolutely our own! I hope we have done with gambling for ever."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span>
+"I have finished with it for good," replied Harry. "I have won a fortune
+and a wife on the same day, and that is more luck than most men gain on
+the course. If you are happy, darling, what more do I need?"</p>
+
+<hr class="white" />
+
+<h4>THE END</h4>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<div id="boxtn">
+<p class="center">Transcriber's Note:</p>
+
+<p class="noi">Changes to the original publication have been made as follows:</p>
+
+<p class="noi">Page 68<br />
+there'll be a hatfull of money to <i>changed to</i><br />
+there'll be a <a href="#hatful">hatful</a> of money to</p>
+
+<p class="noi">Page 80<br />
+Perhaps you will be there, too, Mr. Field <i>changed to</i><br />
+Perhaps you will be there, too, Mr. <a href="#Fielden">Fielden</a></p>
+
+<p class="noi">Page 150<br />
+flat-racing was over. Probable <i>changed to</i><br />
+flat-racing was over. <a href="#Probably">Probably</a></p>
+
+<p class="noi">Page 174<br />
+these people, Absolom &amp; Co. <i>changed to</i><br />
+these people, <a href="#Absalom">Absalom</a> &amp; Co.</p>
+
+<p class="noi">Page 219<br />
+were exhausted and he could readily <i>changed to</i><br />
+<a href="#was">was</a> exhausted and he could readily</p>
+
+<p class="noi">Page 256<br />
+Phillips's information came <i>changed to</i><br />
+<a href="#Phillips1">Phillips'</a> information came</p>
+
+<p class="noi">Page 258<br />
+to Phillips's offer of refreshment <i>changed to</i><br />
+to <a href="#Phillips2">Phillips'</a> offer of refreshment</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Hard Pressed, by Fred M. White
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+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
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@@ -0,0 +1,7825 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hard Pressed, by Fred M. White
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Hard Pressed
+
+Author: Fred M. White
+
+Release Date: August 23, 2010 [EBook #33512]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARD PRESSED ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+    HARD PRESSED
+
+    BY
+    FRED M. WHITE
+
+    AUTHOR OF
+
+    "THE CRIMSON BLIND"
+    "THE CORNER HOUSE"
+    "THE YELLOW FACE"
+    ETC., ETC.
+
+
+    NEW YORK
+    R. F. FENNO & COMPANY
+    18 EAST 17th STREET
+    WARD, LOCK & CO., LONDON
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+      CHAP.                                   PAGE
+
+          I A MODERN SPORTSMAN                  11
+
+         II AN UNEXPECTED MEETING               18
+
+        III A LIVING FORTUNE                    25
+
+         IV A GREAT TEMPTATION                  32
+
+          V THE SHADOW OF DOUBT                 39
+
+         VI A TRIAL SPIN ON THE DOWNS           47
+
+        VII A LEAF FROM THE PAST                54
+
+       VIII ROGUES IN COUNCIL                   62
+
+         IX IN THE TOILS                        70
+
+          X CONFESSION                          78
+
+         XI ON THE EDGE                         86
+
+        XII A LION IN THE PATH                  94
+
+       XIII "AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN"       102
+
+        XIV THE POST CLUB                      110
+
+         XV JOLLY & CO.                        117
+
+        XVI THE NOOK                           124
+
+       XVII A FAIR DAY'S SPORT                 132
+
+      XVIII AN EVENING VISIT                   139
+
+        XIX THE EMPTY HOUSE                    146
+
+         XX INSIDE                             153
+
+        XXI THE EAVESDROPPERS                  160
+
+       XXII A SOLDIER OF FORTUNE               167
+
+      XXIII A CHANGE OF AIR                    174
+
+       XXIV A STRANGE VISITOR                  181
+
+        XXV THE DERELICT                       188
+
+       XXVI A SECOND TRIAL                     195
+
+      XXVII DRIVING IT HOME                    202
+
+     XXVIII HONOUR BRIGHT                      209
+
+       XXIX ACTING THE FRIEND                  216
+
+        XXX AN ULTIMATUM                       223
+
+       XXXI A POINT-BLANK REFUSAL              230
+
+      XXXII AN EASY FALL                       238
+
+     XXXIII THE FIVE BASKETS                   246
+
+      XXXIV NO. 5                              253
+
+       XXXV A POISONOUS ATMOSPHERE             260
+
+      XXXVI FIELDEN INTERVENES                 268
+
+     XXXVII BETWEEN TWO FIRES                  276
+
+    XXXVIII LOOSENING THE GRIP                 283
+
+      XXXIX A DRAMATIC EXIT                    291
+
+         XL CAUGHT!                            298
+
+        XLI HOME AGAIN                         305
+
+       XLII FIRST PAST THE POST                312
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+A MODERN SPORTSMAN
+
+
+It was a gala night at the National Opera House, and the theatre was
+crammed from floor to roof, for Melba was sustaining a new part, and all
+London had gathered to listen. It was rarely indeed that so fashionable
+an audience assembled in February. The boxes were ablaze with diamonds.
+On the grand tier, however, there was one box which was not filled with
+gaily garbed women and which attracted attention by the fact that its
+sole occupants were a girl and two men. Though she was quietly dressed
+and wore no ornaments except flowers, nevertheless a good many women
+envied May Haredale; for the box belonged to Raymond Copley, who was
+quite the last thing in the way of South African millionaires. He was a
+youngish, smart-looking Englishman of the florid type, was becoming
+known as a sportsman and, according to all accounts, was fabulously
+rich. He was supposed to have discovered diamonds in Rhodesia, a stroke
+of fortune which put him in a position, it was alleged, practically, to
+dictate terms to the De Beers Company, and those "in the know" in the
+City declared he had come out of a negotiation for amalgamation with two
+millions of money in his pocket.
+
+Be that as it may, he had purchased a fine old estate within twenty
+miles of London, and lavished large sums upon his racing stud, and
+people began to court his acquaintance. He was on very friendly terms
+with his near neighbour, Sir George Haredale, of Haredale Park, which
+accounted for the fact that the Baronet and his only daughter were
+availing themselves of Copley's hospitality that evening.
+
+May Haredale ought to have been enjoying herself. She did not have many
+opportunities for pleasures of this kind, for, sooth to say, Sir George
+Haredale was a poor man. He had a constant struggle to keep up
+appearances, and most of his friends wondered how he managed to pay the
+expenses of his racing stable. But the Haredales had been kings of the
+turf for a hundred years or more, and Sir George clung desperately to
+this last vestige of the family greatness. The whole estate was going to
+rack and ruin, the gardens and grounds were neglected, the
+conservatories were empty, the carpets and old furniture were faded and
+worn. But the stables left nothing to be desired. How near they were to
+the verge of collapse only Sir George himself knew.
+
+He had few rich and influential friends. He did not care for moneyed
+men, as a rule, and so the old county families were surprised to see the
+intimacy that had grown up between him and Raymond Copley. They
+professed not to understand it, but one or two shrewd observers declared
+that May Haredale was at the bottom of it, and that Copley was over head
+and ears in love with the girl.
+
+It would have been strange were it otherwise. She was just the sort of
+girl to attract a man like Copley. She was tall, well formed and
+exceedingly pretty, though cold and haughty at the mere suggestion of a
+liberty.
+
+What she thought of Copley she had never been heard to say. She had not
+many friends in her own circle. She was perfectly happy and contented so
+long as she had a good horse and the promise of a day with the hounds.
+Most people deemed her rather distant and reserved, but a few hinted
+that May Haredale could be chummy enough when she chose. Others,
+however, had noticed a great change in the girl during the past two
+years. There was a time when she had been one of the merriest madcaps,
+and then, all at once, she seemed to grow up and become staid and
+dignified. And it was not altogether the weight of family trouble which
+bore her down, for, as a matter of fact, she had no idea how desperate
+Sir George's fortunes were.
+
+She appeared on friendly terms with Copley, but, though for the past
+twelve months he had been a familiar visitor at Haredale Park, he did
+not think that he was making much progress in her good graces. Clever as
+he was, the girl managed to keep him at a distance without wounding his
+pride, and as time went on he found himself more and more infatuated
+with May Haredale.
+
+He belonged to the class of man who never counts the cost of anything
+and is ready to go any lengths in the pursuit of a fancy. He thought he
+had been extremely patient, and told himself earlier in the evening that
+before the week was out things would have to be settled one way or the
+other. And he was not without weapons, either. Sir George could have
+unfolded a tale in that respect had he chosen to do so. The Baronet was
+proud, but there are times when pride has to take a second place, and
+such a crisis in his affairs had arrived. May would have been surprised
+to learn that Copley could at any moment sell the old home over their
+heads and turn them out to shift as best they might.
+
+She sat with her face on her hand, looking at the stage, but she was not
+listening to Melba's marvellous voice. Her mind had gone back to a
+somewhat similar scene two years ago when she was last in the same opera
+house. How different things had seemed then! How much happier she had
+been in those days! She roused herself presently to find that Copley was
+addressing her.
+
+"Oh, I beg pardon," she said. "I suppose the singing carried me away.
+What were you saying?"
+
+Copley uttered something appropriate. There was a hard look in his eyes
+as he took in the details of May's fresh beauty. She was just the wife
+for him. She had a fine appearance and good breeding and would take him
+into certain houses the _entree_ of which had as yet been denied him.
+They were going on afterwards to supper at the Carlton, and before he
+slept that night Copley would know his fate; indeed, he knew it already.
+He had a kind of instinct that May disliked him. But that, after all,
+was a small matter. When she learned the truth there would be no
+alternative. That her dislike might turn into hatred mattered nothing to
+Copley. He bent down already with an air of possession which brought a
+faint flush into May's cheeks. She was feeling rebellious.
+
+"You are enjoying it?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, yes. I should be a strange creature if I didn't. I have so few
+treats like this."
+
+"Isn't that your own fault?" Copley returned. "Surely, you must know
+that if you only liked to say the word----"
+
+A sudden outburst of applause drowned the rest of his speech, but to all
+intents May heard everything that he had to say. She blamed herself that
+she had not shown this man earlier that her feelings towards him were
+merely conventional. And now she would have to make up her mind one way
+or the other. Copley stood with a smile upon his face, evidently very
+sure of his ground. A longing to get away, to be alone with herself,
+came over May Haredale. In a way she was grateful to Copley for saying
+no more. She was glad when the performance was over and they began to
+move towards the stairs. Here a stranger bustled up and touched Copley
+on the arm. As he turned to the intruder his face changed. May thought
+he looked almost alarmed, but it was a trifle and she only noticed it
+vaguely. The recollection was to come back to her later.
+
+"One moment, Sir George," Copley said. "Would you mind waiting for me in
+the vestibule? It is a little business affair which won't detain me five
+minutes."
+
+Sir George passed on with his daughter, leaving the two men together.
+Copley turned sharply round upon his companion.
+
+"Now what is it?" he asked curtly.
+
+"Oh, I thought you would like to know," the other said. "I only got back
+last night. The first man I met this morning in the City was Aaron
+Phillips."
+
+"You don't mean that," Copley exclaimed.
+
+"I do, indeed. It is a thousand pities I haven't managed to find you
+before to-day. I have been chasing you from place to place in the most
+maddening fashion. However, Phillips is here, and so I thought I would
+come and warn you. No, no, I have made no mistake."
+
+"But the thing is impossible, Foster. You know as well as I do that
+Phillips was killed----"
+
+"Well, so we imagined. Anyway, the beggar's back again, and there's no
+getting away from it. And if he is allowed to talk, and we don't square
+him----"
+
+"Square him! Why, it would cost half a million!"
+
+"Well, suppose it does. Won't it be cheap at the price? Wouldn't it be
+better for us to plank that money down than be standing in--but you know
+what I mean. It's a most infernal piece of ill luck, but, after all,
+your position is by no means a bad one. You go everywhere, you are
+eagerly sought after. Besides, who is to know whether you are a
+millionaire or a pauper? You've got the reputation of being a rich man,
+and with brains like yours----"
+
+"I can't stop now," Copley said hurriedly. "I have some people supping
+with me at the Carlton, and it is impossible to put them off."
+
+The other man grinned.
+
+"I understand," he said. "I guessed who the lady was. I'll come round to
+your rooms at half-past twelve or a quarter to one, and then we can talk
+the thing over quietly. You can see for yourself that the matter won't
+keep."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+AN UNEXPECTED MEETING
+
+
+Meanwhile, Sir George and his daughter were waiting impatiently for
+Copley. As they stood, the fashionable stream hurried by them. The road
+outside was crammed with cabs and 'buses and motors, for all the
+theatres were discharging their audiences. The street was one seething
+mass when Copley joined his friends. They pressed together towards the
+pavement, and Copley could scarcely conceal his annoyance that his car
+was not in attendance. He supposed there was some misunderstanding and
+suggested that it would save time if they took a cab.
+
+"We might have some difficulty in getting two cabs," he said. "One of us
+had better walk."
+
+"I'll walk," Sir George answered. "I haven't had any exercise to-day,
+and it will give me an appetite for supper."
+
+May looked up vaguely alarmed. She had no fancy for a drive to the
+Carlton in the company of Raymond Copley.
+
+"Wouldn't it be better to walk along till we come to the end of the
+street?" she proposed. "There would be more chance of getting a cab when
+we are out of the crush."
+
+Without waiting for a reply she stepped on to the pavement. In his
+aggressive way Copley elbowed a clear path. The road seemed to be fuller
+than ever of vehicles. Then there rose the quick cry of a woman's voice,
+the sound of clashing metal, and before any one could realize it two
+motors had overturned. Instantly all was confusion, and five minutes
+later May found herself on the other side of the street alone and
+presenting a somewhat conspicuous figure in her evening dress and cloak.
+
+She was not frightened or alarmed. She had too much pluck and courage
+for that. She thought the best thing would be to turn down this dark
+side street and make her way to the Haymarket.
+
+She walked quietly and fearlessly along, the road getting narrower as
+she went. She passed one or two men who made audible remarks upon her
+appearance, but she did not heed them. And, then, almost before she knew
+what had happened, a man by her side began to pester her with remarks
+which brought the blood flaming to her face. That the nighthawk was not
+sober did not tend to improve the situation.
+
+She looked about for some one to appeal to, and with sudden thankfulness
+heard steps hurrying behind. Next moment she saw her tormentor lying on
+his back in the gutter with another man standing over him.
+
+"I am glad to be of assistance to you," the stranger said. "If you will
+allow me to walk with you as far as the corner of the street I will call
+a cab. I suppose you got separated from your party and this fellow
+followed you."
+
+"That is so," May replied. "I cannot sufficiently thank you."
+
+She paused in the midst of her speech, for her rescuer's face was
+shining out clear and distinct in the lamplight. At the same instant the
+stranger turned and their eyes met.
+
+"Harry," the girl murmured, "Harry!"
+
+"Well, yes," the stranger laughed awkwardly. "This is rather an
+unexpected meeting, isn't it?"
+
+May made no reply at the moment. She was studying her companion
+intently. She noticed how white his handsome face was. There was the
+suspicion of suffering in his eyes. His dress was neat, but worn and
+shabby, and yet there was an unmistakable air about Harry Fielden which
+proclaimed that he had been accustomed to better things. He stood
+half-defiant, half-smiling, and yet he held up his head as if he had
+nothing to be ashamed of.
+
+"Where have you been for the last two years?" May asked.
+
+Harry Fielden shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"It would be difficult to tell," he said. "In the first place, I tried
+Australia. But things were worse there than they are here. America I
+could not stand at any price; then I went to South Africa, where I
+managed to starve. I had one slice of fortune, but was cruelly used by a
+man I trusted. And now, if it be possible, I am poorer than ever. I am
+trying to get employment at a stud farm or racing stable. It is the only
+thing I really know."
+
+May Haredale listened with trembling lips. Raymond Copley would have
+been surprised had he seen the expression on her face. He might have
+been uneasy, too.
+
+"I am very sorry," the girl remarked. "Oh, my dear boy, how foolish you
+have been! To think what you wasted! To think of that beautiful old
+house!"
+
+"I try not to think of it," Fielden said. "I was all the fool you took
+me for, and worse. It was my misfortune that I had no one to look after
+me. When I came into a fine property at the age of twenty-one I had no
+knowledge of the world. And every blackguard and sponger who came along
+I accepted at his own valuation. Well, it is an old story, May--a fool
+and his money are soon parted. But, thank goodness! I never did anything
+to be ashamed of. I never wronged man or woman and I pulled up in time
+to pay all my debts. There is nothing left now but the old house, and
+that I couldn't sell because it is not worth any one's while to buy it.
+More for the sake of sentiment than anything else I have managed to pay
+my subscriptions to my clubs. I still have the freedom of Tattersall's
+and Newmarket, though I have known what it is to sleep out of doors, but
+not till this minute did I fully realize what I threw away. Ah, we were
+good friends in those days, May."
+
+May Haredale nodded. It was difficult to speak at that moment, for she
+and Harry Fielden had been more than friends. They had been brought up
+together from childhood, and had been together at many a dance and
+tennis party and many a clinking run with the hounds. Nothing had ever
+passed between them, but it was a tacit understanding that Fielden and
+May Haredale would wait for one another.
+
+When the crash came and Fielden disappeared, May had made no sign, but
+from that time she was more sedate and seemed to have left her old life
+and spirits behind her.
+
+"I had not forgotten you," she murmured presently. "We must try to do
+something for you, Harry. I will speak to father. And then there is Mr.
+Copley. He has a fine establishment near us and one of the largest
+racing stables in the kingdom. But you don't know him. He is a South
+African millionaire who has come into our neighbourhood since your
+time."
+
+"Oh, I have met some of them," Fielden said grimly. "They don't think
+so much of them out there as folk do at home. I fancy I know the name. I
+wonder if it is the same Copley I met on the Rand--but, no, that is out
+of the question. So you think he might find me something to do? You
+don't know what heartbreaking work it is, seeking occupation and finding
+none. And I am anxious to work, goodness knows. I am young and strong,
+steady and trustworthy, and there is no man living who knows more about
+horses than I do. I wonder if you would mind speaking to this man for
+me. I've got no pride now. I have had that knocked out of me. But
+perhaps you would not like me to come down into the old neighbourhood
+again. You might not care for it."
+
+"Oh, my dear boy," May said reproachfully. "How can you talk like that!
+You know that there are some friends who were ready to do anything for
+you. But you would not give them a chance. You disappeared without so
+much as saying good-bye."
+
+"Well, you can understand my feelings," Fielden answered. "However, I've
+got to go down to the old place to-morrow, in any case. There are some
+things in the house that I need, and I shall hope to meet Joe Raffle. It
+was very good of you to take Joe into your service. It was awfully kind
+of your father to buy most of my horses. I hope there is a Derby winner
+amongst them."
+
+"We think so," May exclaimed. "We have great hopes of a Blenheim colt.
+He hasn't been seen in public since the Middle Park Plate which he won
+handsomely enough. We think he is the best horse we ever had, and people
+appear to be of the same opinion. If he doesn't win the Derby I don't
+know what will become of us. But get Raffle to take you over to Mallow's
+to-morrow and he will show you the colt. It's only a matter of a few
+hundred yards, as you will recollect, from our lodge gates to Mallow's
+stables. Mallow is only a small trainer, but he suits us and is not
+expensive. I wish you would stay down for a day or two. We shall be back
+to-morrow night, and my father will be disappointed if he doesn't see
+you. And now, really----"
+
+"I am sorry," Fielden said. "I have no right to keep you talking here.
+Come along and I will get you a cab. And if I can manage to stay at the
+old place over to-morrow I will come and see you. How jolly if one of my
+colts should win the Derby for Sir George!"
+
+There was a tender smile on May's lips and a dash of colour in her face
+as she drove presently to the Carlton. Sir George was waiting with fussy
+anxiety. Copley looked disturbed and rather ill-tempered. They accepted
+May's explanation. Naturally, they put down her heightened colour and
+sparkling eyes to the excitement of her adventure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+A LIVING FORTUNE
+
+
+Harry Fielden would have shirked the visit if he could, but there was
+nobody whom he could trust to go down to the old home and procure the
+papers he required. He was glad to see Herons Dyke again, but, at the
+same time, he was half ashamed to meet the old faces. Many would have
+welcomed him gladly, but he had made an utter failure of his life, and
+pride stood in the way of meeting these acquaintances.
+
+There was nothing left but the house. Long ago the estate had passed
+into the hands of strangers. The stables had fallen into decay. The tan
+track round the park was overgrown with weeds and grass. He was
+surprised to find himself unrecognized. A dozen people passed him with
+no more than a casual glance. He had forgotten that two years' "roughing
+it" had changed him from a handsome boy into a stern, resolute man, with
+an expression far beyond his age. Even his moustache had altered him. It
+was true that May Haredale had recognized him readily enough, but that,
+surely, was different.
+
+He would go as far as Haredale Park Farm and look at the horses. He was
+all the more ready to do this, because he felt assured he would pass for
+a total stranger. It was possible Joe Raffle might identify him, but,
+then, the old head groom had known him ever since he could walk. And now
+Joe was Sir George Haredale's trusted right-hand man and had been so for
+the last eighteen months, since the death of his predecessor. It had
+always been a consolation to Fielden to know that Raffle had gone on to
+Mallow's, with the stud which had once been his property. They had not
+been a very brilliant lot and few of the horses had ever paid for their
+keep; but Raffle believed in the Blenheim blood and had always
+prophesied that some of the colts would do great things at the proper
+time.
+
+Fielden was amused to see the suspicious glances cast at him by more
+than one of the lads. Presently Raffle came himself, a short, sturdy
+man, bent with age, whitehaired, but with cheeks rosy as a winter apple.
+He was about to ask Fielden's business sharply, when his face changed
+and he led Fielden to one side. The old man was moved and with
+difficulty held his voice steady, but his keen blue eyes gleamed with
+pleasure.
+
+"I never expected to see this day, Master Harry," he said. "And one of
+those lads wanted to order you off the premises. Just think of it! And
+they told me you were dead. I met a man in London who said he knew for
+a fact that you were drowned in the Modder in South Africa."
+
+Fielden's face grew stern for a moment.
+
+"Your friend wasn't far wrong, Joe," he said grimly. "It was a near
+thing. But that is too long a story to tell now. I came down on
+business, and I don't know whether I was glad or sorry to find that no
+one recognized me."
+
+"Miss May would have been glad to see you," Raffle said.
+
+"Oh, we have already met. That was an accident, too. I told her I was
+coming to-day, and she gave me a cordial invitation to look at the
+horses. I couldn't resist a chance like that. Well, Joe, I hope that Sir
+George has done better with the Blenheim stock than I did. I understand
+he didn't give much for them. I am told he bought the whole lot, lock,
+stock and barrel, for a bagatelle. And now they say there is a Derby
+winner amongst them. Is that a fact, Joe? Or is it one of the fairy
+tales one is always hearing in regard to turf matters?"
+
+Raffle lowered his voice impressively.
+
+"It is no fairy tale, Mr. Harry," he said. "Barring accidents, we are
+going to win the Derby this year with a colt locally bred and locally
+trained. It is a Blenheim colt, too, and if you hadn't been unfortunate
+he would have been yours. He's only once been seen in public yet, and
+nobody but ourselves knows what he can do. Still, people will get
+talking and our horse stands at a short price in the betting."
+
+"I am glad to hear it," Fielden said heartily. "I am especially glad to
+hear it for Sir George's sake. You know almost as much about the family
+as I do. You know what Sir George could do with the money. We don't want
+to gossip, but I know Sir George is a good master to you and that his
+interests are yours."
+
+"That's true, Mr. Harry. I'd do anything for Sir George, who has been a
+rare good master to me. But he ain't you, sir, and he ain't the old
+squire, either. You see, I served under a Fielden from the time I was
+ten years old till I was close on seventy, and it was a bit of a wrench
+leaving Herons Dyke. And when I heard you were dead, it seemed to me,
+sir, that I had nothing else left to live for. I ain't one to show my
+feelings much, sir, but when I saw you in the yard just now I could have
+burst out crying like a kid. You ought never to have gone away, sir. You
+ought to have stayed here and faced it out. But, perhaps, you did well
+in South Africa. Maybe you have come back with a fortune. I'd like to
+hear you say so."
+
+"I think I am rather worse off than when I went out," Fielden smiled. "I
+had a fortune in my grasp, but was robbed by a pair of murderous
+scoundrels, who will have something to answer for later. And now, take
+me round and show me the horses. Let me see this Blenheim colt of which
+such great things are expected."
+
+Raffle led the way across the fields to the neat yard along the range of
+stables where Mallow trained for a small owner or two. Whatever the
+condition of the house and grounds, there was nothing lacking in the
+stables. They came at length to a loose box a little apart from the
+rest, and Raffle stripped the clothing off a great raking chestnut
+horse, showing a skin like satin gleaming in the sunlight. The
+expression on Raffle's face was almost motherly. His eyes shone as he
+laid his hand upon the horse's glossy neck.
+
+"There," he said proudly, "look at that! You are most as good a judge of
+a horse as I am, tell me if he doesn't look all the way a Derby winner.
+Just cast your eye over those shoulders, look at those quarters. And a
+real tryer he is, too, and as good-tempered as a lamb. I always knew we
+should do great things some day with one of the Blenheim colts, but I
+never expected anything quite as good as this."
+
+A quarter of an hour later the two left the box. So far as Fielden could
+see, Raffle had not overestimated the chances of the Blenheim colt. If
+everything went well for the next three months, Sir George's fortunes
+would be restored and there would be no more poverty at Harefield Park.
+
+Fielden was extravagant in his praise, but there was no answering
+enthusiasm upon Raffle's part. He was moody and thoughtful. There was
+something almost guilty in the glance that he turned upon Fielden.
+
+"What's the matter?" the latter asked.
+
+"No man ever yet did a foolish thing without being found out," Raffle
+muttered. "Let's walk across the park where we can be alone, because
+there is something I must say to you. If you hadn't turned up yet, Mr.
+Harry, it would have been all right, but seeing you have turned up, why,
+it's all wrong and I am bound to tell you. When you went away, you left
+your affairs in a muddle. There was money coming to you from
+Weatherby's, though perhaps you didn't know it, and up to this year they
+have kept up your subscriptions to one or two races, the Derby amongst
+others. Oh, I knew it, and I am going to tell you now why I kept the
+knowledge to myself. The year you went away so sudden you nominated more
+than one colt for the Derby and, of course, the money was all right.
+Well, after you disappeared and they said you was dead, nothing seemed
+to matter and I thought no more about things. Sir George took over your
+'osses, and it was only when this Blenheim colt began to shape so well
+that I began to ask myself a few questions. It was easy to bamboozle Sir
+George, because he is the worst man of business in the world. And I can
+prove every bit of it, sir; I can prove every word I am saying. And
+therefore it comes about that this Blenheim colt--this one that's going
+to win the Derby--belongs to you, or at any rate he was nominated in
+your name, which comes to the same thing. I daresay you will ask me why
+I have done this, and why I kept the secret, and I'll tell you. I really
+did it for the sake of Miss May. I would do anything for her, anything
+to put Sir George on his legs again. You see, I thought you was dead and
+out of the way and, after all said and done, I was doing nobody any harm
+by keeping my mouth shut. And yet now you have come back home again I
+feel a bit of a scoundrel."
+
+"It seems incredible," Fielden exclaimed; "it is a strange discovery for
+a pauper to make."
+
+"Well, sir," Raffle said doggedly, "there it is, and this wonderful
+chance is entirely in your own hands, pauper or no pauper."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+A GREAT TEMPTATION
+
+
+As yet Fielden could not realize it. The thing was so unexpected he
+found it hard to grasp Joe Raffle's meaning. He was too conventional to
+have much imagination. He had not thought it possible that fortune could
+have devised a method of restoring his old prosperity. But after the
+first shock of discovery it seemed feasible. Similar things had happened
+before, though, perhaps, not exactly on lines such as these.
+
+And now the position of things as they were at the time he left was
+coming back to him. He had a vivid recollection of the night when he
+first stood face to face with ruin, when he knew that he had come to the
+end of his tether. For Harry Fielden had not drifted into a mess with
+his eyes shut. He had known that things were getting desperate and had
+staked pretty well everything on a certain race and his horse had lost.
+When things came to be settled up there was just enough to pay his
+creditors in full. He recalled how he sat down one night with pencil and
+paper and worked out the whole thing fairly and squarely. He had had
+friends to dinner that evening. It was daybreak before the last hand had
+been played and Fielden found himself alone to face the dreaded
+disaster.
+
+How clearly it all returned to him now! He had not felt disposed to
+sleep, but had gone up to his room in the silent house and refreshed
+himself with a bath and changed his clothes, after which he had come
+down to the dining-room again. He had thrown back the curtains and
+opened the windows to admit the sunshine of a perfect day--the day of
+his ruin!
+
+But he had done nothing to be ashamed of. He had not disgraced himself,
+and no friend or tradesman was the poorer for his rashness. So leaving
+his affairs to the family solicitors, he quietly vanished from the scene
+of his folly.
+
+He did not know then--indeed, he did not know fully now--that out of a
+sum of money waiting at his banker's his various subscriptions and
+racing liabilities were being paid, for it had never occurred to him to
+withdraw the various orders he had given to his banker.
+
+Obviously Joe Raffle was speaking the truth as to the Blenheim colt,
+though the other part of the business still remained a mystery. But if
+he could believe his ears aright, then at that moment he was not an
+outcast and pauper, but one of the most envied men who had ever set foot
+upon a racecourse. At the lowest estimate, he was worth five thousand
+pounds. He could sell the Blenheim colt with all his engagements for
+such a figure before the day was out. He might return to the old house
+and restore some of its glories. He might have enough to keep him
+comfortably, and, above all, acquire a position that would entitle him
+to go to Sir George Haredale and ask for the hand of his daughter.
+
+This was all very well from one point of view, but there was another
+side. His prosperity would be Sir George's ruin. Still, the temptation
+was dazzling, and for a few minutes Fielden was afraid to trust himself
+to words.
+
+"You have done very wrong, Raffle," he said presently.
+
+Joe scratched his head contritely.
+
+"I know it, sir," he admitted. "I didn't realize how wrong I had behaved
+till I saw you come in the stable yard, and you could have knocked me
+down with a feather. But what else could I do? You had gone away and I
+heard you were dead. I had to believe it, because the man who told me
+gave me chapter and verse for it, and I felt as if I had lost a child of
+my own. By-and-by I was comfortably settled in Sir George's employ,
+having as much money as I needed for my wants, and never, so far as I
+knew, a single relation in the world. I said nothing about the colt,
+because I hadn't much opinion of it at first. Then I began to get as
+fond of Miss May as I used to be of you, sir. An idea came to me one
+night when I was sitting over my pipe--and, bear in mind, nobody else
+knew--and that was that, bar accidents, I had a Derby winner in the
+stable. For Miss May's sake I was willing to do much. There was no
+chance of anybody finding it out. And, after all, I was doing nothing
+wrong. You see, in the first place, nobody will be a penny the worse. As
+to Sir George and yourself, there is no reason why you shouldn't make a
+large fortune. It makes no difference to me, of course; I am long past
+troubling about that sort of thing. But now that I know you are alive it
+is another matter. Still, the colt's keep hasn't been much, and it's
+only a matter of luck that he don't happen to belong to Sir George.
+Besides, Sir George is expecting to win a fortune, and he is not the man
+to grudge you your share. You will have to tell him what I've told you,
+sir, and if Sir George wants proofs I shall have them ready when the
+time comes."
+
+"Nobody knows anything of this?" Fielden asked.
+
+"Not a soul, sir," Raffle said solemnly. "Nobody even guesses it, and if
+you hadn't turned up I should have gone down to my grave with the secret
+unspoken. Because, as I said before, sir, there's no harm done, and
+nobody any the worse. But, seeing that you have come back, why, the
+truth must be told."
+
+"And what will Miss Haredale say?" Fielden asked.
+
+Raffle's face paled perceptibly.
+
+"Ah, well, sir," he said, "that won't be very pleasant. I'd do anything
+in the world for Miss May, but she isn't you, and that makes a
+difference. Of course, I know what you would do if you had your own way.
+You would just say nothing about it and let Sir George put the money in
+his pocket. You would rather starve than do anything you didn't consider
+right. I can see it in your face now, I can tell by your eyes. But it
+isn't going to be, sir. You'll excuse me for speaking so plainly, but I
+couldn't rest comfortably in my grave if I thought you were in want,
+when, by every right, you ought to have a fortune in your pocket. It's
+no use you arguing, Mr. Harry, if you don't tell the truth, I shall."
+
+The old man's voice shook strangely as he spoke. His lips were
+quivering, but there was an air of determination about him which there
+was no mistaking. Nobody knew better than Fielden how obstinate Joe
+Raffle could be. There was nothing to gain by threats, and sternness
+would be worse than useless.
+
+"I am certain you have acted for the best," Fielden said soothingly.
+"And, as you say, there is nothing wrong in this little scheme of
+yours. Why, you might have kept the colt yourself and made a fortune
+over him. But, to use a pet expression of your own, my dear Joe, what
+you have told me has knocked me all of a heap. I must have time to think
+it over. I should be sorry to spoil an interesting situation like this
+by doing anything rash. Besides, there is plenty of time between now and
+the Derby--pretty well three months, isn't it? Has the colt any other
+engagements before Epsom?"
+
+"Only two," Raffle explained. "And then he'll be an eye-opener to some
+people. Now don't you do anything foolish, sir. If you go the right way
+about it you've got a hundred thousand pounds in your pocket."
+
+"Oh, I'll do nothing rash," Fielden laughed. "You needn't be afraid of
+that. But I must have time to think this matter over. I shall stay down
+here a day or two, though I had intended to go back to London to-morrow.
+I don't mind so much now that I find nobody identifying me, and there
+are several things at the house I want to gather together. I had no idea
+the old furniture was left. I suppose they didn't sell it because they
+had no instructions from me, and enough was saved from the wreck to pay
+my creditors without it. I'll come round in the morning and see you
+again, Joe. To-night I believe I am dining with Sir George. If anybody
+asks you who I am, you had better say my name is Field; it sounds like
+Fielden and is easy to remember. Seeing that I am so changed, nobody
+will connect me with the old family. Now I must be off."
+
+In a thoughtful mood Fielden turned towards the old house. He was glad
+no one recognized him, for the knowledge was likely to make his task all
+the easier. He had the key of the house in his pocket. The mansion
+appeared to have been left exactly as he last saw it. There was not even
+a caretaker on the premises. The estate around Herons Dyke had long
+passed into the possession of strangers. It presented a striking
+contrast to the neglected grounds and grass-covered paths which
+surrounded the old mansion where, for the last three hundred years, the
+Fieldens had kept open house and dispensed a lavish hospitality. But
+those days were gone for ever, they would never come back again, unless,
+perhaps----
+
+"What a chance!" Fielden muttered to himself. "What a wonderful stroke
+of fortune! And yet, I don't see how I can do it. There is no honourable
+course but silence."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE SHADOW OF DOUBT
+
+
+There were many things in the place which Fielden had forgotten. Here
+were boxes of cigars and cigarettes, while cards still lay scattered
+about and the glasses had not been removed. Fielden had learnt much in
+the hard school of adversity, and he began to realize that he had about
+him the means to secure a considerable sum of money. Despite the dust
+and gloom and air of decay, the library was intact. Fielden was
+surprised at this, for he had frequently heard his father say that the
+books were valuable. Perhaps it had occurred to nobody to look for rare
+books in the house of a man who gave himself over entirely to sport, but
+here they were and possibly a little later they might appear to
+advantage in a London auction-room. Fielden was not so sanguine as he
+once had been, but at a modest computation he thought they would fetch
+at least a thousand pounds.
+
+He went up to his bedroom and began idly turning out the drawers. At any
+rate he would be able to cut a presentable appearance at Haredale Park.
+He might venture in the open, too, for it was nearly dark. The lights of
+Haredale gleamed hospitably as he walked up the drive. He had had no
+formal invitation, nothing save May Haredale's suggestion, but he knew
+Sir George well enough to be sure of his reception.
+
+It all looked strangely familiar as the butler opened the door and asked
+his name. Fielden knew the butler's face well, but it was plain the
+latter did not recognize him. Yes, Sir George and Miss Haredale were at
+home. They had arrived from London late in the afternoon, but, so far as
+the butler knew, did not expect any guest. Still, so many people came
+and went to that hospitable house that the advent of a stranger caused
+no surprise in the butler's mind.
+
+"If you will give me your name, sir," he suggested.
+
+"Oh, tell Miss Haredale that Mr. Field is here. She expects me,
+because----"
+
+Fielden broke off suddenly, for May Haredale came across the hall at
+that moment. She smiled a welcome and held out her hand. She dismissed
+the butler, after giving instructions to him to take the visitor's bag
+upstairs.
+
+"I was almost afraid you wouldn't come," she said. "I feared you would
+be too proud or something equally absurd."
+
+"I plead guilty," Harry Fielden smiled. "Really I don't think I should
+have had courage to come, only I found that not a soul knew me with the
+exception of Joe Raffle. I have passed a score of people to-day whom I
+know intimately. But it is just as well, May. Why, even Mason, your
+butler, looked at me as if I were a perfect stranger."
+
+"But I recognized you," May said quietly.
+
+"Ah, you recognized me, and I was glad of that. I don't think I can tell
+you how happy that made me. When we met in London I felt for the first
+time for more than two years that I was not alone in the world. It makes
+one hard and bitter to be always amongst strangers who care nothing for
+one, to feel that if one dropped dead in the street no one would feel
+even a pang of regret. But I ought not to be talking like this. There is
+one thing I am going to ask you and Sir George, and that is, to keep my
+identity a secret. It is possible I may be here a good deal off and on,
+and that is why I am going to drop the last two letters of my name and
+call myself Field."
+
+It was with mixed feelings that Fielden stood by his dressing-table
+adjusting his black evening tie an hour later. His surroundings were
+bringing back his boyhood's associations vividly, every object was
+growing familiar. It was just the same when he came down to the
+drawing-room and found Sir George waiting him.
+
+Here was a change, at any rate. Those around him daily might not have
+seen much difference, but to Fielden Sir George had grown old and bent.
+There were lines of care about his eyes and his manner was painfully
+nervous. In this old man there was no suggestion of one of the finest
+sportsmen and most fearless riders in the county. Fielden had learnt
+much in the light of bitter experience. He knew great mental anxiety
+when he saw it, and he needed no one to tell him that he was face to
+face with it now. But Sir George's welcome was hearty. The ring in his
+voice and the pressure of his hand left nothing lacking in the way of
+sincerity.
+
+"Ah, my boy, this is an unexpected pleasure," he said. "I don't think
+you really know how glad I am to see you. You are almost the only one of
+the old stock left except ourselves. One by one they have passed away,
+and of the score of houses where I used to go as a boy there isn't one
+to-day which is not inhabited by new people. Most of them are sportsmen
+of a sort, but they haven't the old feeling for it. Well, perhaps I am a
+bit old-fashioned. And how you have changed! I give you my word for it,
+I should not have known you from Adam. Yet it seems only the other day
+that you came into one of the finest properties and proceeded to get rid
+of it after the manner of your kind. How we missed you! But it is no use
+crying over spilt milk. I hoped at one time that you and May--God bless
+me, what am I talking about! May tells me that you don't want to be
+known by your own name, and that we are to speak of you as Mr. Field.
+Perhaps it is natural. Now you are here, you had better stay a few days,
+and I'll see if I can find something for you to do. A friend of mine
+lives close by, Mr. Raymond Copley. He is new since your time, is very
+rich, has a fancy to keep a stable, and is looking for some one he can
+rely upon to take the entire management. He has had one or two men who
+have robbed him. I am sure I can recommend you; with all your folly and
+extravagance you never forgot what is due to your name."
+
+"You are very good, sir," Fielden answered. "The post you speak of would
+be a perfect boon to me. Besides, it is about the only thing I am
+capable of doing properly. But who is Mr. Copley and where did he make
+his money?"
+
+"South Africa, I believe. He is a millionaire with a taste for sport,
+not exactly what you would call a gentleman, but I believe him to be a
+thoroughly good fellow. I don't mind telling you, between ourselves,
+that I am under obligations to him. Things haven't gone very well with
+me, and I don't know how I should have pulled through if it hadn't been
+for Copley. He has been very generous and I only wish May could be more
+cordial towards him. I can't think why she doesn't like the man. It
+would be a splendid thing for her---- But, there. I am rambling again."
+
+Fielden turned his face aside. He was feeling a strange pain at his
+heart which he could not account for. But he understood what Sir George
+intended to convey. Beyond all doubt, Sir George Haredale was under
+great obligations to this newcomer and was warning Fielden there must be
+no more nonsense between May and himself. He was telling the latter
+precisely what his hopes for his daughter were.
+
+Of course there was nothing in it that Fielden could resent. He had had
+his opportunity and deliberately lost it. It was only during the last
+twenty-four hours that he realized what his feelings towards May were.
+If he had not been a fool, he would be rich and prosperous at this
+moment, with May for his wife.
+
+The strange sensation was with him all through dinner. He tried in vain
+to shake it off. It was not a cheerful meal, on the whole, for every now
+and then Sir George lapsed into moody silence and May's gaiety was
+fitful. The evening dragged on till ten o'clock before Sir George came
+into the drawing-room with slightly flushed face and eyes that were too
+bright. May looked anxiously at her father. So here, Fielden thought,
+was another skeleton in the closet. The discovery was a fresh stab to
+him. His own selfishness and folly were a reproach. It was a relief when
+the door bell clanged and the butler announced that Mr. Copley would
+like to speak to Sir George.
+
+"Ask him in," Sir George said unsteadily.
+
+Fielden glanced at May. He could see that her face had changed slightly
+and her eyes grown hard and cold. Then the door opened and Copley came
+in, big and self-important, with the air of a man entirely at home.
+There was something in his appearance which jarred upon Fielden,
+something that aroused a pang beyond mere jealousy. As Copley bent over
+May Haredale's hand and murmured something which he intended for a
+compliment, Fielden started back for a moment.
+
+"This is my young friend, Mr. Harry Field," Sir George said. "Harry, let
+me introduce you to Mr. Copley. I think I have found the very man you
+want for your stables, Copley. He is the son of an old pal of mine and
+has all the game at his finger-tips."
+
+Copley threw a half-contemptuous glance at Fielden and did not hold out
+his hand, for which discourtesy Harry felt grateful.
+
+"Excuse me a moment," Fielden said. "I have forgotten something. I'll be
+back presently."
+
+With his head in a whirl Fielden walked into the library. He was
+fighting hard for the mastery of himself.
+
+"Good God!" he muttered, "so it's that blackguard! What a blessing he
+doesn't know me by sight! Raymond Copley and May Haredale! Not if it
+costs me my life!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+A TRIAL SPIN ON THE DOWNS
+
+
+Harry Fielden spent a sleepless night and was glad when it was time to
+come down to breakfast. He congratulated himself upon the way he had
+restrained himself on the previous evening. He had even forced himself
+to be polite to Copley, though his one impulse had been to take him by
+the throat and choke the life out of him. His very presence in a house
+like Haredale Park was an outrage. He wondered what Sir George would say
+if he had known the real character of his guest. Possibly Fielden would
+have spoken freely, had not he remembered what Sir George had said as to
+the relationship existing between himself and Raymond Copley. Plainly
+the master of Haredale Park was under the scoundrel's thumb. No doubt he
+had lent him money, and probably the price of the assistance was to be
+May Haredale's hand. There had been no mistaking Copley's manner towards
+her. His air of cool proprietorship had sent the blood humming in
+Fielden's head and caused it to tingle in his finger-tips. Harry had to
+smile complacently whilst every instinct in his nature was crying out
+against the villain's presence. He had only to speak and he knew that
+Sir George would do his duty at any cost.
+
+But he dared not speak. He had no desire to ruin the man who had been so
+kind to him. It was far better to play a waiting game. But come what
+might, May Haredale should never marry that man. Sir George should be
+ruined a thousand times over and Haredale Park pass into the hands of
+strangers before that catastrophe occurred.
+
+It had been a relief to hear Copley say that he would not be down again
+till the end of the week. Therefore he had three days in which to think
+of some scheme. It was a bright, fresh February morning, with a touch of
+frost in the air, but the diamonds were growing soft and yielding to the
+sunshine. May Haredale was in excellent spirits. It was impossible not
+to catch the infection of her gaiety. Fielden put trouble on one side.
+There would be time for that later, he thought, as they rode out
+together over the Downs. They were out again in the afternoon and it was
+dark before they returned. It was like old times for Fielden to feel a
+good horse under him. The exercise and motion drove all gloomy thoughts
+away. Still, from time to time the shadow of distress lay heavily upon
+his shoulders.
+
+He strolled round to Mallow's after tea to have a pipe and chat with
+Raffle. Everything appeared to be going well, and the old man was in
+high glee.
+
+"We shall try the colt at daybreak," he said. "Would you like to come
+and have a look, Mr. Harry? I daresay there will be one or two people
+about, but I don't think they'll learn much. I've got a plan of my own
+on foot, and after to-morrow I shouldn't be surprised if you found the
+colt going a little queerly in the betting."
+
+Raffle chuckled as he spoke, but refused to be more explicit.
+
+"Oh, never you mind, sir," he said. "There are some things it is as well
+not to talk about. If you like to turn out to-morrow as soon as it is
+light, I think I can show you something worth looking at."
+
+Fielden nodded approvingly. He woke fairly early with the pale dull
+light of the wintry morning streaming through his window, crept
+downstairs into the deserted hall and let himself out by a side door.
+The grey mist hanging over the Downs lifted as the sun began to make his
+influence felt. A little later Fielden discerned a group of figures
+faintly sketched against the skyline, and could see two horses in their
+clothing. Then he picked out the form of Joe Raffle. There was a stretch
+of turf between two banks of gorse, and the horses began to move along
+the flat expanse. Fielden strolled up to the group, and was amused to
+see the suspicious glances turned in his direction.
+
+"That's all right, Mr. Mallow," Raffle muttered. "This gentleman is a
+friend of mine. Now, sir, will you go on to the top of the Downs and
+wait for us by the boundary stone? That will be the winning post. No
+reason, I suppose, to ask you if you know which is the colt and which is
+the old horse. That's pretty plain even in this light."
+
+"That's right enough," Fielden smiled.
+
+He walked rapidly towards the improvised winning-post, unslung his
+glasses and fixed them steadily upon the little specks in the distance.
+Presently they made a move in his direction and grew larger as they came
+along. Fielden could hear the thud of hoofs upon the turf. Then they
+flashed by him, the old horse lengths ahead. It came as a surprise to
+the watcher, for he had expected an entirely different result. What was
+Mallow doing? What scheme had that wily man in his brain? Fielden
+stepped aside into the gorse, so as to be out of the wind which had
+already extinguished two matches he had used in his attempt to light a
+cigarette. As he stooped, he heard voices from somewhere close by. The
+voices carried clear enough in the silence of the spot, and Fielden
+could hear every word. With an instinct of caution which he could not
+have explained he crouched down behind the thick shelter of a bush.
+
+He thought he had recognized one of the voices and now he felt sure of
+it. It was Raymond Copley beyond a doubt. Who the other man was Fielden
+had not the slightest idea.
+
+"Now what does that mean?" Copley was asking.
+
+"What does it mean?" the other man exclaimed with a sneer. "Why, it is
+as plain as the nose on your face. I felt certain what was going to
+happen when I advised you to come here this morning. The boy told me
+there was going to be a trial, and I wanted you to see for yourself. You
+are always too sanguine in these matters, Copley, and that's a fact. Now
+what do you think of the chances of your friend Sir George's colt?"
+
+"I don't know what to say," Copley muttered. "The colt seemed to be
+beaten fairly and squarely. I suppose there is no faking about it."
+
+"Faking! Sir George and his trainer between them haven't got brains
+enough for that. They belong to the old-fashioned school who pride
+themselves upon doing everything above board. And a precious good job
+for you and me, because they find the money to keep and train horses and
+we sail in when it comes to making a book. Perhaps you're sorry you had
+anything on the Blenheim colt."
+
+"Oh, you were quite right to bring me here," Copley replied. "I owe you
+one for this day's work. But the worst of it is I have backed that horse
+for a big stake, just when I don't know where to turn for ready money.
+If anybody knew my present position, a good many people would be anxious
+to have an interview with Raymond Copley, the South African millionaire.
+Then there's that scoundrel Phillips to be reckoned with. But come
+along, let us go before anybody sees us. After breakfast----"
+
+"Breakfast be hanged!" the other man broke out impatiently. "What's the
+use of worrying about breakfast with a bit of information like this in
+our pockets? The delay of half an hour may make all the difference in
+the world. Besides, there may be a dozen other people watching for all
+we know."
+
+"Well, what do you suggest?" Copley asked.
+
+"Suggest, who wants to suggest anything? What we have to do is to get
+back to your place as soon as possible and take the motor straight to
+town. By ten o'clock we can get our commission on the market at our own
+price. Then we can have as much breakfast as you like. That's the worst
+of you, Copley. You always think everything can wait. Now come on."
+
+The voices died away in the distance, and then Fielden straightened
+himself again. He was somewhat mystified by what he had seen. He was
+puzzled to know what Joe Raffle and Mallow were driving at. But no doubt
+the old man would tell him at the first opportunity. Some clever scheme
+was in the wind. It was just possible, too, that Raffle expected that
+Copley and his friend would be there. It was more than possible that
+Raffle knew the class of scoundrel he had to deal with. The old man was
+coming down the wide stretch of turf, and Fielden looked eagerly towards
+him. As he vaulted a patch of gorse, his left foot dropped on something
+soft, like a bundle, and he was thrown violently to his knees. Then he
+turned to find that he had stumbled upon the figure of a man lying at
+the foot of the gorse bush, snugly rolled up in a railway rug. Here was
+another tout, beyond doubt, another of the hateful tribe which has
+always been the detestation of every racing man. Fielden turned upon him
+savagely and demanded what he was doing there. He bent over the stranger
+threateningly, and the latter rose to his feet.
+
+"Keep your temper," he said. "I'm doing no harm. I'm not the only one
+who has earned a bit on the Downs this morning. Hands off, please. Why,
+bless my soul! if it isn't Mr. Fielden."
+
+Harry stared in amazement at the mention of his name. For a moment he
+did not recognize the dark unshaven features of the man. They seemed
+familiar, yet somehow he failed to connect them with time, or space, or
+locality.
+
+Then it suddenly came to him.
+
+"Aaron Phillips!" he exclaimed. "Now is it Luck that has sent you here,
+or Coincidence?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A LEAF FROM THE PAST
+
+
+Aaron Phillips was standing up with something like a smile upon his
+face. He was a short, slim person, swarthy and foreign-looking, except
+for the pair of keen blue eyes which bespoke the Anglo-Saxon in his
+blood. From the roots of his hair across to his left temple was a long,
+angry red furrow which looked like a comparatively freshly-healed wound.
+As to the rest, he was fairly well dressed, with that indescribable air
+of nattiness which usually pertains to those who belong to the _genus_
+"horsey."
+
+"Glad to meet you, Mr. Fielden," he grinned.
+
+"I shall be obliged if you won't use that name here," Harry replied.
+"For the present my name is Field, and I want you not to forget it. But
+how did you manage to get home again? I thought you were dead."
+
+Phillips indicated the scar on his forehead.
+
+"It was a near thing, Mr. Fielden, I beg pardon, Field. It wasn't the
+fault of those scoundrels, I can tell you. They left me for dead, and if
+I hadn't been picked up by some of the boys I should have died of
+starvation on the veldt. As it was, I had a very close shave, and so did
+Copley and Foster, for the matter of that. Our friends chased them all
+across the Colony and how they managed to escape was a mystery to me.
+Still, perhaps it is as well. There are more ways than one of taking
+revenge."
+
+The little man's eyes gleamed as he spoke. He glanced meaningly at
+Fielden and jingled a few coppers in his pocket.
+
+"Make them pay for it, you mean," Fielden smiled.
+
+"That's it, sir, you've got it first time. Now, as you know perfectly
+well, there are a dozen or more people out yonder who would give a good
+round sum to have Copley on the end of a rope, or within reach of a
+revolver shot. They are not the sort to give information to the police,
+because that is not the way we used to do things. Still, if I like to
+open my mouth widely enough I could make it deuced hot for Copley & Co.
+I could have them conveyed to Cape Town, and it wouldn't take me long to
+find evidence enough to give those two chaps ten years on the
+Breakwater. Yes, sir, I'd have done it, too, but there's a better way
+than that. It took me the best part of a year or more to scrape enough
+money together to pay my passage home. I had heard some queer stories
+about Copley, and I wanted to find out if they were true. What do I see
+when I reach London? Why, Copley with a set of offices in the
+city--Copley with a suite of rooms at a palatial hotel--Copley with a
+place in the country and a string of race-horses. Oh, I tell you, Mr.
+Fielden--Field, I mean--I rubbed my hands when I heard of it. Thinks I
+to myself, 'This is a better game than handing Copley over to the South
+African police.' I don't quite know yet how Copley has managed it, but
+here he is ruffling it with the best, spending money like water, and
+going to marry the daughter of a baronet in these parts."
+
+Fielden's face flushed angrily. He winced at this home thrust on
+Phillips' part. So already people were coupling May Haredale's name with
+Copley. It had not occurred to him that things had gone as far as that.
+However, Phillips could not be expected to know this. He was merely
+innocently repeating local gossip.
+
+"I suppose you mean to have some of this money?" he asked.
+
+"If you don't mind my using the expression, I am going to blackmail
+Copley. I am not afraid of the blackguard here. There is no chance of
+his trying on any of his murderous tricks in England. He knows I have
+come back, but as yet I have not waited upon him. I have had a hint to
+call from Foster, but I am not taking any of that, thank you. You don't
+catch me dropping into a police trap with a chance of being prosecuted
+and hustled out of the country before I know where I am. When I do
+strike it will be in a different way altogether. For the present, I have
+been looking around asking questions, because, you see, it will be of
+considerable advantage to me to find out where Copley is getting his
+money. That he is earning it honestly I don't believe. He couldn't do it
+if he wanted to. He is the sort of blackguard who would rather make five
+pounds dishonestly than a tenner by legitimate business."
+
+"I suppose you never found those plans?" Fielden asked.
+
+Phillips swore heartily.
+
+"Never, sir," he said. "They were in my portmanteau, as you know. I had
+the portmanteau in my possession when those blackguards attacked me, and
+they had to levant without it, so closely were they pressed. But when I
+was well again I asked for my baggage and no one could tell me what had
+become of it. It vanished in a most mysterious manner. If you ask me,
+the portmanteau was stolen by one of those thievish Kaffre boys. It
+makes me wild when I think of it. Probably it is concealed in a Kaffre
+hut. In the old portmanteau is a scrap of paper which is worth hundreds
+of thousands to us. I say us, because it is yours just as much as it is
+mine. I don't belong to your class, Mr. Fielden, but you played the
+game and were always a white man. And if those papers ever do come to
+hand, I shall do the fair thing by you. It doesn't follow because I
+happen to be the son of a sporting publican that I don't know the
+difference between right and wrong. But what's the good of worrying
+about that? We shall never see those papers again, and as far as we are
+concerned that diamond mine might never have existed. But what are you
+doing here?"
+
+"I used to live close by," Fielden explained. "Most of this was once my
+property. Sir George Haredale's trainer employs an old servant of mine
+and I came out this morning to see that trial. I might ask you the same
+question."
+
+Phillips' blue eyes twinkled.
+
+"Bit of a disappointment, wasn't it?" he asked.
+
+"What do you know about it?" Fielden demanded.
+
+"Oh, well, sir, we are not partners in this job, at any rate. If you
+like to keep your counsel, I am perfectly willing to keep mine. Old
+Raffle is as straight as they make 'em, but he is a downy old fox all
+the same, and pretty neatly he drew the feather over Copley's eye this
+morning. Oh, yes, I heard all those blackguards had to say; in fact, I
+followed them here. I am glad I came, because I heard something that
+confirmed my suspicions."
+
+"You mean as to Copley's movements?"
+
+"To be sure. I wanted to know where Copley is getting his money. I know
+he isn't paying his tradesmen, but that doesn't matter, for a man with
+a reputation for wealth can get as much credit as he likes. But Copley
+is flying at high game and must have the command of a good deal of ready
+cash. Now where does it come from? What sort of a swindle is on? Why
+were they so anxious to watch the trial of the Blenheim colt this
+morning? And, by the way, Mr. Fielden, you must give old Raffle a hint
+to keep his eye on the stable lads. Somebody has been betraying
+confidence. It doesn't matter this time, because Copley was fooled this
+morning as easily as if he had been a schoolboy. But I am getting a bit
+away from the point. I was going to tell you where Copley got his money.
+Well, it's a betting swindle, one of the biggest and most ingenious that
+has been attempted on the turf for many a long day. I just heard enough
+to put me on the track. But I've my work cut out before I reach the
+bottom of it. You have no occasion to love Copley----"
+
+"Indeed, I haven't," Fielden said bitterly. "I have every reason for
+disliking the man, every reason for exposing him before Miss--well,
+before things have gone too far. If I can help you, I will do so
+cheerfully."
+
+"That's right," Phillips said approvingly. "Now where can I see you for
+half an hour in the course of the afternoon? We mustn't stay talking
+here. There is old Raffle."
+
+Fielden thought it over for a moment or two. He was glad enough to meet
+this old South African comrade of his again. In several respects
+Phillips was anything but a desirable acquaintance. His upbringing had
+been none too strict, but, at the same time, he had a rough code of
+honour, and it was one of his proudest boasts that he never forgot a
+friend or a favour. Probably he had had his own reasons for leaving
+England suddenly, and no doubt those reasons had something to do with
+the turf. At any rate, he had a profound and intricate knowledge of
+racing matters, and there was no swindle or trick with which he was not
+familiar.
+
+"You had better meet me at Heron's Dyke," Fielden said. "You can be
+outside in the road about a quarter to five. There is nobody on the
+premises. I have the key in my pocket, and I daresay I shall manage to
+get a light from somewhere."
+
+Phillips disappeared amongst the high gorse. As Fielden stepped into the
+open he saw Raffle looking about for him. There was a shrewd smile on
+the old man's face, and he did not appear in the least disconcerted by
+the result of the trial.
+
+"Well?" Fielden asked. "What about your Derby winner now?"
+
+Raffle's eye contracted in a wink.
+
+"It's all right, sir," he said. "The trial was a great success. Did you
+happen to see anybody in the gorse?"
+
+"Yes," Fielden replied. "I saw Mr. Copley."
+
+"And a friend," Raffle chuckled. "I know all about it. And between you
+and me, sir, I got this up for the benefit of Mr. Copley, who is about
+the greatest rascal unhanged, and that's saying a good deal. It was high
+time you came back."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+ROGUES IN COUNCIL
+
+
+Raffle strode sturdily along, refusing to say another word. What
+deep-laid schemes the old man had in his mind Fielden could only faintly
+guess. At any rate it was good to know that Raffle was satisfied, and
+that some careful plan was afoot with a view to Copley's discomfiture.
+
+"Perhaps you are wise to keep your own counsel," Fielden said. "But I've
+learnt something this morning, too, Raffle. There is somebody in the
+stable who is disclosing secrets, and the sooner you know it the
+better."
+
+"I know it already," Raffle grinned. "It is all part of the scheme. They
+have got hold of one of the boys, and I am watching him carefully. I let
+him take away just as much information as I like. Don't you worry about
+me, Mr. Harry. I haven't been at this game for fifty years without
+learning a thing or two. I have always made it a rule to go straight
+myself, but that is no reason why I should keep my eyes closed to the
+doings of other people."
+
+"Quite right," Fielden said approvingly. "But what do you know about
+Mr. Copley? He is a stranger in these parts."
+
+"That may be, sir, but he is no stranger to me. I never forget a face,
+and I've been on every racecourse in the country during the last five
+and twenty years. The first time I saw Mr. Copley, he was being shown
+round the stables by Sir George. I didn't like him, and I didn't like
+his manner, and thinks I to myself, 'I wonder where I've seen _you_
+before?' Suddenly there flashes into my mind a little incident that
+happened at Lincoln. I can see it as plain as I can see this book in my
+hand. And then I knew that Mr. Copley, the African millionaire, was one
+and the same with the welsher that I had seen half killed at Lincoln a
+good many years ago. Well, it wasn't for me to say anything about it,
+because I can find you a score of men to-day, rich and prosperous men,
+who started life amongst the scum of the racecourse. I have been making
+a few inquiries amongst my old pals, and it is just as I expected. Mr.
+Copley may be a rich man now, but he is just as big a scamp as ever he
+was, and Sir George ought to know it. I tell you, Mr. Harry, it fairly
+makes my blood boil to see that blackguard swaggering about here and
+hanging around Miss May as if she belonged to him. It fair spoils my
+enjoyment and my food, it does. But you see how difficult it is for a
+man in my position to interfere. But your case is different."
+
+Fielden shook his head sadly. His case was very different indeed. More
+and more bitterly did he blame himself for the heedless, senseless folly
+which had brought him to his present pitch. How changed things might
+have been if he had only shown ordinary prudence! What would he gain if
+he went to Sir George with these vague stories about Copley? He could
+not doubt but that Sir George was deeply in Copley's debt, and that
+Copley had brought this about so that, when the time came, he could
+force May to marry him. These painful thoughts were uppermost in his
+mind as he strode back to the house. He could not shake them off, though
+May rallied him on his quietness and offered him the proverbial penny
+for his thoughts.
+
+"I know what is the matter," she said gaily. "You are fretting because
+you have nothing to do. But that won't be for long. Do you know that we
+are dining with Mr. Copley to-night, and that you have been included in
+the invitation? Mr. Copley telephoned from London this morning, and you
+were especially mentioned by name. I am sure if I put in a word for you
+the post will be as good as yours. Before long you will be occupying an
+important place in the racing world, and the rest is in your own hands.
+You have the consolation, too, of knowing that no one has recognized
+you."
+
+It was on the tip of Fielden's tongue to refuse. It was repugnant to his
+instincts to take service with a man like Copley. Yet, on the other
+hand, it was fair enough to fight this fellow with his own weapons.
+Through him Fielden had lost the chance of his lifetime. But for him and
+his rascally associates, Fielden and Phillips would have been rich men
+to-day. Moreover, if something were not done speedily, a fate which was
+worse than death awaited May Haredale. To turn his back upon a chance
+like this would be to precipitate the very calamity which he was most
+anxious to avert. Copley was the type of strong man who always gets his
+way. He was not the least scrupulous as to his methods, and Sir George
+Haredale was bound to him hand and foot. It would be far better to seize
+this coign of vantage, especially as Copley had not the smallest idea of
+the bitter enemy he was maintaining under his roof.
+
+Meanwhile, Copley and his friend Foster had returned from town. They
+reached Copley's establishment, Seton Manor, just before dark. They had
+not lost any time. Apparently they had done their work fairly well, for,
+according to the late evening papers, the Blenheim colt had receded
+steadily in the betting. People were asking themselves what had
+happened. Most of the public knew and respected Sir George Haredale. Not
+the faintest shadow rested on his reputation, and this fact had had
+somewhat of a steady effect on the market. But though a certain division
+had rushed in at these improved prices to back their fancy, there
+seemed to be an unlimited amount of money ready to be laid against the
+horse. At any rate, Copley was fairly satisfied. He had invested several
+thousand pounds against the Blenheim colt, which, in his opinion, was
+already as good as out of the running altogether.
+
+He came into what he called his library just before dinner and found
+Foster awaiting him. Both were in evening dress, both exceedingly shiny
+and glossy, and both carried more jewellery than was in accordance with
+good taste. The guests were not expected for half an hour, so Copley
+helped himself liberally to brandy and soda and lighted a fresh
+cigarette.
+
+"Any letters?" he asked.
+
+"Nothing of importance," Foster replied. "When I left you this morning I
+went round to see if I could see anything of Phillips. He wasn't at his
+lodgings, and they said he wasn't expected back till to-morrow. Now what
+are you going to do about that chap?"
+
+"Oh, let him go to the devil!" Copley growled.
+
+"My dear Copley, why do you always talk like that? Why do you think that
+every man is a fool except yourself? You appear to be very prosperous.
+Nobody can deny your courage. And because you are not afraid of Phillips
+you seem to think he isn't dangerous. I think he is. Suppose he goes to
+Scotland Yard and lays his information before the people there, and
+suppose they communicate with the authorities in Cape Town, the result
+will be an application for your arrest, and once you get out there you
+know what will happen. It will be all U.P."
+
+"Thinking about your own skin," Copley sneered.
+
+"Well, and what if I am? I haven't got a sanguine temperament like
+yours. Of course, we could buy Phillips off; at least we could buy him
+off for the time being and keep his mouth shut till we devised some plan
+for getting rid of him altogether. But he is a cunning devil, is Aaron
+Phillips, and has learnt how to profit by past experience. It is no use
+asking him to come to your hotel. He isn't going to walk into a trap
+like that, and he isn't going to wait much longer, either. If we could
+give him a thousand pounds just to go on with, why----"
+
+"A thousand devils," Copley exclaimed furiously. "Where am I going to
+get a thousand pounds? I mean, where am I going to get it just at this
+moment? I've got this place here, which isn't paid for. I managed to get
+the bank to advance the money till I could complete the purchase, and
+the furnishing was an easy matter. One can get as much credit as one
+likes in this country, provided one winks at extortionate charges. As I
+will never pay for the stuff at all, the West End tradesmen can charge
+what they please. But the fact remains that though people are tumbling
+over one another to get my custom I am fairly at my wits' end for ready
+cash. Of course, it will be all right when the flat season begins in
+earnest. With any luck there'll be a hatful of money to share between
+us before the October meeting at Newmarket. We ought to make over a
+thousand pounds at Mirst Park on Saturday week. I suppose you've got it
+all ready. Got the telephone in place? The worst of this game is that
+one has to take so many people into one's confidence."
+
+"That's all right," Foster explained. "Everything is in its place now. I
+went down to Mirst Park the day before yesterday. The house is finished
+and all the workmen have gone. The telephone is in good order, because I
+tried it. The man who fixed up the extension from the hall to the roof
+was a bit curious, but I managed to put him off the scent by some lie
+about the doctor's orders and a patient who had been recommended to try
+outdoor treatment. But we ought to have a mechanic of our own, Copley.
+If any hint of our little secret leaked out, the man who fixed that
+extended telephone would be certain to see it, and naturally he would
+ask himself a question or two. The fewer outsiders we have to deal with
+the better."
+
+"There's no doubt of that," Copley agreed. "Then there's nothing to
+settle now. Did you rehearse the bit in Covent Garden?"
+
+"Oh, yes. I was in the office we have taken next door to the Post Club,
+and went through the whole thing with Radley, who was stationed outside.
+There wasn't a hitch anywhere. I don't see why we shouldn't clear a
+thousand pounds; indeed, we might make a great deal more. But perhaps it
+would be just as well to be on the safe side. It would be a fatal
+mistake to arouse the suspicions of the bookmakers at the beginning, and
+if this scheme breaks down we've got another one."
+
+Copley smiled as he finished his brandy and soda. He threw the end of
+his cigarette into the grate as the door bell rang.
+
+"Come along," he said. "Here are our guests. Let us go into the
+drawing-room and wait for them. We must assume respectability even if we
+have it not."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+IN THE TOILS
+
+
+In spite of his dislike of Copley, Fielden could not see much to object
+to in his manner as he came forward to receive his guests. He was,
+perhaps, a trifle loud and domineering, perhaps a little too familiar in
+the way in which he held May Haredale's hand in his. Foster more or less
+obliterated himself. It was his role in company to play the confidential
+servant. He was quiet and subdued, though nothing escaped his sharp
+glance. The dinner was excellent. Everything was in good taste, as
+Fielden was forced to admit. The talk, for the most part, was lively and
+was kept principally to the topic of sport. Afterwards there was a move
+towards the billiard-room, and ere he realized it, Fielden found himself
+engaged in a game of pool with Sir George and Foster, while May Haredale
+and Copley looked on. A moment or two later these two vanished on a
+pretext of Copley's that he wished to show May some sporting pictures he
+had lately acquired. The pictures were duly inspected, but Copley made
+no move to rejoin the party.
+
+"Hadn't we better go back?" May suggested.
+
+Copley turned an admiring glance upon the girl. There was no mistaking
+the expression of his face. May had more than her fair share of courage,
+but she was feeling a bit restless and nervous. She was wondering why
+she disliked this man so much. She had had nothing but kindness and
+courtesy at his hands. She knew that he had helped her father more than
+once. Yet her instinct told her that Copley was not to be trusted. There
+was a boldness about him that repelled her, something in his glittering
+eye from which she recoiled. Now she knew almost before the words were
+spoken what Copley was going to say.
+
+"The others are not likely to miss us for a bit," he said. "Besides,
+there is something I have to talk to you about. To be perfectly candid,
+I asked you over here this evening on purpose. I wonder why it is that
+you avoid me so."
+
+"I was not aware of it," May murmured.
+
+"But, indeed, you do. I have noticed it more than once. Surely you must
+know why I come so frequently to Haredale Park. I am not much of a
+ladies' man, Miss May, and I never have been. I have led a rough kind of
+life. I know so little of the atmosphere of drawing-rooms. But every man
+recognizes, when the time comes, when he meets with the woman who is
+made for him alone, and that is the point I have reached. I think I
+could provide you all you need. You will have a fine house and a good
+position, and everything you want. I daresay this is a rough way of
+putting it, but it is none the less sincere for that."
+
+It was sincere enough, as May had to admit. Copley's assurance had
+vanished. He was speaking from his heart. The man was rogue and
+scoundrel through and through, but had fallen deeply in love with May
+Haredale. He was prepared to go any lengths to make her his wife. It was
+the only piece of honesty and sincerity that he had ever displayed since
+he was old enough to know the distinction between right and wrong.
+
+May stood silent and trembling. She was not insensible to the compliment
+Copley was paying her. She knew that he meant every word he said, and
+she knew, too, that there must be a hard fight before she could convince
+him that the thing he so ardently desired was impossible. She had an
+uneasy feeling, too, that Copley had not yet played all his cards. "I
+ought to thank you, I suppose," she said. "In a sense you are doing me
+an honour, and this is the first time that any man has asked me such a
+question, and naturally I feel disturbed. But what you ask of me is
+quite impossible."
+
+"Why impossible?" Copley asked grimly. "Oh, I didn't expect you to jump
+at me; I know you are not that sort of girl. Perhaps that is one of the
+main reasons why I am so anxious to make you my wife. But if there is no
+one else----"
+
+"There is no one else," May said with a sorrowful sincerity which was
+not lost upon her companion. "There is no one else, and there never will
+be. If it is any sort of consolation to you, Mr. Copley, I shall never
+marry."
+
+"Never is a long day," Copley smiled. "At any rate, as long as there is
+nobody else in question I shall feel encouraged to go on. I am a very
+persistent man, and in the end I always get my own way. I'll ask you
+again in a week or two, and, perhaps, when you have had time to think it
+over----"
+
+"No, no," May said firmly. "There must be no thinking it over. I could
+not marry you. I could not care for you enough for that and I would
+never marry a man to whom I could not give myself wholly and entirely.
+It is the same to-day, it will be the same next year. Mr. Copley, I ask
+you not to allude to this distressing topic again. If you do, I shall
+have no alternative but to treat you as a stranger."
+
+There was no mistaking the sincerity of May's words. Her natural courage
+and resolution had come back to her. She met Copley's glance without
+flinching. Her little mouth was firmly set. Even Copley, with all his
+egotism and assurance, knew that the last words had been said.
+
+A sudden blind rage clutched him. His thin veneer of gentility vanished.
+He stretched out a hand and laid it upon the girl's arm.
+
+"So you mean to defy me," he said hoarsely.
+
+"Defy you!" May cried, indignantly. "What do you mean? Have you
+forgotten that you are a gentleman? Anybody would think to look at you
+and hear you speak that you were playing the villain in some sensational
+melodrama. You have paid me the compliment of asking me to be your wife,
+and I have done my best to decline in such a manner as to give you as
+little pain as possible. You will be good enough to take me back to the
+billiard-room and not to allude to this matter again."
+
+Copley laughed derisively. He had forgotten himself. The love and
+passion in his heart had died away to a sullen anger. Never since he had
+known May Haredale had he felt such a wild longing to possess her. Well,
+if the girl would have it, then he must speak openly and freely. She
+must be made to understand that here was her master, whose lightest wish
+she must learn to obey.
+
+"You don't understand," he said. "I suppose you think you have only to
+raise your hand and pick and choose. Ah, you are mistaken, my dear young
+lady. If you don't believe me, ask Sir George. He promised to speak to
+you on my behalf, but I see he hasn't done so. Probably he shirked it.
+Now I shall have to tell you myself. Do you know that at the present
+moment I am master of Haredale Park? I don't imagine you are acquainted
+with business, but you know that your father is not a rich man. Has that
+fact escaped you?"
+
+"I am aware of it," May said coldly.
+
+"Very well, then. Where do you suppose he has found the money to pay his
+racing debts? Do you suppose it dropped from the clouds? During the last
+twelve months, your father has had from me something like thirty
+thousand pounds. Even a rich man can't always put his hand on large sums
+of money like that. And I should have refused to part with the money if
+it had not been for your sake. But when a man is in love, he is guilty
+of all sorts of follies and extravagances and when a man like me is in
+love he does not stick at trifles. Now try to realize my position. Try
+to realize that if I say the word there is an end to Haredale Park as
+far as you are concerned. I am not boasting. I could turn you both out
+to-morrow if I chose, and what would become of you then? Ask yourself
+the question. You needn't answer it now; you can take time to do so."
+
+May Haredale trembled from head to foot. She had half-dreaded,
+half-expected this, but the blow was no less crushing now that it had
+fallen, and she could see from the grim expression on Copley's face that
+he meant every word he said. She had read of similar situations in
+novels, but they had sounded cold and unconvincing, and little like the
+real thing now that she was face to face with it.
+
+"You would never do it," she faltered.
+
+"By Heaven, I would!" Copley cried. "Ah, you do not know what manner of
+man I am. Why, when you look at me like that, instead of melting I grow
+all the harder. I must make you my wife. You little know the sacrifices
+I have made to bring this about. I never thought that I could be a fool
+for the sake of a woman. I could almost laugh at my own folly, but it
+has become part and parcel of my very existence, the only object in the
+world that is worth attaining. Well, it is no use talking, for I could
+go on in the same strain all night. It is for you to decide. You can
+please yourself whether your father is turned out of house and home, or
+whether your prosperous and happy future----"
+
+"Prosperous and happy future," May echoed scornfully. "The words on your
+lips sound like blasphemy. It seems almost incredible that a man with
+any sort of pride should stoop to such a trick as this to force a woman
+to marry him, when, from the bottom of her heart, she loathes and
+detests him."
+
+Copley jeered.
+
+"Oh, go on," he said. "Let it come out. Treat me as if I were dirt under
+your feet. But you will think better of it before a week has passed.
+Tell your father what I have been saying to-night, and talk it over
+with him. Perhaps he will be able to persuade you better than I can. Let
+us go back to the billiard-room."
+
+May turned coldly away, but her eyes were dim, and all the world seemed
+slipping away from beneath her feet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+CONFESSION
+
+
+Fielden was not enjoying his game of billiards. It was a favourite game
+of his, and one which he had not had much opportunity of exercising
+lately, but he would have given something for an excuse to get out of
+it. The reason was obvious why Raymond Copley had made an excuse to get
+May out of the room. His instinct told him what was going on, and if he
+had had any lingering doubt on the subject it would have been dispelled
+by the most casual glance at Sir George.
+
+For Haredale had lost all geniality. He became silent and depressed.
+From time to time he glanced anxiously towards the door. If such a thing
+were possible to a man of his position, and with a record like his, it
+might be said that he looked as if he had been committing some crime and
+was in deadly fear of being found out.
+
+There was no longer room for hesitation in Fielden's mind. There was a
+conspiracy between Sir George and Copley against May Haredale's
+happiness. Fielden was boiling. It seemed incredible that a man like Sir
+George could deliberately become a party to such a scheme as this. And
+so the game went on, with two people at least not taking the faintest
+interest in it. Then the door opened and May Haredale entered.
+
+Fielden shot a swift glance in her direction. He saw how pale her face
+was, how rigidly haughty and set were her features. There were traces of
+tears in her eyes, but so far as Fielden could see he had no cause to
+despair. Whatever had been said or done, Copley had not gained much. His
+face showed that. Defeat was written all over it. He was not the man to
+put up with disaster without showing it, and Fielden knew in that moment
+that so far, at any rate, things had not gone well with his host. Sir
+George saw it, too, for his jaw dropped, and he turned almost a guilty
+face towards Copley. For a moment there was an awkward silence.
+
+"It is getting very late," May said. "Don't you think we had better be
+going?"
+
+Haredale looked at Copley as if waiting for a lesson.
+
+"It is not so very late," he remarked.
+
+"Well, it seems so to me," May said. "Besides I am very tired. I am sure
+Mr. Copley will excuse me."
+
+Copley murmured something more or less appropriate. He was not used to
+taking the trouble to disguise his humiliation.
+
+"If you must go, you must," he said. "I'll come round after breakfast
+and see you to-morrow morning, Sir George. I have something important
+to say to you. Perhaps you will be there, too, Mr. Fielden. I fancy I
+can put something in your way. I want some one to take a general
+superintendence of my stables. Sir George tells me you are thoroughly
+up to the work, and that I can place every confidence in you. You seem
+to be the sort of man I am looking for, and, though I am interested in
+racing, I have very little time to spare to look into the details."
+
+It was hard work to return thanks for this ungracious speech, but
+Fielden managed it somehow. He was feeling strangely elated, and hoped
+that nothing of his emotions found expression on his face. He was glad
+enough to find himself at length seated in the brougham with his friends
+on the way back to Haredale Park. It was a singularly silent ride, for
+May never spoke a word the whole time and Sir George was ill at ease.
+When they reached home May turned to Fielden.
+
+"I hope you will excuse me a moment or two, Harry," she said. "I have
+something to say to my father. It won't take many minutes. Perhaps you
+will wait for us in the library. I think you will find everything you
+want there."
+
+Sir George stood nervously in the hall shuffling from one foot to
+another. It seemed to take him a long time to get out of his overcoat.
+He turned to May testily.
+
+"Surely, there is nothing you have to say to me to-night," he said. "It
+will keep till to-morrow."
+
+Without reply May turned towards the drawing-room and Sir George
+followed. He closed the door carefully behind him. She crossed to the
+fireplace and stood facing her father. Her face was firm, though her
+lips trembled slightly, and the task before her was by no means a
+pleasant one.
+
+"I hardly know how to begin," she said. "It is so difficult for me in my
+unfortunate position. I have never ceased to regret the death of my
+mother, but I cannot remember feeling the want of her so much as I do
+now. I suppose you can guess what happened to-night. You know what Mr.
+Copley said to me."
+
+Sir George shook his head. His attempt to appear unconcerned was so
+grotesque a failure that, in spite of her unhappiness, May could not
+repress a smile.
+
+"You are very transparent," she cried. "You make a bad conspirator,
+father. You know perfectly well what happened to-night. You know why we
+were asked to dine with Mr. Copley. He has done me the honour to ask me
+to be his wife. Now don't pretend to be surprised, because Mr. Copley
+had your full sanction; in fact, he told me he had discussed the matter
+with you more than once."
+
+"And you accepted him?" Sir George asked eagerly.
+
+"We will come to that presently. Now let me ask you a question. Suppose
+that your position was as good as it was twenty years ago, that there
+were no mortgages on the estate. In that case, what would you have said
+to Mr. Copley if he had expressed a wish to become your son-in-law? You
+wouldn't have turned him out of the house, because we don't do things
+like that. But your reply would have been no less unmistakable. You
+would have made Mr. Copley feel the absurdity of his ambition. He would
+never have been asked to come here again. Now isn't that so?"
+
+Sir George shuffled about uneasily.
+
+"Other times, other methods," he answered. "You see the condition of
+things is quite altered. Really, some of our best women marry rich men
+who have nothing particular to boast of in the way of pedigree. I can
+call a dozen cases to mind."
+
+"Yes," May retorted. "And I can call a dozen cases to mind where you
+have expressed the strongest indignation with parents who have
+encouraged marriages of that sort. You have stigmatized the thing as a
+sale. Why, you refused to shake hands with Lord Middlebourne when he
+told you that his daughter was going to marry young Blackley. Yet, in
+the face of all this, you entered into a conspiracy with Mr. Copley, a
+conspiracy which you must know would be fatal to my happiness."
+
+"You, you didn't refuse him?" Sir George gasped.
+
+"Refuse him! Of course I did. I hope I did not say too much. But I let
+him know that the thing was impossible. I told him that in no
+circumstances could I become his wife. I have felt that this was coming
+for some time, and I blame myself for permitting things to go so far.
+Mr. Copley took it very badly. He lost his temper. He threatened me. He
+even went so far as to say that, unless I thought better of my reply, he
+would turn us out of Haredale Park."
+
+Sir George turned a white and anxious face towards his daughter.
+
+"Did he say that?" he asked hoarsely.
+
+"I have already told you so. But, of course, this is ridiculous. You
+would never have been so foolish as to place yourself in the power of a
+man like Mr. Copley. It is very well to know such people, and I daresay
+you have found him useful in business. But as to the rest---- Why do you
+look at me like that? You don't mean to say that his story is actually
+true?"
+
+Sir George seemed to have some difficulty in speaking. When at length
+the words came they were free enough.
+
+"It is true," he said. "My dear child, you must not blame me unduly. I
+have been terribly unfortunate of late. Everything I have touched has
+gone wrong. I am almost afraid to look at my betting book, and if the
+Blenheim colt does not win the Derby, then I shall be something worse
+than a pauper. You don't know what hopes I build upon this. If it comes
+off all right we shall be rich and prosperous. But it has been an awful
+struggle to keep my head above water so far, and when Copley offered to
+help me in an open-handed way, I dared not refuse. Of course, I had not
+the least idea then that he had given you even more than a passing
+thought. It never occurred to me that he was lending me this money
+merely to have a hold upon me, and I thought it possible you might care
+for him. There is always the chance----"
+
+"Oh, you didn't. I cannot believe you would ever think so meanly of me
+as that."
+
+"Well, I don't know," Sir George said, stung into retort. "Anyhow, it is
+unfortunate that Harry Fielden should come back just now."
+
+The hot blood flamed into May's face.
+
+"That is unjust and ungenerous," she cried. "In any case, my reply would
+be just the same. I never did care for anybody but Harry Fielden, and I
+never will. You know that. There is not the slightest chance of his ever
+being in a position to keep a wife. But we are talking in a circle. I am
+more than sorry to hear what you say, but if the worst comes to the
+worst we shall have to dispose of everything and leave Haredale Park.
+For nothing shall induce me to marry Raymond Copley."
+
+"Well, there's an end of it all," Sir George said. "This makes a beggar
+of me. But don't decide like that. Think it over and give me your final
+answer in the morning."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+ON THE EDGE
+
+
+If Harry Fielden had hoped to see May again that night he was
+disappointed. She was tired, Sir George said, and hoped that Fielden
+would not mind if she did not come into the library. He was a little bit
+under the mark himself and would go to bed. So Fielden was left to his
+uneasy thoughts with the hope that he might learn something in the
+morning. But glancing at May across the breakfast table he could read
+nothing from the expression of her face. She was a little silent, but
+otherwise her features were tranquil, and it was not till an hour or so
+afterwards that Fielden found himself alone with her.
+
+"I hope you are better?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, there's nothing whatever the matter with me," May said in her
+candid way. "I am only worried, that's all. You have been here quite
+long enough to see that things are not going with us as they should. It
+will be a terrible thing if our colt fails to win the Derby. Indeed, I
+don't know how we shall be able to carry on till the end of May in any
+case. What a wretched business it all is! How foolish people are to risk
+their happiness on the speed of a horse! But the Haredales have always
+been gamblers. I suppose it is in the blood. Put on your hat and take me
+for a walk across the Downs. I need something to blow the cobwebs away."
+
+Fielden was eager. For some time he walked in silence by the girl's
+side, waiting for her to speak. He had a feeling that, sooner or later,
+May would confide in him. She stopped suddenly and raised her eyes to
+his.
+
+"I am going to ask you a question," she said. "I want you to put
+yourself in my place for a moment. Suppose that the honour and fortune
+of the family rested in my hands, and it was for me to say whether the
+Haredales were to leave this old place in poverty and disgrace, or
+whether they were to stay on occupying the old position, what would you
+do?"
+
+"It depends on circumstances," Fielden said.
+
+"Of course it does, my dear boy. I didn't expect you to make such a tame
+reply as that. Surely you must know what I mean. It is for me to decide.
+I have the opportunity of bringing into the family the necessary money
+to set everything right. But at a price."
+
+"As usual," Fielden, said sadly. "The price happens to be yourself."
+
+"You have guessed it. The price is myself. I suppose it would be no news
+to you if I told you who the man was."
+
+"Not after last night," Fielden said between his teeth. "So Raymond
+Copley has asked you to marry him. I suppose it is the old story which
+one has read in books and newspapers a thousand times. Copley has got
+your father under his thumb and has threatened to ruin him, unless you
+consent to be his wife. I am not a very shrewd person, but I felt sure
+of this when we came home last night. You refused Copley, of course, and
+he took his refusal in the way such a cad would. He threatened you and
+said he had your father on his side. And now you are hesitating what to
+do. You have said that no power on earth shall force you to consent,
+that you cannot save the family honour at such a price. You are right,
+May. It is a vile thing to ask of a girl. It is so mean and
+dishonourable. Heaven knows, I care for your welfare. I never knew how
+much I did care till we met in London the other night. Then I realized
+for the first time the price I am paying for my folly. If I hadn't been
+a fool, you would be my wife to-day, and it would have been my pleasure
+and privilege to help Sir George out of his trouble. Can you ever
+forgive me?"
+
+May turned a tearful face towards Fielden. Impulsively she held out her
+hands to him, and he caught them almost fiercely. They were alone on
+the wide stretch of Downs. Not a soul was in sight. Neither knew how it
+happened, but a moment later Fielden's arms were about the girl, and she
+was crying unrestrainedly upon his shoulder. There was only one thing
+for it, and that was to kiss the tears away and bring the smiles back to
+May's lips.
+
+"Now we have done it," Fielden said ruefully. "I am a nice fellow to
+talk about other men being dishonourable. I ought to be well thrashed
+for giving way to temptation like this. Fancy a man in my position
+daring to make love to any girl. But you knew what my feelings were."
+
+"I was sure," May whispered.
+
+"But what are we to do? It would be another matter, I suppose, if it
+were three months later and the Blenheim colt had won the Derby. Then,
+perhaps, Sir George would forgive me and make the best of it for your
+sake. As it is, I have only succeeded in complicating matters. You are
+resolved, of course, that nothing will induce you to change your mind so
+far as Copley is concerned. But will you have strength enough to do it,
+May? I don't think you realize the pressure which would be put upon you
+when you find that Haredale Park will have to go, when you find yourself
+in lodgings----"
+
+"Never," May cried passionately. "I refuse even to discuss it. The idea
+is unthinkable."
+
+Fielden pressed the point no longer. He really had not the heart to do
+so. Sufficient unto the day was the evil thereof. But it was with mixed
+feelings that an hour or so later he walked across the fields to Seton
+Manor. Copley was waiting to receive him. The latter was in his hardest
+and most businesslike mood. There was something repellent about the
+expression of his face. The library reeked strongly of tobacco and
+spirits. From the ruddy tinge on Copley's face he had partaken of more
+than one brandy and soda already.
+
+Fielden hoped there was nothing in the expression of his face which in
+any way betrayed his thoughts. Fancy a man like this married to a girl
+like May Haredale! Copley was braggart and bully to his finger-tips--a
+man without heart, or conscience, or feeling. Nay, he was worse than
+this, as Fielden very well knew. For the moment, it was on the tip of
+Harry's tongue to say he had thought the matter over and had decided to
+decline Copley's offer. But more prudent thoughts prevailed. It would be
+as well to be as near Copley as possible, to be on the spot, to act when
+disaster threatened. Besides, Fielden, to some extent, was in league
+with Aaron Phillips, and if there was anything in the way of rascality
+afoot, it might be possible to detect it. It would be a fine thing to go
+to Copley with the evidence of his rascality in plain black and white,
+and agree to silence on the condition that this persecution of Miss
+Haredale ceased.
+
+"Ah! you have come," Copley said in his blunt way. "Well, I have
+arranged everything for you. I want you to take over the entire
+management of my stable. The last man had four hundred a year and the
+run of the house, and I am prepared to offer you the same terms.
+Everything will be left in your hands. As I told you last night, my
+racing stable is only a side-show, and I don't want to be bothered with
+it. You can make a start next week at Mirst Park. I have horses running
+in races both days, and I shall probably run down myself. But you know
+the ropes well enough."
+
+"I think you can leave it to me," Fielden remarked.
+
+"Very well, then, that's settled. You can ask the housekeeper to give
+you a room. You can have all the meals you want, and the horses will be
+yours to handle as you like. I must wish you good morning, for I have a
+score of things to occupy my attention before I motor to town at six
+o'clock. I think that will do. Good day."
+
+Fielden took his leave, hardly knowing whether to be pleased or not. He
+spent the next hour or so in the stables, interviewing the stud groom
+and the helpers, who seemed to know all about the new arrangement. He
+said little or nothing about it, but was somewhat surprised to find what
+a poor set of horses Copley owned. For the most part they were little
+better than platers. There might be a racer or two amongst them, but
+only for small meetings. The groom was quite open in his comments, and
+to these Fielden listened discreetly. He was free, presently, to go over
+to Haredale Park and get his belongings together. He strode across the
+Downs and passed the wide stretch of turf where the trial of the
+Blenheim colt had taken place. He was hurrying down the slope when he
+came face to face with Aaron Phillips.
+
+"I was looking for you," the latter said. "I haven't been letting the
+grass grow under my feet since we met last. I am beginning to get a hold
+of the game. We shall be able to make those fellows sit up before long.
+I suppose you couldn't manage to get away on Friday and Saturday next
+for the two days' racing at Mirst Park? If you can, I shall show you
+something that will open your eyes."
+
+"As it happens," Fielden explained, "I am going there. I have just been
+appointed a kind of general manager to Mr. Copley. I have to thank Sir
+George Haredale for this. As you can imagine, Phillips, it is not a
+congenial occupation. But there are urgent reasons why I ought to accept
+it. We have a horse or two entered for the Mirst Park meeting, and I
+shall go with them. Now, then, what is it?"
+
+Aaron Phillips' face lightened.
+
+"What a stroke of luck!" he exclaimed. "In that case, I need not detain
+you now. But I'll contrive to see you on the course, and then I think it
+will be our turn."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+A LION IN THE PATH
+
+
+Copley did not appear to be so busy as he had professed when he
+dismissed Fielden so unceremoniously. He lighted a fresh cigar and sat
+down moodily over a mass of accounts. He pushed these aside presently,
+and took up a copy of the _Sportsman_, which he proceeded to read with a
+perplexed frown on his moody face.
+
+"I cannot for the life of me understand it," he muttered. "The trial was
+fair and square, and I see no reason why the boy's information was not
+to be relied upon. But that colt is more firmly established in the
+betting than ever. I can't recollect anything like it. It seemed a dead
+sure thing to lay that money against the horse. And, yet, though I laid
+over ten thousand pounds against him, in this morning's paper he is at a
+shorter price than before. Well, if the public like to be such fools,
+it's their look-out, not mine. Still, it's unpleasant. I wonder if
+Foster has learnt anything this morning."
+
+Foster came in a moment or two later. His usual smile had deserted him,
+and he looked troubled and anxious.
+
+"I wanted to see you," said Copley. "I can't for the life of me
+understand this betting. Here's the Blenheim colt backed for a ton of
+money again. Why, in the face of the commission we have put on the
+market, he ought to be fairly knocked out."
+
+"Oh, I've seen it," Foster replied. "I've sent for the boy. I wonder if
+that young rascal played us false. But, no, I don't think he would dare
+do that. Besides, he stands to win a pot of money himself. At any rate,
+I have sent for him, and if there was anything about the trial that was
+not fair we shall know it in half an hour."
+
+For the next hour or so the two conspirators sat discussing the matter.
+Then there came to them a diminutive youth, shrunken and clean-shaven,
+with the air of one who has passed all his life in the atmosphere of a
+stable. His little wizened face was white with agitation, and he stood,
+with his eyes cast to the ground, waiting for Copley to speak.
+
+"What is it?" the latter asked roughly.
+
+"I don't know, sir," the boy said humbly. "I don't know how it was done.
+Ah, that there Raffle is a deep 'un. I made sure as the trial the other
+morning was all open and above board, and now I find as how it wasn't
+the Blenheim colt we saw at all. It is no use asking me to explain,
+gentlemen, and it is no use bullying me, for the more you do that the
+more muddled I get. It is only a word or two I 'eard between Raffle and
+the 'ead lad that put me on the scent. We've got two or three 'osses in
+the stable as like the Blenheim colt as two peas. They are nearly all
+the same blood, you know. What old Raffle is a-driving at, I dunno. But
+it looks as if one colt was changed for another at the last moment, and
+nobody would have been any the wiser if I hadn't 'eard that little
+conversation this blessed morning."
+
+Copley and Foster exchanged glances. It was no use to scarify the boy,
+for the conspiracy was none of his making, and he was obviously telling
+the truth; indeed, he had been well paid to bring information to Copley
+and had nothing to gain by further deception. But what was the meaning
+of it all? Why had Raffle chosen to bring off a mock trial? So far as
+Copley knew, Raffle had no reason to suspect the honesty of the stable
+boy. He could not know that he was in Copley's pay, nor could he have
+known, either, that Copley and Foster would witness that early morning
+trial. Could it be that there was some one else in the field whom Raffle
+wished to deceive? At any rate, whether that was so or not, Joe Raffle
+had put both Copley and his accomplice in a hole. After witnessing the
+trial they had laid against the colt to an enormous amount, and, after
+all, Sir George Haredale's horse might win the Derby. They dismissed
+the boy with strict injunctions to keep his eyes open and let them know
+the latest developments. Then they talked the matter over to see if they
+could find some way out of the trouble.
+
+"It's a bit of a facer," Copley muttered. "I am bound to confess I never
+expected anything like this. I wonder what that old fox Raffle was
+driving at? Whom is he trying to deceive? I'd give something to know."
+
+"What does it matter?" Foster asked impatiently. "Wilfully or not, he
+has deceived us. As I figure it out, we stand to lose something like
+five thousand pounds. If that horse starts fit and well for the Derby we
+shall be in a rare mess. And there's nothing to beat the colt. It would
+be maddening to be done at the beginning of the season. Fancy having to
+upset all our plans because of a misfortune like this!"
+
+"Unless we could stop the colt," Copley suggested.
+
+Foster looked keenly across the table at his companion.
+
+"That's not a bad idea," he said thoughtfully. "If the Blenheim colt
+lost the Derby we should win ten thousand pounds at least. At the price
+the horse stands in the betting to-day, we could lay another twenty
+thousand pounds without knocking him altogether out of the betting. I
+don't call to mind a case in which the public have been more infatuated
+about a horse. Why, our commission never shook him at all. Suppose,
+without anybody knowing it, we could guarantee that the horse didn't
+start. In that case, we could lay a hundred thousand pounds against him,
+with the absolute knowledge that it would be only a question of time
+before we scooped up the money. Our Mirst Park scheme is a mere fleabite
+to it."
+
+Copley's sombre eyes lighted a little.
+
+"Yes, if we could only do it," he sneered. "But the age for that game is
+past. There is no chance of hocussing a horse, or laming him, or bribing
+a stable boy, or squaring a jockey. That was all very well in the old
+days, when meetings were few and far between, and we hadn't got an
+enlightened Press that watches everything as a cat watches a mouse. It's
+no use wasting time over idle dreams of that sort, Foster. Poor as he
+is, Sir George wouldn't even hear of such a thing."
+
+"Think not?" Foster asked. "Well, I believe myself that every man has
+his price. I have never found anything to the contrary. I thought you
+were a fool to come down here at all. I thought you were a fool to allow
+yourself to be fascinated by that girl, but now I begin to see a way of
+turning it to account. I don't suppose she'll marry you. I never thought
+she would."
+
+The big veins on Copley's temples thickened.
+
+"Stow that," he said hoarsely. "You are going too far. I'll not listen
+to a word of it. It is no business of yours. If you have anything good
+to suggest, I shall be glad to listen to it, but I'll thank you to leave
+Miss Haredale's name out of the discussion."
+
+"Oh, very well," Foster said sulkily. "But, in this case, one thing
+leads to another. To gain Miss Haredale you found money for her father
+when we could have done with it ourselves--indeed, we wanted it pretty
+badly. Now is your chance to get it back, and more. Sir George can't pay
+you. He could as easily repay a million. He will find, too, that it is
+impossible to coerce Miss Haredale into marrying you. Don't get wild. I
+don't want to introduce the young lady's name more than I can help, but
+I am bound to speak of her. You will find that she will hold out to the
+end, and that, if need be, she won't object to leaving Haredale Park.
+But Sir George will cut up rough when the time comes. He is chockful of
+family pride. He is the sort of chap who is wedded to the family home,
+and when the pinch comes you'll find him ready for anything. Of course,
+he will make a fuss. He will ask you how you dare suggest such a thing
+to him, but it will come right in the end."
+
+Copley glanced contemptuously at the speaker.
+
+"What are you talking about?" he exclaimed. "What are you driving at?
+Do you take Sir George for an utter fool? Do you suppose that he is
+likely to scratch a horse he has backed to win or lose everything he
+has?"
+
+"Well, why not? He backed the colt at a very long price, and I don't
+suppose he has put down more than a thousand altogether. On the other
+hand, he owes you at least forty. Suppose you ask him to pay that back
+at once. Suppose you let him know that if he doesn't you will turn him
+out of his house a mere beggar. Suppose, if he consent, you offer to
+wipe out his debt and give him, say ten thousand pounds, the day after
+the colt is scratched. You needn't do it now; you can wait a month. Then
+you can put the screw on at once. He'll kick, jib, order you out of the
+house, but he will knuckle under in the long run. If he doesn't, then
+I'm a fool and know nothing about human nature. Why, the thing is so
+easy and perfectly safe not a soul will know anything about it. The colt
+pulls up lame one day at exercise, he is reported to be coughing, and
+before the fools who back horses know what has happened the pen has been
+put through the name of the favourite. You've got the game entirely in
+your hands. Then we can get our commissions out all over the country and
+make a fortune without a penn'orth of risk. By Jove! it makes me tremble
+only to think of it. If the thing is properly worked, we should divide
+half a million between us. Now, what have you got to say to that?
+Doesn't it sound right?"
+
+Copley brought his fist down upon the table.
+
+"By gad," he exclaimed, "I'll do it, Foster!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+"AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN"
+
+
+As most people are aware, the camp-followers of the turf are a large
+body whose ways of earning a living are, to say the least of it,
+peculiar. This noble army numbers folk of all kinds, from the member of
+a swagger West End club to the humble seller of cards on the various
+courses. Amongst these, in his place, came Aaron Phillips. If he had
+been asked, he would probably have said that he was a professional
+backer of horses, a description which covers a wide field and embraces
+many methods of getting a living--more or less honestly.
+
+In all likelihood Phillips would have resented the imputation that he
+was not a sportsman, and have declared emphatically that he was nothing
+else. He had been connected with racing ever since he could recollect,
+but had never been across a horse in his life, and would have found it
+impossible to pick out the good points of an animal. But he was fond of
+horses in his way. He had heard them talked about for years, and most of
+the frequenters of his father's public-house were either followers of
+racing or indirectly mixed up with the "sport of kings." He had been
+born, too, in the vicinity of a classic course and had always taken the
+greatest interest in the dramatic side of the turf. There was not an
+ingenious swindle but he had the details of it by heart.
+
+For some years before his departure for South Africa he had followed
+racing from one course to another. Though he had never done anything
+deliberately dishonest, he was up to every dodge, always seemed to have
+money in his pocket, and was invariably well dressed. The fact that his
+mother had belonged to one of the leading Romany tribes Phillips found
+greatly to his advantage. He was never above passing the time of day
+with such nomads as he encountered, and more than once had benefited by
+this politeness. Had he ever wanted a useful and faithful tool,
+something uncommonly smart in the way of a human ferret, he knew where
+to put his hand on such a person. Strange as it may seem, there was
+never a great fraud connected with the turf that was not freely
+whispered amongst its humble followers long before it reached the ears
+of the authorities. More than once Phillips had listened to the outline
+of a story which would have astonished the magnates of the Jockey Club
+if they could have heard it. And it was by such means that he had
+managed to pick up the threads of a plot which, before long, seemed
+likely to promise sensational disclosures. It was an additional
+satisfaction to Phillips to know that the main persons in this plot were
+his old enemies Raymond Copley and Foster. He had followed up the clues
+in his patient way, and at last had something really definite to go
+upon.
+
+It might be inferred that Phillips already had these two in the hollow
+of his hand. But he had learnt patience in the hard school of adversity,
+and had no intention of throwing away the chance of making money for the
+mere sake of revenge. At any moment he might have pricked the glittering
+bubble which Copley had blown, and laid both scoundrels by the heels in
+gaol, but that would have entailed loss of time and a considerable
+sojourn in South Africa, without any material return beyond that of
+triumph over his enemies. Now he was beginning to see a way to crush
+both Copley and Foster, and fill his own pockets at the same time.
+
+He was not without his peculiar code of honour. Harry Fielden had
+defended him at one time and he was not going to forget it. Fielden
+would have been astonished to learn how much Phillips knew about his
+affairs. He knew, for instance, all about May Haredale. He knew that
+Copley was infatuated with the girl and was prepared to go any lengths
+to make her his wife. He knew too, pretty well what was in old Raffle's
+mind, and chuckled as he thought of it. And now the time had come to
+fire the first shot.
+
+He turned out of his lodgings on a sunny Friday in February, and made
+his way to Russell Square. He was more carefully dressed than usual and
+wore a dark, quiet-looking suit, with a grey overcoat and felt hat. His
+gloves were neat, his boots well polished, and, save the horseshoe pin
+in his white cravat, there was no suggestion of the racing man about
+him. He turned presently into Kelly Street, and, knocking at the door of
+a certain house, asked for Major Carden. The Major, he was informed, was
+just finishing breakfast, but would see Mr. Phillips.
+
+It was the usual room in a lodging-house--shabby Axminster carpet, dingy
+horsehair furniture, with the inevitable lustres on the mantelpiece. The
+tablecloth was none too clean, though on it was a vase or two of
+flowers, tastefully arranged. At one end of the table sat a stout
+pink-faced person with a carefully-trimmed grey moustache. He was a
+typical specimen of the retired military man, bluff and hearty in
+manner, with a pair of faded grey eyes faintly tinged with pink.
+Evidently, too, he had been accustomed to mix with the best people, as
+he would have phrased it himself. Probably, he still belonged to a good
+club, and no doubt found it exceedingly difficult to make both ends
+meet.
+
+The second person at the breakfast table was an exceedingly pretty
+girl, who looked none the less refined and attractive because her black
+dress was of the plainest. She was chattering gaily as Phillips came in.
+She appeared to have a proper respect and affection for her father,
+whose words she seemed to hang upon. The Major looked up from the table
+and nodded genially.
+
+"You are punctual, Phillips," he said. "I am afraid I am a little late
+this morning. Alice, my dear, this is Mr. Phillips. He is the
+distinguished journalist I was telling you about last night. We are both
+connected with the same papers."
+
+As the Major spoke, he winked swiftly at Phillips, and the latter
+smiled. What the Major was driving at he hadn't the remotest idea.
+
+"Oh, yes," he murmured. "The Major and I are old friends."
+
+The girl smiled pleasantly. She appeared a trifle shy, and gave Phillips
+the impression that she had no friends, and that her young life was, for
+the most part, a constant sacrifice for her selfish and dissipated
+father. She rose presently, and with an excuse left the two men
+together. Immediately she was gone the Major crossed the room and
+produced a bottle of brandy, from which he helped himself liberally.
+Phillips curtly refused.
+
+"I met some old friends last night," the Major said. "I am afraid I was
+just a little--well, you know how it is."
+
+"I do," Phillips said shortly. "But what did you tell that lie for? What
+have we got to do with journalism?"
+
+"My dear sir, there are times when one must dissemble. I know I am a bit
+of an old scamp, but, you see, my daughter doesn't know it. I wouldn't
+for worlds like her to know the life I am leading. She is a good girl
+and believes in me, and I have managed to give her a fine education. She
+is the only thing I have in the world to care for. She is the only thing
+that has kept me from going headlong to the dogs. I daresay when I am
+done with, some of my relations will look after her. Meanwhile, they
+take precious good care to keep me at arm's length. I don't blame them,
+either. I hit upon the journalistic dodge to account for my late hours.
+I was afraid you might give me away. I am bound to tell you this, and I
+hope you will respect my confidence. Well, now, what do you want me for?
+Sit down a minute."
+
+"I have come to put a little money in your way," Phillips replied. "I
+gave you a hint of what I was after the night before last. They tell me
+you are a member of the Post Club."
+
+"Oh, yes," Carden replied. "I have managed, somehow or other, to keep
+myself on the club books. Not that I go to the Post very much, because I
+can't afford it. If I meet a young friend occasionally who is anxious to
+see life, I take him there to lunch, on the strict understanding, of
+course, that he repays me."
+
+"Then I want you to take me there. I would like to lunch there to-day,
+and I wish you to introduce me to Mr. Rickerby, the commission agent. It
+is a very simple matter. If you can bring this about and get me half an
+hour's conversation with Rickerby after lunch, I'll give you a tenner
+and pay for the lunch besides. There's no risk and no responsibility as
+far as you are concerned."
+
+The Major pondered the matter.
+
+"What are you up to?" he asked presently.
+
+"That," Phillips said, "is no business of yours. But I assure you that I
+am up to nothing wrong. Nothing I can say or do will get you into
+trouble. I don't mind telling you there is a big swindle on foot to rob
+the leading bookmakers and commission agents and I am trying to expose
+it. If I do, there will be a good round sum of money for me, and if I
+fail, I shall be none the worse off. Now, are you game?"
+
+The Major smiled. At that moment ten-pound notes were scarce, and
+Phillips' offer came in the nature of a windfall. But it was not part of
+his diplomacy to accept the suggestion too eagerly.
+
+"I think so," he said. "I don't see why I shouldn't accommodate you.
+Perhaps, later, you might have something else to put in my way."
+
+"Very well, then," Phillips replied. "I need not detain you now. I'll
+meet you at the club at half-past one."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE POST CLUB
+
+
+There are several smart betting clubs in London, but none smarter or
+more up-to-date than the Post Club. Like most institutions of the kind,
+it is somewhat mixed and largely devoted to the purposes of gambling.
+All sorts and conditions of men can be met there, from the magnates of
+the turf down to small bookmakers. At the same time the subscription is
+a heavy one and the entrance fee large. It is so large, indeed, that the
+police have never been bold enough to raid the club, which is conducted
+on the best principles. Betting on the tape goes on to an enormous
+extent, and there on most afternoons of the racing season nearly all the
+chief commission agents can be found. The club premises consist of a
+billiard-room, dining-room, and smoking-room, the last fitted with
+several tape machines, which bring the result of the day's racing
+directly from the course. Great wagers are constantly being made and
+sometimes enormous bets effected even after the horses have been
+dispatched by the starter.
+
+Till after lunch the club is very quiet as a rule. On the first day of
+the Mirst Park Meeting not more than half a dozen racing men were in the
+dining-room. At a little table near the door sat the Major and his
+guest, discussing a dainty luncheon to the accompaniment of a choice
+brand of champagne. The Major was beaming. This was a pastime after his
+own heart, and seeing that the luncheon was costing him nothing he was
+doing the thing very lavishly indeed. There was something almost regal
+in the way he spoke to the waiters. His manner was bland and florid,
+and, beyond all was the consciousness of the five-pound note in his
+pocket which Phillips had given him to pay for the repast. They sat for
+some little time, when the door was flung violently open and a large man
+in an impossible waistcoat came into the dining-room.
+
+Full-bodied and scarlet, he had an air of prosperity and in an
+aggressive way suggested money. Most persons in the sporting world were
+familiar with that huge personage in the striking waistcoat, for it was
+none other than Mr. Rickerby, of a firm of turf accountants, who
+advertised that they recognized no limit. In early life Mr. Rickerby, or
+Rick, as his friends styled him, had been a butcher. He had failed at
+that principally because he spent most of his time backing horses or
+arranging prize-fights. After he had passed through the Bankruptcy Court
+he began with a small silver book and, having a real genius for
+figures, together with a striking presence, an enormous voice and
+amazing audacity which amounted almost to simplicity, he soon made
+headway in his new profession. In a short time he took a partner who had
+been a smart accountant, and now had a suite of palatial offices in the
+Strand, where he kept a large staff of clerks, and where telephone
+messages were pouring in almost day and night. Rickerby was a leviathan,
+and though he by no means despised the small fish that came into his
+net, revelled in big bets and dramatic wagers.
+
+He nodded to the Major with a mixture of insolent familiarity and
+fawning politeness. Occasionally the Major was of use to him. Besides,
+Carden was well connected and Mr. Rickerby had a profound admiration for
+the aristocracy. He would have passed on only, at a sign from Phillips,
+Carden detained him.
+
+"Come and lunch with us, Rickerby," he said. "Try this new brand of
+champagne. Waiter, lay a place for Mr. Rickerby. Bring another bottle.
+No, on second thoughts, you had better bring a magnum. Rickerby, let me
+introduce my friend Mr. Phillips. He is just home from the Cape."
+
+Rickerby touched an imaginary forelock.
+
+"Proud to make your acquaintance, sir," he said. "Do you do anything in
+our line?"
+
+"Well, I have," Phillips said. "I used to follow racing closely enough
+before I left England. Out yonder, from my point of view, I found
+something better. Still, there is nothing so fascinating as the great
+game. I daresay I shall make a wager or two before the season is over. I
+suppose one can't make bets here?"
+
+"Not unless you are a member," the Major explained. "The committee are
+most particular about that kind of thing. They must think of the police.
+But I've no doubt Rickerby will be glad to accommodate you."
+
+"Certainly, sir," Rickerby said. "Up to any amount you like. The Major's
+introduction is good enough for me, and a telegram or letter will always
+receive attention."
+
+Gradually the conversation became more general. Luncheon was a thing of
+the past, and cigars and coffee had been set out in the smoking-room.
+Phillips seemed to find Rickerby a mine of interesting information, for
+he plied him with diplomatic questions. Under the influence of the
+champagne and brandy Rickerby expanded.
+
+"Swindles, my dear sir!" he exclaimed. "There is no end to them. We drop
+on a dozen dodges every year of which the public know nothing. Why don't
+we prosecute? Because it isn't worth while, and the police are not
+sympathetic. Moreover, why should we let the public know of ways and
+means by which they might rob us? Ah, I could tell you of one or two
+men, and big men, too, in some of the West End clubs who would find
+themselves in a pretty tight place if some of us only liked to open our
+mouths. But what's the use? Why throw good money after bad?"
+
+"But don't you get done?" Phillips asked.
+
+"Well, very rarely," Rickerby responded, "but there are others in the
+club, who seem to me to lay themselves out for that sort of thing.
+There's a chap here called Selwyn, a rich young Australian fool, who
+thinks he knows everything. He's just the type of mark that the
+broken-down racing man prays for. He's in the hands of one or two here
+who are robbing him of thousands. He's soft enough to make bets five
+minutes after a race has been run. I've tipped him a hint once or twice,
+but bless you, it's no use. It is waste of breath to tell Selwyn that
+the men in whose hands he is are manipulating the telephone or wire and
+always betting on a dead certainty. One or two of the bets have been
+offered to me, but I am not taking any. I daresay you may think I ought
+to expose these people, but I've got something better to do."
+
+"I should like to ask you one question," Phillips said. "Have you
+noticed by any chance if the people you are speaking about are
+particularly lucky in their bets on races run at Mirst Park?"
+
+Rickerby looked admiringly at the speaker.
+
+"Ah!" he exclaimed, "you know more than I gave you credit for, but
+perhaps you are in the habit of studying this kind of thing. Now I come
+to think of it, I do recollect hearing it said that Selwyn had dropped a
+lot of money to these men last Mirst Park Meeting. If you really know
+anything, Mr. Phillips, I think you ought to say so."
+
+"Oh, I won't go quite so far as that," Phillips said modestly; "it's
+only an idea that occurred to me which I was reminded of by something I
+read when I was in South Africa. But mightn't this be a coincidence?"
+
+"I think not," Rickerby replied, "you could hardly say that of a series
+of bets in which Selwyn always loses and which are never made till after
+the race is run."
+
+"Extraordinary," Phillips said. "But I can't see how it can be anything
+more than a mere coincidence. I suppose you do a tremendous lot of late
+betting."
+
+"My dear sir, that is exactly what the club is for. Some of us wouldn't
+be able to live without it. But, all the same, we don't bet a second
+after the official time of starting."
+
+By this time the smoking-room was filling up rapidly. Two or three score
+of men had come mainly to hear the result of the afternoon's racing and
+to make their bets up to the very last moment that wagers were accepted.
+Phillips, apparently perfectly satisfied with what he had heard, lounged
+in one corner smoking a cigar, watching the crowd of sportsmen keenly
+out of the corner of his eye. He seemed to have one glance, too, for the
+weather outside, which had changed somewhat, for the sky was overcast
+and flakes of snow were falling. A little later the room was almost in
+darkness and the whole world seemed to be lost in a white drift. The
+clock over the mantelpiece pointed to nearly twenty minutes past three.
+The result of the three o'clock race had been announced, and, so far as
+Phillips could tell, there had not been one sensational incident in the
+way of a bet.
+
+"Your friend Selwyn is evidently not present to-day," Phillips observed,
+as Rickerby dropped into a seat by his side.
+
+"Oh, yes, he is," the bookmaker retorted.
+
+"That's very interesting," Phillips said. "I wish you would introduce me
+to Mr. Selwyn. I think a little later I shall be able to show him a way
+of saving money."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+JOLLY & CO.
+
+
+Phillips slipped out of the club by and by, and for a while walked up
+and down opposite, studying the building in which the Post Club was
+situated. It was a large block of offices on five or six floors, mostly
+given over to merchants and dealers whose business was in connexion with
+Covent Garden Market. Moving up and down as if waiting for a friend,
+Phillips was making an exceedingly careful scrutiny of the building.
+
+"It isn't as easy as I thought it was at first," he said. "I've got a
+pretty shrewd idea, for which I have in the main to thank that
+snowstorm. It is evident that Rickerby is perfectly right, and that
+there is some cunning plot afoot to rob this Selwyn. I wonder whether
+Rickerby was alluding to Raymond Copley. It can't be anybody else. Now
+it is clear the gang cannot make late bets during a snowstorm or thick
+mist or anything of that kind. I should like to know how they manage to
+get the name of the winner into the club before the horse is past the
+post. But that I must leave for the present. The point I have to find
+out now is how the man upstairs who comes to do the betting gets his
+information. If there was another block of buildings opposite the club I
+could understand it, because it would be easy to signal from one window
+to another. But there's nothing opposite except the Market with a lot of
+porters hanging about, and I don't suppose they have anything to do with
+it. The puzzle beats me for the moment. Still, having got so far, it is
+hard if I can't get to the bottom of it. The signal must come from
+somewhere in the block of buildings where the club is situated. Well,
+that gives me something to go on with anyhow, and I haven't much time to
+spare, especially as I must meet Fielden to-morrow at Mirst Park. I
+suppose there is only one thing to do, and that is to find out the name
+and occupation of every firm which has an office under the roof. The
+first thing I need is a Post Office Directory."
+
+With the aid of this book he managed to winnow down the doubtful firms
+to five or six. The rest he found were established houses engaged in
+legitimate trade, the others being more or less new-comers whose
+callings were rather nondescript. By a stroke of good fortune, just
+before five o'clock Phillips obtained the assistance of a clerk in a
+fruit concern, whose firm was in the block of buildings in which the
+club was housed, and the doubtful firms were reduced to two. Standing
+outside looking up at the club, the windows of which were now in
+darkness, Phillips saw that next door were a couple of windows bearing
+on their wire blinds the legend, Jolly & Co. There was a light behind
+the blinds, so that the lettering stood out clear and distinct.
+
+"I think I am getting on," Phillips commented. "Now, how am I going to
+find out about Jolly & Co.? It is a bit too dangerous to ask casually
+for Mr. Jolly. But, stop. Most of the people have left, and it is any
+odds the light has been used by the charwoman who is cleaning out the
+offices. It won't do any harm to go up and see."
+
+Phillips put his plan into execution. He came at length to the second
+floor, and stopped at a door at the end of the passage which led to the
+rooms occupied by the Post Club. On the door the name of Jolly & Co. was
+painted in white letters. From behind it came the sound of scrubbing.
+Phillips entered boldly. The room was furnished as an office. There were
+a table and a chair or two, and in a corner an American roll-top desk.
+Beside the desk was a telephone which, from its glittering newness, had
+not been long erected. Attached to the receiver in the place of the
+usual short flex was a cord at least eight or nine feet long. It was a
+small matter in itself, but it did not escape Phillips' keen glance. He
+wondered what it was for. It was certain that it was not attached to
+the receiver by accident.
+
+In one part of the room an old woman was kneeling down scrubbing the
+floorcloth.
+
+"Is Mr. Jolly here?" Phillips asked.
+
+"No, sir," was the reply. "He went away early. I saw the key of the
+office hanging up soon after half-past three."
+
+Phillips smiled. He was beginning to understand now. There had been
+snowstorms most of the afternoon at intervals, and this, no doubt, had
+interfered with the campaign against the bookmakers.
+
+"That is very annoying," Phillips said. "I particularly want to see Mr.
+Jolly. I have some very important business with him. Can you tell me
+where he lives?"
+
+The old woman shook her head emphatically.
+
+"No, I can't, sir," she said. "I haven't any idea where he lives. And,
+besides, he is mostly a stranger to me."
+
+"He hasn't been here long, then?"
+
+"No, sir. He came last autumn and, of course, I does for him like I do
+for the other gentlemen. He stayed till about the end of November, then
+he told me he had to go abroad for the winter. He has only been back
+about a week."
+
+Phillips thought his time was not being wasted. Everything appeared to
+be going his way.
+
+"I am very sorry," he said, "but, really, I must find him. It is most
+awkward, seeing that he is a stranger to me. Would you mind telling me
+what he is like? If you can give me a description of him I might make
+inquiries in the neighbourhood. It is possible he may be in one of the
+hotels close by playing billiards or something of that sort."
+
+"Well, that's possible," the old woman said. "I know Mr. Jolly is fond
+of a game of billiards, because my little boy has had to fetch him once
+or twice. He is young and clean-shaven, looks like a boy almost till you
+get close to him, and then you can see what a lot of wrinkles he has
+round his eyes. He might easily be mistaken for an actor. Dresses very
+well, he does, except he wears a steel watch-chain."
+
+Phillips gave the old woman a shilling and departed. He had found out
+all he was likely to discover. He had already moved towards the door
+when a sudden thought struck him.
+
+"Oh, by the way," he said, "I wish you would let me have the number of
+your telephone. If I can't come here again I shall telephone Mr. Jolly
+in the morning."
+
+The old woman intimated that the number was on the top of the telephone,
+and Phillips made a note of it. Then he went away, on the whole very
+well satisfied with his afternoon's work. He had yet, however, to verify
+a certain suspicion, and this he could not accomplish till late in the
+evening. It was eight o'clock or more before he turned into a public
+telephone call-office and rang up the number which he had copied in
+Jolly's office. He was not surprised to find that he received no reply,
+but it was not a reply he was after. What he really wanted was to get in
+connexion with the Exchange. He managed this presently. It was growing
+late, and there was no great pressure upon the office.
+
+"I am sorry to trouble you," he said, "but I can't get anything from
+this number. Can you tell me if Mr. Jolly has a wire between the office
+and his house?"
+
+The assistant amiably replied she would ascertain. In a few moments she
+spoke again.
+
+"No wonder you couldn't get a reply," she said. "Jolly & Co. are not
+connected with the Exchange at all. We switch them on by arrangement for
+business purposes, but their wire is a private one. It has only been
+recently erected."
+
+Phillips drew a sharp breath. He was expecting sensational developments,
+but this information fairly staggered him.
+
+"I am much obliged to you," he said. "But I am very anxious to get on to
+Mr. Jolly. You say the wire is a private one. I suppose it goes from the
+office to Mr. Jolly's own house. Where is that?"
+
+"His place is called The Nook, Mirst Park."
+
+Once more Phillips was taken aback. The whole plot was opening up before
+his eyes. Many important matters remained to be cleared up, but he felt
+he was getting on with a vengeance.
+
+"I didn't know where he lived," he said, "but many thanks for this
+information and all the trouble you have taken. Would you mind putting
+me in connexion with the Nook?"
+
+The assistant was still obliging. For the best part of five minutes
+Phillips stood there with the receiver at his ear, and the longer he had
+to wait the more satisfied he appeared to be. Then, presently, the thin
+voice at the other end of the wire began to speak to him again.
+
+"I am very sorry," she said. "But I have rung half a dozen times and
+can't make anybody hear. Probably they have left the receiver off the
+instrument. I can try again presently."
+
+"A thousand thanks," Phillips said. "But I won't trouble you. I'll call
+round at the office in the morning. What a stroke of luck! Now for Mirst
+Park."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE NOOK
+
+
+On second thoughts, Phillips deemed it more prudent to remain in town
+overnight. There would be no difficulty in reaching Mirst Park to-morrow
+in time to open his campaign. Besides, when he came to think it over
+there were a good many things yet to be done. He ate his modest dinner
+in his modest lodgings and then sat down over a cigarette to think out
+the result of his day's work. The more he cogitated the more satisfied
+he was with his rate of progress.
+
+He had got past the age when a man burns for revenge and that sort of
+thing. He infinitely preferred to make Copley smart and put money in his
+own pocket at the same time. As for his diamond-mining adventure, he
+expected to hear no more of that. He had been robbed of his precious
+plans and had no hopes of seeing his missing portmanteau again, but,
+like a prudent man, he was not inclined to cry over spilt milk.
+
+He had thought it all out before morning, and shortly after ten o'clock
+set out to call upon Major Carden again. To his surprise he found that
+the Major had already breakfasted and was making preparations for going
+out. A big fur coat was carelessly thrown across an arm-chair, and
+Phillips smiled when he saw it. Probably the Major had struck a
+prosperous line. Possibly some of the ten-pound note had been laid out
+at an adjacent pawnbroker's.
+
+"I didn't expect to see you this morning," the Major said genially.
+"Most infernally cold, isn't it? Looks like snow, too. Still, one must
+take the rough with the smooth when one goes racing."
+
+"So you are going racing?"
+
+"Well, I had thought of it. I don't often get the chance of treating
+myself, and my idea was to run down to Mirst Park this afternoon. You're
+going, aren't you?"
+
+"Oh, yes, I am going down on business. But I wanted you to stay in town
+and do a little commission for me."
+
+The Major's florid face fell.
+
+"That is very awkward," he muttered. "You see, I promised to take my
+daughter with me. She is fonder of that kind of thing than I am, and the
+poor child seldom has an outing. In the old days of my prosperity Alice
+had her own horse, and deuced good across country she was. Can't you
+manage to put it off till to-morrow, Phillips? I shall be greatly
+obliged if you can."
+
+Phillips reflected for a moment.
+
+"Very well," he said. "I daresay it can be managed. I will see you on
+the course this afternoon and let you know what my address is. If you
+are discreet and cautious over this little matter there is a fair sum of
+money in it for you. You can drop me a note to-night, because there is
+no pressing hurry, and you can get the information this evening or early
+to-morrow. What you have to do is to go round to the Post Club and find
+out all the heavy bets which were made there with Selwyn in connexion
+with to-day's racing at Mirst Park. You must let me know with whom the
+bets were made and who made them. I think that is all. But I shall see
+you on the course later, and if anything crops up in the meantime I
+shall let you know."
+
+There was nothing to prevent Phillips from making his way to Mirst Park.
+Half an hour later he took train from Waterloo and, arrived at his
+destination, proceeded to look out for lodgings. He had his own reasons
+for preferring rooms to an hotel. He needed to keep himself as quiet as
+possible. This matter satisfactorily settled, he turned his steps to the
+course, which was as yet practically deserted. There was little to
+indicate that a race meeting was in progress, excepting the shows and
+roundabouts and booths outside the stands and paddocks. There were the
+usual loafers picnicking on the grass, the usual litter of torn
+betting-tickets and papers scattered far and wide. Phillips passed
+along, looking eagerly about him. He wanted somebody who could give him
+certain information. He stood on the centre of the course, some four or
+five hundred yards from the ring. He appeared to be admiring the
+landscape, which was pleasant enough under the brilliant sunshine,
+though this was interspersed now and then by ominous-looking clouds
+which seemed to threaten snow later.
+
+As most people know, Mirst Park course is situated in a kind of theatre,
+with rising ground behind the stands, so that it is possible for
+everybody to obtain a perfect view of a race from start to finish.
+Peeping out of the trees here and there were a few good-class houses,
+one of which, standing higher than the rest, towered over the top of the
+grand stand. There was the suggestion of a smile on Phillips' face as he
+adjusted his racing-glasses and made a close inspection of the house in
+question. He could see that it possessed a flat roof with a parapet
+around it. Phillips was still intent upon his examination when a
+policeman with a fine air of detachment strolled by.
+
+"The best natural course I have ever seen," Phillips said with
+enthusiasm. "Have you got many like this in these parts, officer?"
+
+"Not that I know of," the policeman said. "I suppose you have never been
+here before."
+
+"I am from South Africa," Phillips said. "We've got nothing like this
+out there. I should like to have one of those houses yonder. It must be
+nice to sit in your own house and be able to watch all the races,
+especially in weather like this. Now there's that place at the back of
+the stand. I suppose you know who that belongs to. Some man with money,
+I expect?"
+
+"I can't tell you, sir," the policeman replied. "I've lived here most of
+my life, but that house yonder has been empty for a long time. I
+understood it was taken by some Colonial gentleman last autumn, but I
+don't think he has been in it yet. Of course, I don't know for certain,
+because my beat is on the other side of the Common, and I am only on
+duty here on race days."
+
+"Just so. What is the name of the house?"
+
+"Let me see," the policeman said, reflectively. "Oh, I know. I think
+they call it The Nook."
+
+The officer passed on, and Phillips replaced the racing-glasses in their
+case. Fortune was still on his side. He made his way through the woods
+up into the road which ran in front of the houses, and came at length to
+a pair of iron gates with the name of the house, The Nook, painted on
+them in gilt letters. The place appeared to be fairly well looked after.
+The paths were trim, but, so far as Phillips could see, there was little
+traffic through the gates and no sign whatever of wheels, either of cabs
+or motors. Peering through the shrubs, he noticed that the windows were
+fitted with curtains and blinds as if the house were inhabited. There
+was, perhaps, some risk in what Phillips was about to do, but he was
+prepared to take the consequences. He walked briskly up the drive until
+he came in front of the house. Most of the blinds were up. He saw
+evidences of refinement and luxury in the blinds and curtains, though it
+struck him as rather significant that the gardens had not had much
+attention bestowed upon them. Phillips hesitated before ringing the
+bell. It was an old-fashioned bell, with a drop-handle, and he could
+hear it clanging through the house with a hollow sound which suggested
+emptiness. As he expected, no reply came, though he rang two or three
+times. It was impossible for any one to see into the living-rooms, for
+the house was built upon a slope and the front door was approached by a
+flight of steps. Just as Phillips was turning away a man emerged from
+behind a belt of shrubs, followed by a truculent-looking bull-terrier.
+He looked like a gardener, though there was in his appearance that
+faint, intangible something which suggested a close familiarity with the
+turf. He eyed Phillips sourly and suspiciously, and none too politely
+requested to know his business.
+
+"Are you employed here?" Phillips asked.
+
+"Yes, I am," the man growled. "I am the gardener. And there's no one at
+home, if you want to know."
+
+Phillips' assumption of annoyance was artistic. He turned away
+impatiently.
+
+"Then Mr. Ronaldson is not here now?" he asked.
+
+"Never heard the name," the gardener responded.
+
+"But he used to live here. I knew him well in South Africa. He gave me
+his address two years ago and asked me to look him up if ever I came to
+England. I suppose he has gone somewhere else then. Do you happen to
+know the name?"
+
+"No, I don't," the gardener said sulkily. "We've only been here a few
+months, and my master hasn't come into the house yet. He's a stranger,
+too. You had better make inquiries in the village."
+
+Phillips expressed his thanks. He had found out pretty well all he
+wanted to know, and felt that if this repellent person had entertained
+any suspicions they were lulled to sleep by this time. He stood
+examining the repulsive-looking bull-terrier. He alluded to the animal's
+points approvingly. He spoke, too, as a man who knew what he was talking
+about. One or two remarks elicited the assent of the gruff gardener, who
+smiled slightly.
+
+"Yes, he's a good dog," he said. "And capital in the house."
+
+"Keeps the burglars away," Phillips laughed.
+
+"Oh, I daresay he would if I left him here. But I don't live on the
+premises. I only look round to see that things are all right. I believe
+the servants are coming in next week."
+
+"But why not have a caretaker?" Phillips asked.
+
+"Oh, there's no occasion for that. They're more trouble than they're
+worth."
+
+Phillips nodded and walked leisurely away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+A FAIR DAY'S SPORT
+
+
+At Mirst Park there was not very much for Fielden to do. The horses he
+had brought with him were a moderate lot, and, in the words of the
+stud-groom, there was not a racer amongst them. With his intimate
+knowledge of horse-flesh Fielden wondered why Copley kept such an
+indifferent stable, and where he got his animals. They were even worse
+than the ordinary run of equine rubbish usually foisted on the
+millionaire whose ambition it is to figure as a patron of the turf.
+Perhaps the whole thing was a blind. Perhaps the stud at Seton Manor was
+merely intended to cover Copley's rascality in another direction. At any
+rate, Fielden watched the first two races with mingled feelings of
+contempt and amusement. He had seen his employer's horses figure in both
+in the sorriest fashion, and till the four o'clock race was free to do
+as he pleased.
+
+It was strange to move about the paddock, by the weighing-room and on
+the stand, rubbing shoulders with a score of men whom he knew well. The
+course was familiar to him, too. Were the past two years but a dream,
+and had he never left the scene of his former recreations? But no one
+recognized him. He strolled about listening to the roar of the
+betting-ring and the cries of the multitude, or threaded his way in and
+out among the horses. He even spoke to one or two jockeys whom he had
+once known, but none seemed to identify him.
+
+Despite the crowd and the horses, the ladies on the stand and the
+members in the enclosure, however, it was a lonely business, and his
+face lightened as he caught sight of May Haredale seated by herself on
+one of the stands. He made his way eagerly to her side. She turned and
+smiled upon him. There was a healthy flush on her face. Her eyes were
+sparkling, and yet there was a suspicion of anxiety about her which
+Fielden had noticed more than once lately.
+
+"Why are you alone?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, it has only been the last few minutes," May explained. "We have a
+colt running in this race, and my father has gone to give instructions
+to his jockey. By the way, how badly your horses have cut up to-day. No,
+I am not particularly interested in this race, and I haven't so much as
+a pair of gloves on it."
+
+"Then what do you say to a stroll?" Fielden suggested. "It is cold, and
+we look like having another fall of snow. I couldn't see the three
+o'clock race for the snow. Positively I hadn't the faintest notion what
+had won till I saw the numbers go up. Let us walk across the course to
+the starting-point and back. We shall have plenty of time."
+
+May consented, and soon they were beyond the enclosure and past the
+white posts and rails towards the patch of gorse across the Downs, where
+the starter was already fidgeting about on his cob. Away from the noise
+and excitement of the ring the flush faded from May's face, and her eyes
+seemed inexpressibly sad.
+
+"What's the matter?" Fielden asked anxiously. "We all change as we grow
+older. I suppose I am different from what I used to be. But I don't like
+to see you so quiet. It is so foreign to your nature, May. There was a
+time when you were all laughter and sunshine. Oh, dear, what a fool I
+have been, to be sure. How different things might have been if I had
+only had a little common sense. You don't know how I blame myself."
+
+"Were you altogether to blame?" May asked. "I don't think so. You had no
+one to look after you from the time you were at school till you came
+into your property. You were merely a boy then, and you behaved like
+one."
+
+"Oh, I know, I know," Fielden sighed. "But that's all past and done
+with. But don't talk about me. I am far more interested in you. I hope
+nothing has happened to increase your anxiety. You know what I mean."
+
+May looked irresolutely at her companion.
+
+"I ought not, perhaps, to tell you," she said. "I ought not to tell
+anybody. But, then, well, you are Harry Fielden, and I have known you
+all my life. If you didn't care for me quite as much as you do, if I had
+not cared for you--but, there, we need not go into that. It is my father
+who has worried me. It is extraordinary what a change has come over him
+lately. He used to be so kind to me, to let me do as I liked, and even
+when we were so poor that we didn't know where to turn for money he was
+always happy and cheerful. Why, a few months ago he would have laughed
+at the idea of my marrying a man like Mr. Copley. Now he is almost eager
+for it."
+
+Fielden made no reply for a moment. A wave of indignation came over him.
+He caught his lip between his teeth and bit it fiercely. A year or two
+ago he would have smiled at the suggestion that Sir George would
+sanction a match between his daughter and a man like Copley. But during
+the hard and bitter months of his wanderings he had learnt some amount
+of cynical wisdom. He was no longer inclined, as he had been in the old
+days, to take every man at his face valuation. And, no doubt, when the
+pinch came, Sir George was just like the rest. He would speak loudly
+enough of his willingness to give up the old house and live in humble
+lodgings rather than have any slur cast upon his honour. But it would be
+different when this pretty theory came to be put to the test. Fielden
+forgot all about the racecourse. He heard nothing of the shouting crowd.
+The horses streaming to the post conveyed nothing to his eye.
+
+"I want you to be candid with me," he said. "Is Sir George putting
+pressure upon you to marry that blackguard?"
+
+There was something so vehement in Fielden's speech that May looked at
+him in astonishment.
+
+"Surely you are going too far," she said. "Mr. Copley is not a
+gentleman, of course----"
+
+"I tell you, he is a scoundrel," Fielden interrupted. "Believe me, May,
+I would not have spoken unless I had been bound to. That man is not fit
+to go into any respectable house. I cannot say more than that at
+present, because the secret is not altogether mine. But this much I tell
+you: Had there been no such person as Raymond Copley I should be a rich
+man at the present moment. I know that, but for the merest accident,
+there would be blood on that man's hands. You must not marry him, May.
+You must not give him the slightest encouragement. When I think of your
+associating with that rascal my blood boils. If the worst comes to the
+worst, I must tell Sir George what I know myself. It is with the
+greatest reluctance I entered Copley's employment; indeed, I only did
+so because there are certain things I want to find out and this seemed
+to provide a favourable opportunity. Otherwise, I would rather get my
+living by selling race-cards and sleep under a furze bush. But do you
+mean to say your father really insists on this?"
+
+A rush of tears filled May's eyes.
+
+"That is what it comes to," she rejoined. "It is only the last two days
+that I have noticed such a change in my father. Harry, do you think it
+is as bad as he says it is? He tells me that unless I consent to marry
+Mr. Copley we shall be ruined and be turned out of the house without so
+much as a penny. It seems incredible. I can't understand a man with an
+atom of self-respect who would compel a girl to marry him against her
+will. It isn't as if I were rich, or intellectual, or beautiful."
+
+Harry thought he could understand. Indeed, any man could understand who
+looked down into the pretty, pleading, anxious face that was turned up
+towards Fielden.
+
+"There is no accounting for people like Copley," he said. "He is the
+kind of man that has not an atom of consideration for anybody but
+himself. He has no heart or conscience, and the more unattainable a
+thing is the more he longs for it. He cannot win you; therefore, you are
+the one thing in the world that he passionately desires. God help the
+woman, however fascinating and beautiful, who becomes Copley's wife! It
+would mean years of brutality and neglect and self-contempt. You
+mustn't, May. I understand the duty you owe to your father, but no man
+has a right to exact such a sacrifice as that. Don't you think I had
+better see Sir George and give him a hint of the sort of man Copley is?"
+
+May shook her head resolutely.
+
+"I am afraid that would do more harm than good," she said. "I must fight
+my battle alone, Harry, and if you interfered my father might forbid you
+Haredale Park. He has already hinted that, if you had not come home
+again, I should have been willing to become Mrs. Raymond Copley, and if
+I were not allowed to see you I don't know what I should do. There is
+nobody else I could confide in. But I will let you know how things go
+on. We had better go back. I feel better for this confession."
+
+But it seemed a hopeless business, and Fielden's face was sad and gloomy
+as he strode alongside May towards the stand.
+
+Ah! but hope was not dead yet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+AN EVENING VISIT
+
+
+For once Sir George Haredale did not seem to be in the least pleased to
+see Fielden. He was standing on the lower steps of the stand talking to
+Major Carden with the air of one who is conversing with an old
+acquaintance. By Carden's side was his daughter, eager and interested,
+following all that was going on around her with the zest and enjoyment
+of a child.
+
+"Oh, here you are," Sir George said fussily. "I was beginning to wonder
+what had become of you. Carden, this is my daughter. Major Carden and I
+were at Eton together. We used to do a good deal of racing before you
+were born."
+
+The Major took off his hat with a flourish.
+
+"Charmed to meet the daughter of my old friend," he said, "charmed. Ah,
+those were pleasant days when one had youth and strength and a banking
+account which appeared to be inexhaustible. Now I deem myself fortunate
+if I can steal a day off occasionally to get down to a suburban
+racecourse. Let me present you to my daughter. My dear Alice----"
+
+"But I know her already," May Haredale cried. "We were at school
+together. I had no idea that my father and yours knew one another. I am
+so pleased to see you again. Father, Alice Carden was my greatest friend
+all the years I was at Eastbourne. We parted promising to write to one
+another regularly, but somehow or another we have never corresponded.
+But now that I have met you I won't lose sight of you any more. Major
+Carden, you really must let Alice come and stay at Haredale Park with
+me. I want her for a long visit."
+
+Carden professed himself to be delighted, and this in all sincerity. He
+began to see visions of a snug and comfortable time, away from dingy
+lodgings and vilely-cooked food to which he had never become accustomed.
+The two girls paired off, and the Major strolled towards the paddock
+gates, for he had noticed Phillips there, evidently waiting for a chance
+to speak to him.
+
+"Got any instructions?" the Major asked.
+
+"Nothing fresh," Phillips explained. "I want you to do exactly as I
+asked you, and if you can manage it this evening, after you get back to
+town, so much the better. I have written my address on the back of this
+card, and it is possible I may be here for two or three days longer. I
+want you to find out what wagering there was to big money with Selwyn at
+the Post Club to-day, and wire to the address on this card. It is more
+than probable that, before the week is out, I may be able to put a good
+thing in your way. I suppose I can come round and see you whenever I
+like."
+
+The Major thought that would be all right. It would be just as well,
+perhaps, to get his daughter out of the way. With diplomacy he might
+contrive to expedite the invitation to Haredale Park, so that he could
+have the ground clear without fear of interruption. He returned to the
+place where his daughter was waiting for him.
+
+At a sign from Phillips, Fielden came forward.
+
+"Well," he asked, "how are you getting on?"
+
+"Splendidly," Phillips replied. "I have been far more fortunate than I
+anticipated. We will get some fun out of Copley and Foster yet. From
+your point of view I daresay you may think I am wrong. But I mean to
+make money out of this. I will expose Copley and fill my purse at the
+same time. You wonder what I am driving at? Can you manage to stay here
+over to-morrow?"
+
+"I think so," Fielden said.
+
+"That's good. In that case we can push our investigations farther and,
+with any luck, before the week is out we shall not only know where
+Copley gets his money, but how he makes it. Of course, we know that he
+doesn't even begin as a millionaire; we know that he is an unscrupulous
+adventurer. But he has the command of ready money, and we wish to know
+how he makes it. As a matter of fact, I know that already. But there are
+a few weak points in my case, and we can't make a definite move till
+these are cleared up. Now I want you to have dinner with me in my
+lodgings. I told my landlady I might have a friend staying with me, and
+she will be ready to put a bedroom at your disposal."
+
+"Why this mystery?" Fielden asked.
+
+"Oh, it is no mystery. I only want to interest you. After dark we shall
+indulge in a little quiet burglary, that is, if you don't object."
+
+"It is not an alluring prospect," Fielden said.
+
+"Of course it isn't," Phillips agreed. "But when you are dealing with
+scoundrels it is necessary to use their own weapons. I presume you are
+as interested as I am in the exposure of Copley and Foster and all their
+methods."
+
+"Up to the hilt," Fielden said between his teeth. "Poor as I am, I would
+give all I possess to bring that about. I would give five years of my
+life to manage that between now and Derby Day. And if necessary I can
+find some money. I am better off than I expected, but I intended to keep
+the money for a start in life later. Still, if you want it and will
+promise to put it to a good use, I will give you every farthing
+cheerfully. You have only to say the word."
+
+Phillips chuckled.
+
+"Oh, there's no occasion to do that, sir," he said. "Keep the money in
+your pocket. I shall have enough and to spare before long. I mean to
+drag Copley's plunder from between his teeth. I will take all I can get
+from him, and when the time comes we shall drop a hint in the proper
+quarter, and there will be an end to Raymond Copley. Within three months
+you will see that man in gaol. You needn't be alarmed for Miss Haredale.
+She is as safe from that man as if she were the daughter of the King. I
+had better be going, because it is as well that we should not be seen
+talking together for too long. I have scribbled my address on the back
+of this card, and shall expect you about half-past seven."
+
+Fielden asked no more questions, but returned to his friends with a
+vivid sense of curiosity. He listened to Major Carden's flamboyant talk,
+and as he bowed to Alice Carden could not help thinking what a pretty
+and refined girl she was. He made his excuses for not returning to
+Haredale, and was faintly amused to see how relieved Sir George appeared
+to be.
+
+"No, I can't get back to-night," he explained. "I have several things to
+do here. But I hope to see you on Sunday, if I may be allowed to come
+over."
+
+"Of course, you may," May smiled, as she held out her hand. "Miss Carden
+is coming to stay with me to-morrow. I have persuaded her to come at
+once. I am ashamed to have neglected her so long."
+
+Fielden finished his business, saw the stud-groom and the horses safely
+on the rail, and then went to the retired part of the village where
+Phillips' lodgings were situated. It was little more than a cottage, but
+the place was neat and clean, and the cooking left nothing to be
+desired.
+
+"It is only a bit of fish and a steak," Phillips said cheerfully, "but
+you will find it beautifully served, and as to the wine, well, I got
+that myself, and I know it is everything it should be. Please sit down
+and make yourself at home. We can discuss matters over our cigars.
+There's nothing like racing to give you an appetite. I only hope it
+won't snow before morning."
+
+"I hope not," Fielden said. "To all intents and purposes the racing was
+spoilt this afternoon by the snow, and it is very odd that no one saw a
+yard from start to finish of the three o'clock race. It was most
+annoying."
+
+"Was it?" Phillips asked. "Well, I confess I didn't find it so.
+Yesterday at the time of the three o'clock race I was at the Post Club,
+and, singular to say, we had the same blinding snowstorm in Covent
+Garden. Now it surprises you, but from your point of view and mine that
+snowstorm was the most fortunate thing that could have happened. When I
+sat smoking my cigar in the Post Club there came to me the inspiration
+of a lifetime. I seemed to see in a flash exactly what had happened, and
+soon I shall know to a dead certainty. You must restrain your curiosity
+for a little longer. You will probably know all about it before you go
+to bed. Try one of these cigars. They are excellent."
+
+Fielden had hardly got his cigar aglow before the landlady came in with
+a telegram, which Phillips opened eagerly. There was a smile of triumph
+on his face as he handed it to Fielden.
+
+"What do you make of that?" he asked.
+
+"I can make nothing of it," Fielden said. "It is a wire to the effect
+that no important wager was made this afternoon on the three o'clock
+race at the Post Club, and is signed Carden. I presume that is our stout
+friend with the florid face and ingratiating manner, who was talking to
+you this afternoon. But how it helps us I haven't the ghost of an idea."
+
+Phillips rose and threw his cigar in the fire.
+
+"Come," he said. "It is time to start. You haven't much longer to
+wait."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE EMPTY HOUSE
+
+
+There was just enough moonlight for Phillips' purpose, but not enough to
+render his task dangerous. Fielden asked no questions, partly because he
+deemed it would be useless, and partly because he did not wish to spoil
+what appeared to have in it the making of a dramatic adventure. His
+spirits were rising, and he was looking forward keenly to something in
+the way of enterprise. He and Phillips had been in more than one tight
+place together, and he had every confidence in his companion.
+
+They made their way along the main street in silence, and came presently
+to the deserted racecourse. There was very little evidence of the
+afternoon's sport, nothing but a few partially dismantled tents and
+booths, and the extraordinary remnants of reeking humanity that always
+haunt a race meeting.
+
+They went across the heath, and by and by Phillips pulled up in front of
+the avenue to The Nook.
+
+"This is the place," he said quietly.
+
+"Oh, is it?" Fielden asked. "Perhaps you had better tell me before we go
+farther who lives here."
+
+"That is precisely what we've come to find out," Phillips said coolly.
+"I've got a pretty shrewd notion, but that isn't good enough for me.
+I've told you that there's a gang of clever swindlers in England who
+have put their heads together to rob the betting ring of an enormous sum
+of money. Operations began last autumn, but the flat-racing was nearly
+finished, so that they did not make quite such a haul as they had
+anticipated. Still, they made enough to keep themselves in luxury all
+the winter and to find the necessary funds for carrying on the campaign
+in the spring. It is a big combine, and unless something is done to stop
+it, these people will make colossal fortunes. Mind you, one or two of
+the large bookmakers have a suspicion, but up to now they haven't been
+able to prove anything. Indeed, without egotism, I may say they would be
+powerless without me. I got some vague idea of the scheme three years
+ago from a man who is now dead. Then when racing began again this year I
+fancied I could see a trace of the same idea in this business. I knew I
+was right when I discovered that Copley was operating on a large scale.
+I lunched at the Post Club with a member who gave me an introduction to
+Rickerby, the financial agent. You remember him?"
+
+"I ought to," Fielden said drily. "Goodness knows, his firm had enough
+of my money. But go on."
+
+"Well, I pumped Rickerby. I don't mind telling you that I went to the
+Post Club on purpose. He has been pretty hard hit. He believes he has
+been the victim of a swindle, and he is right, though it was no part of
+my policy at the time to tell him so. He can't very well refuse to take
+big bets, even when he feels there is something underhand going on. Only
+a short time ago he was hit for some thousands of pounds by one of the
+gang, and, moreover, had to pay the money."
+
+"This sounds very interesting," Fielden said, "but what has it to do
+with our present adventure?"
+
+"Oh, I am coming to that," Phillips went on quietly. "You see, these
+bets are always made in the same way. One of the conspirators, who is
+actually a member of the Post Club, strolls into the smoking-room some
+five or six minutes before--well, we'll say before the three o'clock
+race. He hangs about till the horses are about finishing and then, in
+the most casual way in the world, makes a bet. Now, mind you, this bet
+is booked before the race is finished, as a careful comparison of the
+time shows. Yet the horse has won, and the man in the smoking-room of
+the Post Club knows it before the judge has given his decision."
+
+"Impossible," Fielden exclaimed.
+
+"I know it seems impossible, and twenty years ago you would have said
+the telephone was impossible, and people would have scouted the idea of
+wireless telegraphy. But they both came, like the phonograph and other
+wonders."
+
+"Oh, that's all very well," Fielden smiled. "But you are not going to
+ask me to believe that this thing is done by thought-reading or anything
+of that sort? You won't tell me that this famous member of the Post Club
+is a clairvoyant who sees the race finished while it is being run?
+Because, if that were the case, the favoured person would have no need
+of a syndicate to help him; he would do it all by himself."
+
+"I am not suggesting anything of the kind," Phillips said. "There's
+nothing occult about the business. The thing is capable of explanation,
+and I am in a position to give it, except for the finishing touches,
+which make this dodge almost a work of genius. I know who is at the
+bottom of it, I know who is working it, and I know how the information
+is conveyed to within a few feet of the tape machines in the Post Club.
+But how that information is filtered to the man inside is the thing that
+beats me at present. But so much I have found out. In the very next
+office to the smoking-room of the Post Club is a firm who call
+themselves Jolly & Co. Now Jolly & Co. only took their office last
+September or October. There is not the slightest sign of any business
+being done there, because I have been in the office myself. Taken in
+conjunction with what I have told you, it must strike you as an odd
+thing that this mysterious Jolly & Co. shut up the office and went
+abroad last year after the flat-racing was over. Probably Jolly & Co.
+went off to make a bit in the Riviera, or Egypt, or some other
+fashionable resort where fools and money congregate. It is an odd thing
+that during the January meeting at Mirst Park Jolly & Co. should turn up
+again and resume operations in Covent Garden. Now I called to see Mr.
+Jolly. He had left his office, but I guessed that before I called, or I
+shouldn't have ventured. The first thing I saw was a telephone with an
+unusually long flex to it. I don't quite understand why this flex is so
+long, but I can make a shrewd guess. It cost me an hour or two and
+plenty of hard thinking to get farther in my investigations, but I found
+late in the evening that Jolly & Co.'s telephone was a private wire
+leading from Covent Garden to his residence at Mirst Park. Now do you
+begin to understand?"
+
+Fielden shook his head.
+
+"It begins to smell suspicious," he said. "I am bound to confess it
+looks very like a deep-laid conspiracy. But I must confess myself too
+dense to follow it."
+
+"Oh, it requires explanation. But luck favoured me in my investigations,
+and I managed to pick up a good many unlooked for clues. Still, the
+fact remains that from this house here to an office next door to the
+Post Club there is a private telephone. Now a child would admit that no
+one would have a private telephone from here to an office in London, at
+a cost of something like a hundred and fifty pounds a year, merely for
+the sake of sending domestic messages. I came here to have a good look
+at The Nook, as this house is called, and I found, not altogether
+unexpectedly, that nobody was living here. I was told by a gardener that
+the tenant had not yet taken possession, though it has been furnished
+for some time. I had rung the bell a few times, and when the man came
+professed I had called to see some one who used to live here.
+Considering that it is supposed to be a fully-furnished house, that bell
+made a great deal of noise. I am ready to bet that the house is
+practically empty. At any rate, I have come here to find out for myself,
+and as I believe there is nobody on the premises our task ought not to
+be difficult."
+
+"I don't like it," Fielden said. "It smells very much like burglary, and
+if we were discovered we should find some difficulty in giving an
+explanation which would satisfy the police. Isn't there any other way?"
+
+Phillips waved the suggestion aside impatiently.
+
+"You can go back if you like, sir," he said. "As for me, I will see this
+thing through. We might never have such an opportunity again. And,
+besides, I want to have a look at that telephone. I think we shall find
+something that will open our eyes. I am not in a position actually to
+prove it, but I am convinced that Jolly & Co. will be found to be part
+and parcel of Copley and Foster. Now you understand why I am so anxious
+to enter the house. Still, if you prefer to remain outside and leave the
+matter to me----"
+
+"Oh, no," Fielden said hastily. "Having come so far I won't turn back. I
+am taking it that you are correct in thinking the house is empty."
+
+"Of course it is, there is no question about that. The gardener told me
+so, and I see no reason to doubt his statement. I wouldn't miss this
+chance for anything. Even if I get nothing out of it, I should like to
+know how this swindle is being worked. But come along, we are wasting
+time. There is enough moonlight to help us without using lights, which
+is so far fortunate. It may be a little awkward for you, connected as
+you are with Copley, but it is all in the game."
+
+"Lead on," Fielden said curtly.
+
+They turned into the avenue and came presently to the front of the
+house. Somebody had evidently been in since Phillips' visit, for all the
+blinds had been pulled down. Then they walked cautiously round, looking
+for a weak spot where they could effect an entrance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+INSIDE
+
+
+The adventurers managed to squeeze through a scullery window, the latch
+of which had not been secured, and a moment later were in the house. As
+Phillips had surmised, the place was empty. There were, however, cooking
+utensils in the kitchen, a quantity of plates and dishes and glass, with
+two baskets containing a small supply of cutlery and silver. Floorcloth
+had been laid down on the kitchen floor and a carpet in the hall, and
+there were carpets on the stairs, but three of the four living-rooms on
+the ground floor were empty. But the fourth room was comfortably
+furnished. A fire was still burning in the grate, and on the tiled
+hearth Phillips detected the ends of two or three cigarettes. There was
+a faint aroma of tobacco on the air, not the sort of tobacco likely to
+be consumed by a caretaker.
+
+"It is just as I told you," Phillips chuckled. "I felt sure we should
+find the house empty."
+
+"Yet you are not altogether right," Fielden replied. "Somebody has been
+here recently, and somebody who knows how to appreciate a good
+cigarette. Besides, look at that fire. I don't like it, Phillips, and
+wish we were well out of it. We don't happen to be in South Africa now."
+
+"Oh, that's all right," Phillips said cheerfully. "No doubt the fire was
+lighted this morning by the gardener, and no doubt also one of the
+conspirators has been here. In fact, I should have been disappointed if
+I hadn't found traces of him. It isn't necessary for our friends to come
+often, but they couldn't very well work their scheme unless they were on
+the spot when racing is taking place at Mirst Park. I wonder what our
+friend thought of the snowstorm about three o'clock. I guess that must
+have upset his calculations a bit. Now look at this."
+
+Phillips bent down to the fireplace and lifted one of the cigarette
+ends, which he handed to Fielden.
+
+"Do you know anybody who smokes these?" he asked.
+
+"I think so," Fielden said after close inspection. "They are
+particularly expensive cigarettes, and can't be had unless specially
+ordered. The only man I know who smokes them is Raymond Copley."
+
+"Precisely. And you may bet your boots this is one of his. At any rate,
+it is a curious coincidence, and tends to confirm what I have already
+told you. I should be greatly surprised if Copley were not here this
+afternoon. Now let us get a bit farther. There is nothing to detain us
+after we have examined the telephone. I am afraid we shall have to use a
+match, but, then, we are bound to take certain risks."
+
+By the aid of a box of vestas the telephone instrument was found in the
+hall. It presented no special features. It appeared to be the kind of
+hanging instrument to be seen in hundreds of offices and private houses.
+
+"Nothing remarkable about that," Fielden said.
+
+For the moment Phillips made no reply. He fetched a chair from the
+kitchen and mounted it. After the expenditure of two or three matches,
+the ends of which he was careful to deposit in his pocket, he broke into
+a smile.
+
+"Ah, I expected something like this," he said. "There is an extension to
+this instrument. If you look in the angle of the wall you will see that
+it goes up to the ceiling. To tell you the truth, I am glad to find
+this, because it bears out what strikes me as a very plausible theory. I
+was rather disappointed to find the telephone here at all. But now I can
+understand why it was placed in this particular spot. We have a cunning
+lot to deal with, and it was to be expected they would not do things
+like other people. Let us go upstairs and see how far this extension
+goes. To the roof, unless I am mistaken."
+
+The exploration proved troublesome, but the extension was traced to the
+second floor and thence along the ceiling, where it finally disappeared
+through a skylight which gave on to the roof. An iron ladder was
+attached to the skylight, and Phillips pointed out to his companion that
+the ladder appeared to have been regularly used. The iron rungs were
+worn bright, the sides were clean and shiny.
+
+"Come along," Phillips whispered. "We must get out on the top. But be
+cautious and display as little light as possible. I daresay we can
+manage with a solitary match."
+
+They found themselves on the roof presently. By feeling about they could
+trace the flex of the extension to a square wooden box screwed down to
+the leads. The box did not appear to be locked, and it was easy for
+Phillips to fumble about inside it until he drew out a cylinder of gutta
+percha with something glittering at either end.
+
+"Stoop down and light a match," he whispered, "and hide the flame under
+your coat. Now, then, bend down here. That's right."
+
+The match burst into flame under cover of Fielden's coat. The feeble
+light displayed another telephone receiver attached to the end of a
+somewhat long flex.
+
+"You can blow out the match," Phillips went on, "and don't forget to put
+the end in your pocket. It is just as well to be careful when dealing
+with such a gang. Perhaps you begin to understand? You don't know, I
+expect, that this roof commands the whole racecourse, and enables one to
+see everything from start to finish. Now a man could sit down here on
+this box and watch the race with the telephone receiver to his mouth. If
+he were a really good judge of racing--I mean, if he were any good as a
+judge of a finish--he would be able to spot the winner in nine cases out
+of ten fifty lengths from home, and therefore, if there was some one at
+the other end in the office of Jolly & Co., the result of a particular
+race would be known in London before the horse was past the post. Do you
+follow?"
+
+"Yes, that's all very well," Fielden objected, "but that does not
+account for the fact that----"
+
+"That the information is conveyed in the smoking room of the Post Club.
+Of course it doesn't. That, I confess, is where I am beaten for the
+present. I am certain that a second later the confederate in the Post
+Club knows what has happened. Don't ask me to tell you how the final
+touches are put on, because I don't know. But, knowing as much as I do,
+we shall soon find out, and I think you will admit that we haven't
+wasted our evening. You understand now why either Copley or a
+confederate was here this afternoon. The man, whoever he was, came with
+the intention of sending the result of the three o'clock race to Covent
+Garden. Why the three o'clock race is always picked out for this
+swindle we don't know, but that will be made plain sooner or later. They
+didn't make anything yesterday or to-day, because on both occasions the
+race was run in a snowstorm. It was the snowstorm that first put the
+idea into my head; in fact, it was the snowstorm that led me here at
+all. And now, let us go back to my lodgings and discuss the matter over
+a cigar."
+
+The telephone receiver was replaced in its box, the lid shut down, and
+the investigators began their descent to the lower rooms. They had not
+forgotten to be cautious and walked as quietly and carefully as if the
+house were occupied, which was, perhaps, as well, for as they reached
+the first-floor landing there came the scratch of a match downstairs. It
+was only a slight noise, but in the empty house it boomed loudly in the
+ears of the explorers. The match had been struck to light the gas, for a
+moment later the hall blazed up brightly, and Fielden and his companion,
+looking over the banisters, saw two men in the hall.
+
+"Have you made up a fire in the dining-room?" one of them asked. "You
+haven't? Well, do so at once. I am half frozen. It's precious poor fun
+motoring from London on a night like this. Did you bring in the hamper?"
+
+Phillips started at the sound of the voice.
+
+"This is awkward," he whispered. "I wish to goodness we had gone five
+minutes sooner. It will be worse for you than for me if we are found
+out. Did you recognize that voice?"
+
+"Copley," Fielden muttered. "I'd give something to be out of this. The
+other man is Foster, of course. I wonder what ill luck brings these
+fellows here to-night. Still, as all these rooms are empty they are not
+likely to come upstairs. But they mean to stay, or Copley would not have
+been so fastidious about the fire."
+
+"They are going to make a night of it," Phillips replied. "Judging from
+that remark about the hamper, they have brought supper with them,
+expecting somebody else, very likely. Well, there is nothing for it but
+to wait. If we could only put out the gas in the hall we might have a
+chance. We can slip down while they are at supper and leave by the way
+we came. We must have that gas out."
+
+"They would only light it again."
+
+"Not if I plug the burner. I'll go and look for a piece of wood. It is
+likely the carpenters have left some behind: they generally do. If I can
+find a piece about four feet long, the trick will be done."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+THE EAVESDROPPERS
+
+
+To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away. While
+he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been
+made up downstairs. With grim amusement he watched Foster open the
+hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation
+of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper. There were sundry
+bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had
+been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared
+with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of
+glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth. Judging from the smell,
+Copley was smoking in the dining-room whilst his accomplice was
+preparing the supper. Matters had progressed thus far when Phillips
+stole gently back, carrying a long very thin slip of wood from a broken
+board, the end of which he had whittled to a fine point.
+
+"I've found it," he said. "If I lean over the banisters I can jam the
+point of this stick into the eye of the burner, and put out the gas.
+They won't be able to light it again for a while. Is it safe?"
+
+The sudden pop of a cork was heard.
+
+"Sounds like it," Fielden whispered. "I think Foster carried in
+everything and they are at supper. Now is your time."
+
+Phillips leant over the banisters, and at the second attempt thrust the
+sharpened end of the long strip of wood into the eye of the burner.
+There was a feeble flicker or two, and then the whole place was wrapped
+in darkness. He was only just in time, for almost on the same instant
+Foster came out of the dining-room. They heard him muttering that the
+gas had gone wrong, and watched him, faintly outlined by a match, strive
+in vain to light the gas once more. After the third attempt he abandoned
+the effort with an oath and went back to the dining-room. Straining
+their ears, the two men on the landing could hear Copley's reply.
+
+"Choked up with dust, I suppose. But never mind so long as we are all
+right. Sit down and eat. I daresay those other fellows will be some time
+yet."
+
+Phillips whispered in his companion's ear.
+
+"I think we shall be safe. What do you say to creep away now we have the
+opportunity? Or would it be worth while to stay outside the dining-room
+and listen to what they're talking about? It is pitch dark, and we can
+slope at any moment."
+
+Fielden was feeling reckless. It did not matter what happened. Without
+further ado they tiptoed into the hall where, by the aid of the intense
+stillness and a door ajar, they commanded all that was going on. Copley
+sat at one end of the table, facing Foster at the other. For some time
+the two men ate steadily with an appetite sharpened by their drive
+through the cold air. When the meal was finished Copley pushed his chair
+aside and strode over to the fireplace. Would Foster remove the supper
+things? He had begun to gather the plates and dishes together when
+Copley stopped him.
+
+"Oh, never mind the things," he said impatiently. "Let the man remove
+them in the morning. He can finish up what is left. We have more
+important matters to attend to. Take a cigar and sit down by the fire.
+What is the next move?"
+
+"We have had cruel bad luck," Foster replied. "Who would have expected
+to have two race-days ruined by snowstorms? A prophet could not have
+foreseen anything like this. I reckon we have lost twenty thousand
+pounds the last two days."
+
+"It's a bad start," Copley answered. "We didn't have the luck, and we
+haven't made the money. I was on the roof yesterday and to-day, and I
+declare to you I couldn't see a single incident in the race. I've never
+seen two such blinding snow showers. It was simply maddening to stand
+there and feel a fortune supping through your fingers, all on account of
+the snow. And that's not the worst, Foster. It will be another month
+before there will be two days' racing at Mirst Park, and we can't count
+upon a single penny till then. I tell you frankly I don't know where to
+turn for ready cash. It's all very fine to have tradesmen breaking their
+necks to get my custom, but that doesn't fill my purse with the needful.
+It's very odd that a man in my position can procure almost any article
+of value he pleases, but when it comes to raising a bit of cash
+everybody's suspicions are aroused at once."
+
+"Well, philosophy won't help us," Foster said. "We must annex some ready
+money to carry us over the next month, at any rate. The same ill luck
+can't happen at the next meeting. Such a coincidence couldn't happen
+twice. Don't forget that if we can manage to hang on for four weeks we
+shall make enough to carry us on to the Derby, and after the big race is
+run we shall be in clover. If you work your cards properly the Blenheim
+colt is bound to lose, and with this knowledge we can lay against the
+horse as long as anybody is fool enough to take our bets."
+
+"I haven't forgotten that," Copley said. "Of course, I haven't spoken to
+Sir George about it yet, but I have asked him to dine with me on Sunday
+evening at Seton Manor, and I shall put on the screw then. He'll kick at
+first. He'll talk about the blood of his ancestors and the honour of his
+race and all that kind of rot, but he is bound to give in. If I asked
+him to-night he would say he would rather leave Haredale Park and beg
+his bread before he would do anything to be ashamed of. We have both
+heard people talk like that before now, but when it comes to the point
+Sir George will sing another tune. They all do."
+
+"Provided the lady does not change her mind," Foster said with a grin,
+which caused Fielden, listening at the door, to clench his fists. "You
+mustn't lose sight of that fact, Copley. Miss Haredale dislikes and
+despises you. But though she vows that nothing in the world will induce
+her to marry you, circumstances alter cases, and when she knows she is
+no longer mistress of Haredale Park, it is possible her frowns may turn
+into smiles."
+
+Copley laughed unpleasantly.
+
+"I haven't lost sight of these things," he said. "Miss Haredale has the
+bad taste to dislike me exceedingly. I would give anything if I could
+induce her to change her mind. I believe I might even grow honest and
+lead a respectable life. Still, that would be beastly monotonous. Your
+plan is the best. I had better accept my dismissal and leave Miss
+Haredale to go her own way. Then I can put the screw on Sir George and
+compel him to find some excuse for scratching his colt. When he sees
+that I mean to have my money and discovers the sheriff in possession, he
+will not be long in inventing a reason why the Blenheim colt should not
+run that shall be consistent with his confounded dignity. You can leave
+that safely to me, Foster. My word, how cold it is! I wish you would
+shut that door. The draught is cutting my legs off. I daresay----"
+
+What Copley was about to say was lost to the listeners in the hall by
+the closing of the door. They could hear nothing save a murmur of voices
+which conveyed nothing to their ears. Phillips touched his companion's
+shoulder.
+
+"Here's our chance," he whispered. "The sooner we are off the better. We
+cannot learn anything more this evening; indeed, there cannot be much
+more to learn."
+
+They stole cautiously along the hall, through the kitchen and outhouses,
+and were soon outside safe under cover of the darkness. It was black
+enough now that the moon had gone down, and they could move freely into
+the road and across the heath to the village.
+
+"Well, what do you think of these precious rascals?" Phillips asked.
+"Don't you agree that we are deep in the secrets of a vile conspiracy?
+We can't leave it where it is."
+
+"Most certainly not," Fielden said. "At present I am thinking more about
+Sir George Haredale than of anybody else. A year or two ago I should
+have scorned the idea of his doing anything dishonourable. But I have
+learnt worldly wisdom, and can imagine how it would be if Sir George
+were suddenly face to face with poverty. He is completely under Copley's
+thumb. If these two men bring off their coup, they will make an enormous
+fortune. But it must be prevented at all costs, Phillips. Think out some
+scheme of checkmate, and I shall be your debtor for the rest of my
+life."
+
+"I think I can manage that," Phillips said. "I'll tell you what my plan
+is when we get back to my rooms."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+A SOLDIER OF FORTUNE
+
+
+Major Carden sat over the breakfast which his daughter had prepared for
+him. He had been unusually late the night before, and showed it in the
+additional pinkness of his cheeks and the slightly red rims under his
+eyes. Not that he was feeling much the worse for the previous evening's
+pleasure; indeed, in his philosophical moments, the Major was fond of
+speculating which was the wiser--to take his fill of enjoyment's cup
+with its concomitants in the morrow of suffering and tribulation, or
+abandon such courses, however delightful. One mode of life was jolly to
+a point, but, on the other hand, the man who exercised prudence and some
+measure of control had a compensation in his economy. As a matter of
+fact, the Major never had been economical. "Sufficient for the day is
+the evil thereof" summed up his religion to its fullest extent. After a
+stimulant he knew he would be himself again, so he ate his breakfast
+with a zest that was truly amazing after the carousal of the night.
+
+For Major Carden always appeared to be in the best of health and
+spirits. Beyond his impecuniosity he had little to trouble him, and at
+the moment things appeared to be going very well indeed. He saw his way
+to make money out of Phillips, and had also been offered a roving
+commission on the Continent to purchase horses for the Army. This would
+entail his being away for three or four months, but his travelling
+allowance was liberal, he would put up at the best hotels, and enjoy
+himself in a manner consonant with his mission and dignity. He would
+tell his daughter that he was going abroad on some journalistic
+commission, for the Major, to do him justice, would have been loth for
+Alice to know all the expedients he resorted to in earning his
+precarious living.
+
+His love for his daughter was the one wholesome spot in his otherwise
+shady existence. He had been a selfish man all his life, had spent his
+own fortune and his wife's, and had broken the heart of that unhappy
+woman in a gentlemanly way. There had been no violence, no open
+unkindness, but the refinement of neglect that undermines health and
+spirit. When the crash finally came the Major removed to London with his
+young daughter. He told her just as much as he considered necessary,
+with the consequence that she regarded him as one of the best and most
+self-denying of men. Alice had few friends, and none knew anything about
+the Major's means, so that the journalistic fiction remained
+unassailable, and Alice could speak freely of her father as adding high
+intellectual qualities to his other gifts. His frequent late absences
+from home were explained in this way, and if he never said anything
+definite about his work, his diffidence might be attributed to natural
+modesty.
+
+In the circumstances, therefore, the Major was not sorry his daughter
+had had an invitation to spend a holiday at Haredale Park. He had
+thought of inviting himself also, but his new commission put that out of
+the question. After he had finished his breakfast he helped himself to a
+liberal dose of brandy and soda, and had just lighted his first cigar
+when his daughter came in.
+
+"You are very late," she said with playful fondness. "I declare you grow
+worse and worse."
+
+"Not my fault, my dear," the Major protested. "These things are
+inevitable amongst newspaper men. I thought I should be at home by
+eleven, but something important turned up at the last moment and they
+told me off to attend to it. They are good enough to say they can depend
+on me, Alice. That is one of the advantages of being steady. If anything
+goes wrong at the office the first thing they say is, 'Where is
+Carden?'"
+
+Alice smiled affectionately. To her this was quite natural. For a girl
+who had spent so many years in London she was wonderfully simple.
+
+"I suppose it can't be helped," she said. "How few men there are who
+would have endured your misfortunes and turned to and made a living as
+you are doing! I wish I were clever."
+
+"Oh, so you are, my dear, so you are," the Major said magnanimously.
+"The great thing is pluck and perseverance. Without egotism, I think I
+am endowed with those qualities, and to some extent so are you, and you
+will make a name as an artist yet. Stick to it, my child, stick to it.
+At the same time, it is good to have an occasional change, and I am glad
+you are going to Haredale Park. I suppose you can manage to put your
+painting pupils off for a week or two? Probably you will find it lonely
+when I am away. I shall only be able to run over from the Continent
+occasionally."
+
+"Oh, I shall miss you," Alice said. "But I shall be safe enough. The
+landlady is always motherly, and she will see I come to no harm."
+
+The Major dismissed the subject with a flourish of his cigar. He had
+rather feared his daughter might give way to tears. He thought she might
+ask him to take her along with him and so put him to the pain of
+refusal. Possibly the girl was looking too eagerly forward to her visit
+to Haredale Park to think of anything else. She had not forgotten the
+days when Major Carden was a man of position and they occupied a fine
+house in the country, when she had her horse and plunged into the dear
+delights of country life. It was good to feel she was going back to it,
+even though it was only for a little time. She had already made her
+modest preparations. She only hoped there would not be too many visitors
+at Haredale Park. But May Haredale had assured her they lived very
+quietly and had not many friends.
+
+"I am getting nervous about it," she said. "It will seem so different to
+the life I have been leading here. If I had only foreseen this I might
+have saved up and bought myself another dress or two. Still, I know I
+shall enjoy myself."
+
+"Of course you will," the Major said heartily. "But you won't get much
+gaiety at Haredale. They don't go in for society much. You see, there
+are very few of the old families left. Times change, my dear, and we
+change with them. I don't suppose, plainly speaking, that Sir George is
+much better off than I am. I happen to know that much depends upon the
+Blenheim colt winning this year's Derby. I was in the Post Club
+yesterday with one or two of my----"
+
+The Major coughed hastily as if his cigar smoke had gone the wrong way.
+
+"What am I talking about?" he exclaimed. "Anybody would think I am still
+interested in sport. Do you know, beyond an occasional day at a small
+meeting, I have no time for that sort of thing. I was in the Post Club
+on business, purely on business. It is a very sad thing to see young
+men wasting so much of their time and money on horses. But I can't
+prevent them from talking and am bound to hear the gossip that goes on.
+That is how I came to know so much about Sir George's affairs. Every
+penny he can scrape together goes on the stables, so you'll probably
+find that Miss Haredale leads a very quiet existence."
+
+"I am glad to hear it," Alice said. "I shall be happy with her. She was
+the greatest friend I had at school, and I can't understand how I ever
+managed to lose sight of her. Is it a nice place?"
+
+"Very pleasant," the Major said critically. "It is a grand old house,
+full of works of art and furniture and that kind of thing. Of course,
+all these things go with the estate, so that Sir George could not
+dispose of them, which is a precious lucky thing for the heir, for there
+won't be too much for him when the time comes. The stables are very
+fine, too, and Sir George has some of the best cattle in the country.
+Oh, I have no doubt you will enjoy yourself. When do you go?"
+
+"To-day," Alice said.
+
+The Major appeared to be slightly embarrassed.
+
+"Oh, yes," he said, "I had forgotten. It is a trifle awkward, because I
+have only a little money just now. The cashier at the office is so
+careless. He omitted to draw my cheque on Friday. Till to-morrow I am
+not sure whether I shall be able to spare money for your fare. Next
+week it would be quite different."
+
+Alice Carden kissed the speaker affectionately.
+
+"How thoughtful you are!" she said. "You are always thinking about other
+people. But please don't worry about that. I have saved a little, and
+shall have enough to keep me for the next two or three weeks and bring
+me home again."
+
+The Major expressed his gratification. For once at least he was sincere.
+It was most unfortunate, he said, that he should be in temporary need of
+cash. He laid strict injunctions upon Alice to spend what she had freely
+and not for one moment to forget that she was a Carden; if she wanted
+more money she was to write to him without hesitation. He saw her off at
+Waterloo presently. He paid for the cab in the most lordly fashion, and
+insisted on his daughter travelling first class, though he had not the
+money to pay for the ticket. But Alice was looking forward too eagerly
+to her holiday to notice these things.
+
+"Good-bye," she cried. "You will have left for the Continent before I
+come back. But don't let the thought of my being alone in London
+interfere with your pleasure. I should like to feel you were not
+troubling about me."
+
+"I'll try, my dear," the Major said. "Good-bye."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+A CHANGE OF AIR
+
+
+About the same time that Major Carden was sitting over his breakfast,
+Sir George Haredale was gloomily contemplating his own. He had read most
+of his letters, and had impatiently pushed aside the sheaf of bills and
+applications for money which poured like a flood upon him at every post.
+Some of them were peremptory and some imploring. But they had been
+coming in for so long that the master of Haredale Park was more or less
+hardened to them. But one communication was distinctly out of the common
+and worried him excessively.
+
+"What the deuce does it mean?" he soliloquized irritably. "And who are
+these people, Absalom & Co.? I never had any dealings with them.
+According to their note-paper they call themselves financial agents, but
+the whole thing looks more like a communication from money-lenders. Yet
+I don't see how I owe them anything. They write to remind me that in
+virtue of an assignment made by Mr. Raymond Copley of a certain date I
+am in their debt to the extent of more than forty thousand pounds. What
+the dickens is an assignment? And what does Copley mean by doing a thing
+of this sort without consulting me? These people hope I shall make
+arrangements to liquidate the debt in the course of the next fourteen
+days. Why, they might just as well ask me to find as many millions. But
+I daresay there is nothing really alarming about the thing if I only
+understood it. I wish I had a head for figures. I wish my father had
+given me a business training. Still, Copley will put it right. Perhaps
+he is annoyed at the way that May has been behaving. But I hardly think
+he will visit her folly upon me. However, I must say the thing is
+alarming."
+
+Sir George shuffled the letter into his pocket as the door opened and
+May entered. She was dressed for going out and was buttoning her driving
+gloves round her wrists. Outside on the gravel stood a smart cob in a
+Whitechapel cart.
+
+"Where are you going?" Sir George asked.
+
+"To the station to meet Alice Carden. She will be here for lunch."
+
+"I had forgotten her," Sir George murmured. "To tell you the truth, my
+dear, I am rather sorry you asked her."
+
+"But I was always fond of Alice."
+
+"Yes, of course, why not? The girl is all right. But, between ourselves,
+Carden is a bit of a bad egg. He comes of an old family, and I recollect
+when his position was as good as ours. But he muddled his money away.
+He always affected the society of those sportsmen who are ready to do
+anybody. He made the mistake of regarding everybody as a fool except
+himself, and naturally he came to grief. Those fellows always do."
+
+"But he belongs to one or two good clubs," May protested.
+
+"Oh, I know that. He was never actually found out. He was mixed up in
+one or two very queer transactions, but contrived to keep clear of
+trouble himself. There are scores of men who meet him on familiar terms,
+but precious few ask him to their houses. Still, the girl is coming
+here, and we must make the best of it. But I wouldn't ask her again if I
+were you. You can easily drop the acquaintance after the next week or
+so."
+
+May discreetly refrained from discussing the matter further. There was a
+strong vein of loyalty in her nature. She liked Alice Carden, and was
+not disposed to visit any of the father's shortcomings on the daughter.
+She had almost forgotten what Sir George said during her drive to the
+station. It was a crisp day, and a frosty sun was shining. There was an
+exhilaration in the air almost like champagne. Before the station was
+reached May put her troubles behind her, not a very difficult matter for
+a girl in her twentieth year who boasts of a fine constitution and a
+perfect flow of animal spirits. Her cheeks were glowing, her eyes
+sparkling, as she advanced to meet Alice Carden.
+
+"I thought I would come for you myself," she said. "I brought a cart
+which I am driving. Now if you will pick out your boxes we'll get a
+porter to put them in the trap for you."
+
+"My boxes," Alice laughed. "Behold my humble belongings. I have come
+down here with one dress-basket which contains all the finery I have. I
+hope you haven't many dinner parties and that kind of thing, for,
+positively, I have only one evening dress, and I am afraid that that is
+hopelessly out of date. Still, if you have any special functions, it
+will be easy to plead a convenient headache."
+
+May laughed as she took up the reins.
+
+"Calm yourself," she said. "I assure you there will be nothing of that
+sort. We have dropped out of gaieties. For one thing, most of our old
+friends have left the neighbourhood, and my father doesn't care for new
+people. We three will probably dine alone every night of your stay, and
+we can ride and drive, and I can give you a day or two with the hounds
+if you like."
+
+Alice Carden protested sincerely that she wanted nothing better. It was
+pleasant to find herself once more driving down the country roads behind
+a good horse. It was like old times when she came to Haredale Park and
+surveyed the room which had been appropriated to her use. It was exactly
+as her father had described. Here was the old oak, the long rambling
+passages, the china and pictures and ancient furniture, all in the
+setting where they had been fixed the best part of two centuries ago.
+Here was the open landscape in front of the mullioned windows. Here were
+the woods and fields and lawns, and in the distance the stables where
+Sir George Haredale's stud led its luxurious existence.
+
+It was pleasant to sit in the dining-room before a well-appointed lunch
+with the fine silver on the table, the vases of flowers, and the
+beautiful glass. Whatever Sir George's feelings on the subject of his
+daughter's guest were, there was nothing in his manner to which the girl
+could take exception. He was natural, courtly and charming, as he always
+was, and appeared to take the keenest pleasure in Alice Carden's
+arrival. So far as she could see, there was no sign of trouble, no grim
+shadow to forecast the ruin hanging over the house. The butler and a
+footman or two moved about the room. The sunshine poured through the
+painted windows. Altogether it was a household to be envied. Alice's
+spirits rose accordingly. She meant thoroughly to enjoy herself, and
+when lunch was over professed herself willing to fall in with any plan
+May had to suggest.
+
+"Well, let us have a ride," the latter said. "We will go over the Downs
+towards the sea and come back by Seton Manor. Now run away and get your
+habit on. I will have a horse saddled for you which is not too fresh.
+You used to be a daring rider at one time, but it is as well to begin
+cautiously. In a day or two you shall have a hunter after your own
+heart."
+
+They rode out in the keen sunshine and broke across the wide expanse of
+Downs, and Alice Carden gave herself up to the exquisite enjoyment of
+the hour. It was good to feel the elastic movement of the cob, to listen
+to the thud of his hoofs on the turf and catch the breeze streaming in
+her face. They turned presently as the sun was setting, and jogged more
+quietly homewards. A little later, as they came to Seton Manor, a string
+of horses clothed and hooded were turning into the stables. Alice pulled
+up.
+
+"Who lives there?" she asked.
+
+Some colour crept into May Haredale's cheeks.
+
+"Our neighbour, Mr. Copley," she explained. "He is a newcomer and a
+great lover of horses; he is very rich, having made a large fortune in
+South Africa, and I suppose this is one way of getting rid of his
+income. Like most beginners at the game, he has hardly any good horses,
+but that is probably because he hasn't time to look after them himself."
+
+"Is he a friend of yours?" Alice asked.
+
+"Oh, well, he comes over to Haredale Park pretty frequently. My father
+has struck up a sort of intimacy with him. Between ourselves, I detest
+the man. He goes everywhere in virtue of his money, but he is not a
+gentleman, as anybody can see. I am going to tell you a secret, Alice,
+which you must not tell to a soul. Mr. Copley is anxious to marry me.
+Needless to say, I have given him very little encouragement."
+
+"Of course, you wouldn't," Alice said. "You haven't forgotten what you
+used to tell me at school. Don't you remember how you confided in me
+about Harry Fielden, and how you used to read part of his letters? I
+never knew what became of him."
+
+"No, I never told you. Well, perhaps I will to-night before we go to
+bed. It was a very unfortunate business altogether. There was nothing
+wrong about Harry. He was merely very reckless and extravagant, and got
+rid of his money and went abroad. He hadn't a single penny left, and
+there was an end of my romance. It sounds very commonplace, but it is
+just as serious to me as if it were one of those pretty stories we read
+in books. So now Harry has nothing and I have nothing, and some day or
+other I shall end, I suppose, in marrying a man for the sake of a home.
+But you may be certain it won't be Mr. Raymond Copley."
+
+"How very sad!" Alice said sympathetically. "Do you ever see Mr.
+Fielden?"
+
+"Oh, yes," May laughed unsteadily. "In fact, he is coming towards us
+now."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+A STRANGE VISITOR
+
+
+Interest as well as sympathy lit up Alice Carden's eyes. She looked with
+something more than curiosity at the well-set-up young man who came
+striding across the turf towards them. May reached over and laid an
+impressive hand upon her friend's arm.
+
+"I am not sure I meant to tell you so much," she whispered. "I spoke on
+the spur of the moment. Harry came back to England unexpectedly a little
+time ago, and I met him by accident in London. It was a bit romantic in
+its way, but I'll tell you about that later. He came down here to his
+old home to get some of his belongings, and, to his surprise, nobody
+recognized him. I was the only person who knew him, excepting an old
+stud-groom who had been in the employ of the Fieldens for the last fifty
+years. When he found that no one knew him, he thought he might procure
+some congenial occupation in his own neighbourhood. It was part of the
+same romance that he should obtain this employment at the hands of Mr.
+Copley. But, of course, he does not pass in his own name. Please to
+recollect that he is Mr. Field. Now, my dear, you have the whole story
+in a nutshell. It is like the plot of a novel. I am the beautiful
+heroine, beloved by the rich bounder, while my heart is given to the
+handsome penniless young man of good family who is in the villain's
+employ. Don't think me heartless because I speak so lightly of it, and
+don't forget to behave as if I had not told you this story. Mr. Field is
+an old friend of ours, and that's the only thing you have to remember."
+
+Alice Carden promised to act discreetly. There was no time to say more,
+for Fielden was beside them, and Alice found herself bowing to him as if
+he were a new acquaintance.
+
+"You have not been here before?" he asked.
+
+"This is my first visit to Haredale," Alice said. "But I have seen you
+before, Mr. Field. Don't you remember you were with my father and Sir
+George at Mirst Park a day or two ago? We were not introduced then."
+
+"Oh, I have not forgotten it," Fielden laughed. "I understand you are an
+old friend of May's, I mean Miss Haredale's. Would you mind if I came
+over to-night after dinner?"
+
+May flashed a glance at the speaker.
+
+"We shall be delighted," she said. "I fancy my father told me he
+expected Mr. Copley, too."
+
+Fielden said nothing for a moment or two; then it suddenly occurred to
+him that he had forgotten an important matter which would detain him
+that evening. He understood what May had hinted to him. He knew it was
+hardly prudent for him to be much at Haredale Park whilst Copley was in
+the neighbourhood. By way of turning the conversation, he suggested that
+the girls should dismount and inspect the stables.
+
+"Nothing I should like better," Alice cried.
+
+"Then come on," Fielden said eagerly. "Let me help you down. You will
+find the stables everything to be desired. They are modern, luxurious,
+and nothing appears to have been overlooked. From first to last they
+must have cost about twice as much as the house. We have a dozen helpers
+more than are necessary; indeed, things are conducted on a most lavish
+scale."
+
+"And the horses?" Alice asked. "Are they----"
+
+"Well, as to the horses, the less said about them the better. They are a
+pretty moderate lot. Perhaps later we may weed them out a bit. But come
+and see for yourself."
+
+It was growing dusk by the time the inspection was over. Then the two
+girls walked back towards the archway which led into the wide
+stable-yard. Outside the gate two of the stable helps were engaged in an
+altercation with a seedy-looking tramp in an advanced state of
+intoxication.
+
+"Excuse me for a moment," Fielden said, "I must see what is wrong. Now,
+my man, what are you doing here?"
+
+It was easy for the girls to notice what was going on and to hear every
+word that was said. At the tones of authority in Fielden's voice the
+tramp looked up and made a ludicrous effort to pull himself together.
+Over his right eye there was a fresh cut, from which the blood was
+trickling. The helpers, too, showed signs of punishment, and a desire to
+fling out the stranger, but they dropped back as Fielden appeared.
+
+"I came to see Mr. Copley," the tramp said.
+
+"Mr. Copley isn't here," Fielden said curtly. "Still, if you want him,
+it would be as well to ask for him in a proper manner. What do you mean
+by pushing yourself forward in this fashion?"
+
+"I didn't," the tramp said sulkily. "I never said nothing to these men
+till they ordered me out, and one of them shoved up against me. I don't
+stand that from any one, guv'nor, and so I tell you. If you don't
+believe me, try it on yourself."
+
+Fielden was conscious that the blood was mounting into his cheeks. He
+returned for a moment to where the two girls were standing and walked
+with them into the road.
+
+"I think you had better leave us," he said. "I must give that fellow a
+lesson, and this is no place for either of you."
+
+"I hope you won't get hurt," Alice Carden said. "It is curious, but I
+know that man quite well by sight. He used to be in my father's
+regiment; in fact, he was his servant. He comes to our rooms in London
+occasionally and my father helps him with a few coppers and some clothes
+now and again. I am afraid it is another case of degradation caused by
+drink."
+
+"It looks like it," Fielden said. "This man was probably one of the
+Major's racing-touts, one of those broken-down creatures occasionally
+employed on more or less shady jobs. But he must be taught decent
+manners. I don't think you need be afraid for me. I'll try to come over
+to lunch to-morrow."
+
+Fielden saluted the two girls and returned to the spot where the tramp
+was swaying about defiantly.
+
+"Now what do you want?" he demanded once more.
+
+"What do I want?" the fellow sneered. "Well, I want a sovereign, and I
+am not going till I get it. If Mr. Copley was here I could have ten
+sovereigns. Yes, and he would be glad to pay me, too. You think, because
+I have been unfortunate that I can't get any money. You are wrong, young
+man, you are wrong."
+
+"Well, you won't get any here," Fielden said. "If you have anything to
+say to Mr. Copley you had better wait. He will be here at five o'clock,
+but you must wait outside."
+
+"Me wait outside! Who are you talking to? I don't wait for no man, not
+even for Raymond Copley. I have got to get back to London to-night
+anyhow. You just give me a sovereign or two and tell Mr. Copley you've
+done it. Tell him if I have any more of this sort of thing he had best
+look for somebody else to play building houses with fruit baskets in
+Covent Garden. Tell him that. If I have any more of this to put up with
+he can get somebody else to monkey with his fruit baskets. You needn't
+say more than that."
+
+In spite of the man's intoxication he knew what he was talking about,
+and was plainly desirous of conveying something definite. There was a
+malignant look in his eye which Fielden did not fail to notice.
+
+"Oh, be off," he said impatiently. "I won't have any row here. Are you
+going, or shall I turn you out?"
+
+The intruder answered with a furious oath. He was anxious, he said, to
+see any man on the face of the earth who could do a job like that. He
+lurched violently at Fielden, and the next moment was sprawling on his
+back with the haziest knowledge of what had happened. Then, at a sign
+from Fielden, the two helpers took him by the shoulders and legs and
+carried him into the road. He rose muttering and threatening. He shook
+his fist towards the stables and lurched off until he was swallowed up
+by the darkness. Quite unconscious that his knuckles were cut and
+bleeding Fielden went about his work. It was only when Copley himself
+appeared and asked what had happened that Fielden looked at his damaged
+hand.
+
+"Oh, that's nothing," he laughed. "A tramp came here not long since
+asking for you and demanding a sovereign or two as if you were his
+banker. The fellow was insolent, and I had to knock him down, but I had
+no idea my knuckles were cut. Needless to say the man didn't get his
+sovereign, though he did leave a queer message for you. It is
+astonishing what strange things men say when they are in liquor."
+
+"And what did this one say?" Copley asked.
+
+"Oh, he said if he could see you he would get as many pounds as he
+liked. He went on to remark that if he had to put up with any more of
+this you could find somebody else to monkey with your fruit baskets at
+Covent Garden. Idiotic, wasn't it?"
+
+Fielden spoke carelessly, but he kept an eye upon Copley. He saw the
+latter start, remarked the queer look on his face, and how his eyes
+gleamed with anger.
+
+"Absurd," he said. "I suppose the fellow thinks I am interested in
+Covent Garden. But there is no accounting for the vagaries of a drunken
+man. Anyway, it's not worth thinking about. Anything fresh to report?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+THE DERELICT
+
+
+Raymond Copley went back into the house in a thoughtful mood. The
+much-envied and much-talked-of millionaire was not particularly happy.
+He had a good deal to occupy his attention and had reached a crisis in
+his affairs which was likely to prove awkward unless something turned up
+speedily. It was easy, as he often cynically observed, to obtain almost
+unlimited credit upon the strength of his fictitious wealth, but
+exceedingly difficult to raise even a hundred pounds in the City. He had
+practically no security to offer his bankers, and dared not do anything
+that would suggest to an outsider that he was in want of ready cash. One
+or two of his schemes lately had ended in failure, and, so far as he
+could see, it was almost impossible for him to hold out for the month
+which intervened between now and the next meeting at Mirst Park.
+
+Now here was a fresh cause of annoyance which he had not anticipated.
+Unfortunately for the ultimate success of Copley's schemes, they
+necessitated the employment of more than one subordinate, and these
+subordinates had to be paid. Moreover, they were drawn unavoidably from
+the refuse of the population, so that they were a standing source of
+danger, for it is hazardous to depend upon people who are usually ready
+to sell their services to the highest bidder. One of them had been so
+audacious as to turn up at the very gates of Seton Manor and demand
+money. Luckily, he had not said enough to rouse suspicions. His remarks
+to Fielden might easily be ignored as the ravings of a drunken wretch.
+Certainly they did not convey much intelligence. So far all was safe.
+
+But it was a warning, and a warning that Copley did not care to
+disregard. Happily, he thought, Fielden was not a curious man, or he
+might have inquired farther into the incident. He might even have been
+disposed to speculate a sovereign or two, and the tramp might have been
+in a sufficiently reckless mood to sell information at that price. The
+thing must be looked into at once.
+
+Foster sprawled in the library with a copy of the _Sportsman_ in his
+hand and a cigarette in his mouth. He looked up carelessly at his
+employer, but seeing there was something amiss put down the paper and
+waited for Copley to speak.
+
+"What has gone wrong?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, everything," Copley said savagely. "Has a single thing gone
+straight since the Mirst Park meeting? Here am I in a big house,
+furnished regardless of expense, with scores of tradesmen tumbling over
+one another to serve me, and yet I haven't a ten-pound note to call my
+own. As if that was not bad enough, that blackguard Chaffey has turned
+up here."
+
+"I suppose he wants money," Foster asked.
+
+"Well, that was the idea, no doubt. I didn't see him myself, but I
+understand he was drunk and objectionable, and Field turned him out.
+They had a bit of a scrimmage, and I hope Field gave the fellow a
+lesson. At any rate, he went off quietly in the end."
+
+"Then why worry?" Foster said.
+
+"Why worry? What a question! I forgot to tell you the worst. Chaffey
+came here demanding money. He said if I had been at home he could have
+got as much as he wanted. Imagine what Field must have thought. He would
+conclude that I was under obligations to the scamp, but, as you know, I
+haven't exchanged a dozen words with him. Everything has been done
+through you, and I must say I can't congratulate you on your choice."
+
+"You never do when things go wrong," Foster retorted. "Would you have
+had me employ a gentleman? Did you want a man of intelligence, who would
+have asked many questions of himself. Chaffey is the man for us. But you
+are making a great fuss about nothing."
+
+"Well, what do you think of this? Chaffey told Field that if he had any
+more of this sort of thing I could get somebody else to monkey with my
+fruit baskets in Covent Garden. Ah, I thought you would change your
+tune. Imagine a remark like that in a sporting public-house! Scores of
+people would smell a rat instantly. They would get on the track of
+money-making, especially if Chaffey happened to mention my name in
+connexion with the affair. If they only found him with money and plied
+him with drink, he would tell them all he knew."
+
+"Which is precious little," Foster said coolly, as he lighted a fresh
+cigarette. "Chaffey doesn't really know anything. Still, we must make
+him understand that we won't stand this kind of thing. What do you
+propose to do?"
+
+"Why, follow him, of course. He can't be far away. He is sure to have
+gone to some pothouse. He went down the London Road, and the best thing
+is to go after him at once. Let us take the car and make excuses that we
+shan't be back in time for dinner. You think I am making much ado about
+nothing. But my nerves are not what they used to be. Come along."
+
+Foster made no objection. In truth he was almost as uneasy as his
+employer. By and by they were rolling along the road in a car, stopping
+under some pretext or other at every public-house. They came presently
+to a small place where they heard news of the man they were after. He
+had left a short time before; in fact, he had been violently ejected,
+because he had no money to pay for the drink he had consumed. Half a
+mile farther on the motorists espied a shadowy outline staggering down
+the middle of the road and lurching from side to side, singing as he
+went.
+
+"That's the man," Foster whispered. "Stop the car and I'll get out and
+tackle him."
+
+The tramp paused when he found himself within the radius of the powerful
+lights. He stood trying to collect his scattered senses, until, finally,
+he got some hazy idea of whom he was talking to. His face grew hard and
+sullen, and he looked none the better for a swollen eye and a cut
+forehead.
+
+"Oh, it's you, is it?" he said. "This is a nice way to treat a
+gentleman. Here am I, miles away from my happy home and not a penny in
+my pocket."
+
+"What are you doing here?" Foster asked.
+
+"That, sir," said the tramp with great dignity, "is my business. I have
+private occupations of which you know nothing. You are taking advantage
+of my poverty. Don't forget that I was in as good a position as yourself
+at one time."
+
+"You might easily be better," Foster said contemptuously. "Still, you
+haven't told me what brings you here, and why you made a disturbance at
+Seton Manor."
+
+"I was at the Lington Meeting," Chaffey answered. "I lost all I had and
+was tramping back to London when I recollected that Mr. Copley lived
+close by. I thought I would borrow a pound or two from him, and that's
+why I called. It would have been all right but for those stable men.
+Would you care to be treated like a dog? I lost my temper. You'd have
+lost yours if you had been in my place. And that's all about it. I don't
+want to make any trouble if you treat me properly. Give me a few pounds
+and I'll go back to London the first thing in the morning."
+
+"I'll give you money if you return to-night," Foster said curtly. "Get
+in the car and we'll drive you as far as Maley Junction. Come on."
+
+"I will not come on," Chaffey said with an assumption of his old
+dignity. "You give me the money and I'll go to town early in the
+morning. I can't go before, because I have heard something. There's a
+trial coming off here to-morrow morning, and I am bound to see it. You
+don't suppose I live on what I get from you. If the trial turns out as I
+hope it will, it will put a lump in my pocket. Now what is the good of
+standing frowning at me like that? I tell you I'm not going back to
+London to-night. I won't go till eight o'clock to-morrow morning. If you
+don't help me, I know a man who will give me a tenner cheerfully to hear
+how I monkey with the fruit baskets in Covent Garden. But do as you
+please. I don't mind lying in a ditch till morning, and I don't mind
+tramping to town to-morrow. It wouldn't be the first time I've done
+both. Not that I want to quarrel with you, Mr. Foster; if you do the
+fair thing by me, I'll do the fair thing by you. Give me a quid or two
+so that I can get some supper and a bed, and I'll promise not to come
+near Seton Manor again. What's more, if the trial turns out all right,
+I'll send a message to Mr. Copley."
+
+"Oh, give him money and let him have his way," Copley cried impatiently.
+"There isn't much chance of drumming sense into him to-night."
+
+A whispered conversation between Copley and Foster followed, then three
+sovereigns changed hands and Chaffey departed along the road with the
+air of a man who has an object in life.
+
+"You have done the right thing," he said. "I knew you would, when you
+came to think of it, and I'll let Mr. Copley know all about the trial.
+Good-night, gentlemen, and good luck to you."
+
+So Chaffey vanished into the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+A SECOND TRIAL
+
+
+Despite his cheery optimism, Joe Raffle did not appear so gay as usual.
+He seemed to have something on his mind, and those under him noticed
+that now and then he spoke with a sharpness that was not customary. In
+fact, the groom was troubled. He had been glad to see his old master
+again and to know that his small conspiracy looked like setting Harry
+Fielden on his feet once more. But when he came to review the position
+of affairs he did not feel absolutely satisfied, though he had done
+nobody a wrong, nor had calculated on putting a single penny in his
+pocket. On the contrary, he had been convinced that he was doing a most
+disinterested action.
+
+But in the light of the past few days everything looked different.
+Raffle was by no means blind to what was going on around him. There was
+plenty of gossip in the stables, for some degree of friendship between
+the lads at Haredale Park and those at Seton Manor was inevitable, and
+it was an open secret that there might possibly be an alliance between
+the two houses. It was plain to Raffle's keen eyes that May Haredale
+disliked Raymond Copley intensely and that Sir George was doing all he
+could to remove this objection. Raffle guessed, too, pretty accurately
+what was the state of Harry Fielden's feelings, and saw that if this
+marriage took place his little scheme would be worse than useless. If
+Fielden had not turned up again it would not have mattered. But as it
+was the large fortune which Sir George was about to annex seemed likely
+to go into the pockets of Raymond Copley.
+
+Joe hated Raymond Copley with all the contempt that an old sportsman has
+for an ignorant dabbler in the great game. He knew that Copley cared
+nothing for racing for its own sake, that he kept his stable only to
+give himself importance in the eyes of his neighbours. Raffle was not
+aware that the Seton Manor stud was a blind to cover the conspiracies
+hatched between Copley and Foster, but he knew enough to set his teeth
+on edge and to make him determined to stop this hateful marriage if he
+could. It was gall and wormwood to feel that after all he had been
+working and planning for the advantage of Copley. He knew that Harry
+Fielden would have some delicacy in interfering and believed it likely
+that, if May consented to become Copley's wife, he would forbid Raffle
+to say a word about the real ownership of the Blenheim colt.
+
+This was bad, but worse was to follow. For the last two or three days
+the colt had been off his feed, and Raffle thought he was developing
+symptoms of staleness. To settle this point, he arranged for another
+early morning trial. He had confided his intention to a couple of his
+trusty helpers, who fondly imagined that no one knew of it but
+themselves. But these things leak out in stables, and in some mysterious
+way the projected trial reached the ears of Chaffey, who, when he chose
+to tear himself away from his beloved bars, was one of the cleverest
+touts that ever worried a stable. After parting from Copley and Foster,
+he staggered along cheerfully till he came to a roadside public-house,
+where he obtained a shakedown for the night. The thirst for drink was
+upon him--indeed, it was seldom or never absent--but he managed to put a
+check upon himself, and retired to bed with strict injunctions to be
+called at daybreak. In the morning he rose a trembling wreck, his tongue
+cleaved to the roof of his mouth, his nerves were a-quiver, but, by a
+supreme effort, he kept himself from the drink which called to him so
+strongly. The smell of it in the dingy public-house appealed to him
+mockingly, but he thrust the fierce desire aside and stole off to the
+Downs with splitting head and aching brows. He resolved to make up for
+his sufferings later. With luck he would be in London soon after nine
+o'clock. An hour later he would have sold his valuable information, and
+then--well, then, he would enjoy himself after the manner of his kind.
+
+Having concealed himself in a patch of gorse, he waited with what
+patience he could for the trial. It was a long and weary vigil, but
+presently he heard the muffled tramp of horses and the sound of voices.
+Cautiously Chaffey raised himself and peeped out. He knew he was hiding
+just behind the winning-post. The solitary figure standing there was
+familiar to him. With a grin he recognized Fielden.
+
+In the distance he could see two horses flashing along, and as they drew
+nearer he made out the fine dashing outline of the Blenheim colt. He had
+never seen that noble animal before, but his keen instinct told him he
+was not mistaken. He forgot his aches, pains, and everything else in the
+excitement of the moment. He saw the Blenheim colt holding his own,
+sailing along with a free and easy stride, and then suddenly, within a
+hundred yards or so of the gorse bushes, the other horse came away and
+finished many lengths ahead. The colt had a peculiar action that Chaffey
+did not fail to notice.
+
+"They are right," he said, "the colt's queer. My word! it was well I
+came here this morning. This will be five and twenty pounds in my
+pocket. And if I have any luck that bloomin' Copley can get somebody
+else to look after his fruit baskets. I've had enough of it."
+
+Chaffey dropped down as he saw Raffle coming up to the winning-post.
+The horses had been led away, and nobody could hear what Fielden and his
+companion and Mallow had to say.
+
+"This is a bad business," Harry observed.
+
+"Looks like it, sir," Raffle said gloomily. "I can't make out what's
+wrong with the colt. I thought I knew all about horses, but this puzzles
+me. He seemed quite right a day or two ago, and I can't see now what's
+wrong."
+
+"Oh, there's plenty of time," Fielden said cheerfully. "I daresay you'll
+manage to make him fit for the Guineas. It is a good thing I didn't take
+your advice and back him. I am glad the money I got for the library is
+still in the bank."
+
+The stud-groom shook his head obstinately.
+
+"I don't think you are right, sir," he said. "I still believe in the
+colt and, as you say, there is heaps of time between now and the
+Guineas. Of course, I must tell Sir George, and a fine state he'll be
+in, I expect. Just think what a difference that colt will make if he
+wins. And yet you refuse, sir, to benefit by so much as a penny."
+
+"Why should I?" Fielden asked. "Practically the horse doesn't belong to
+me. Legally, I suppose, he does, and I have no doubt I could put in a
+successful claim. But the colt was only a yearling when I went away. He
+has been trained in Mallow's stable and by Sir George's man."
+
+"I never call myself that, sir," Raffle muttered.
+
+"Ah, but you are, Joe, morally speaking. You have accepted service under
+him, and you take his money. I know you have behaved exceedingly well to
+me. I know you have meant everything for the best, and I thank you for
+it. But I cannot interfere. Can't you see that I am in honour bound----"
+
+"In honour bound to stand by and see Mr. Copley marry Miss Haredale?"
+Raffle asked indignantly. "I am sure I beg your pardon. I forgot myself.
+I had no business to speak like that to you. But that is what it is
+coming to. Here have I been working and scheming and keeping my mouth
+shut to put a matter of a hundred thousand pounds into Mr. Copley's
+pockets."
+
+"If the colt wins," Fielden suggested.
+
+"Oh, he'll be all right, sir. It is only a matter of a few days, but if
+this thing gets talked about, why, the colt will go bang down in the
+betting and we shall all make fortunes with the outlay of a few pounds.
+There is another thing I must tell you. You see, it is like this----"
+
+Raffle turned away as he spoke, and Fielden followed him, so that the
+figure eagerly listening behind the gorse bush could hear no more.
+Though, on the whole, he had had an exceedingly fortunate morning, he
+bitterly regretted that the deeply-interesting conversation had been cut
+short just at the point when he might have picked up information that
+might have made his fortune.
+
+"I wonder what they're talking about?" he muttered, as he limped
+painfully and slowly across the Downs towards Seton Manor. "I suppose I
+had better give Mr. Copley a tip. I can send it to him from one of these
+pubs. He doesn't deserve any consideration from me, but it will be worth
+a fiver later. Now for breakfast and just one drink--only one before I
+get back to London and draw my money. There will be plenty of time for
+fun this evening. What a fool I've been! If I could only have kept off
+that accursed liquor I should have had a stud of my own by this time."
+
+With this philosophy on his lips Chaffey turned into the bar of the
+nearest public-house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+DRIVING IT HOME
+
+
+Copley sat at the breakfast-table waiting for Foster to come down. He
+had glanced impatiently through his letters, none of which appeared to
+be particularly interesting. Then he picked up a repulsive-looking
+envelope that lay by the side of his plate. The envelope was greasy and
+forbidding, though the handwriting upon it was fairly neat and clear, if
+a trifle unsteady. Copley was on the point of pitching it into the fire,
+feeling pretty sure it was something in the nature of a begging epistle,
+when he changed his mind and opened it.
+
+"Dear sir," it ran, "I was on the Downs this morning and saw the trial I
+was speaking to you about last night. Sir George's head man thought it a
+dead secret, but I had had it from a sure quarter, and I saw the race
+between the Blenheim colt and another at half-past seven. The colt was
+quite stale, and, if I am any judge of such matters, I think it will
+take all their time to wind him up for the Guineas. I thought you would
+like to know this, because, properly handled, there is money in it.
+Perhaps it may be worth a five-pound note to me the next time we meet."
+
+There was no signature to this document, but Copley guessed where it
+came from. He rose from the table and stood for a while thinking this
+over. There was money in the tidings, but not in the way hinted at by
+Chaffey.
+
+"Anything fresh?" Foster asked, as he attacked his breakfast with zest.
+"You look rather pleased about something."
+
+"Well, I am," Copley said, with a sinister smile he found it hard to
+conceal. "I've got something here that looks like good business if we
+can only hold on a bit longer. As you know, we don't quite agree as to
+how Sir George Haredale is to be handled. If I went to him boldly and
+told him that he must scratch the Blenheim colt, do you think he would
+consent if he saw I was in earnest? My opinion is he would kick me out
+of the house. But there is another way of working it, and for the hint I
+have to thank Chaffey, of all people in the world. Here is a note from
+him."
+
+"Wants more money," Foster said with his mouth full.
+
+"Not for the moment, at any rate. He thinks his information is worth a
+prospective fiver. As a matter of fact, it is invaluable. You know he
+told us last night that he wasn't going away till he witnessed a trial
+this morning. He has seen it, and this letter gives me the result. The
+trial was that of the Blenheim colt. Chaffey says it will take them all
+their time to get him fit for the Guineas, even if they can manage it.
+Chaffey is probably in town by now, and has no doubt sold his
+information to some smart bookmaker. By this time to-morrow the Blenheim
+colt will be knocked out of the betting, and one will be able to get any
+price one likes. When this becomes public property Sir George will be
+justified in scratching the colt. He could say he had no hopes now of
+winning the Derby, and has taken this step solely on behalf of the
+public. Everybody will believe him. No questions will be asked, and his
+conduct will be regarded as most sportsmanlike. Do you see what I am
+driving at?"
+
+"By Jove!" Foster exclaimed. "That is really smart of you. As Sir George
+backed his colt at long prices the money loss will be small. You can
+arrange as to the money Sir George owes you, and directly the pen is put
+through the colt's name we shall be masters of a hundred thousand
+pounds. It isn't so much as we expected, but we shall be able to draw
+the money during the next few days, and then be in a position to carry
+on a war against the bookmakers till we have made as much as we like.
+Things are entirely in your hands. You have only to put it plainly to
+Sir George and offer to cancel his mortgages, and the thing is done.
+He'll fall in with your suggestion readily. He only wants the excuse to
+get out. You'll want to handle him carefully, of course. But every man
+has his price, and I don't believe Haredale is any exception to the
+rule."
+
+"I'll do it to-day," Copley muttered.
+
+"That's right," Foster said approvingly, "there's nothing like striking
+while the iron is hot. But if I were you I'd run up to town first and
+give Absalom & Co. a hint to put the screw on without delay. What you
+have to do is thoroughly to frighten Sir George, who will probably send
+for you, and see if he can't arrange terms. We had better motor to
+London at once. It might be as well to get Absalom's people to send a
+man down this afternoon to let Sir George know that business is meant.
+By the time we get back this evening there will be a note from Sir
+George asking you to go over and see him. If not, I am no prophet."
+
+On the best of terms with themselves the conspirators started for town
+half an hour later, and before eleven o'clock Copley was closeted with
+the principal of the well-known financial house of Absalom & Co.
+Apparently the interview was to his satisfaction, for he soon made his
+way to the Post Club. Foster joined him at lunch, and up to four o'clock
+they amused themselves by making small wagers on the day's racing. Soon
+after five one of the waiters came into the smoking-room and informed
+Copley that a gentleman was waiting to see him.
+
+He went downstairs to find Mr. Absalom in the ante-room. The latter
+smiled as he heard the clicking of the machines.
+
+"Do you do anything in that way?" Copley asked.
+
+"Not I," the visitor laughed. "I leave that to the fools who have more
+money than sense. If there were no such thing as a horse or a bet I
+should be deprived of nine-tenths of my clients, and instead of being a
+rich man, I should be hard put to it to obtain a living. So the sport
+has all my sympathy. But I didn't come here to discuss racing. I want to
+speak to you about Sir George Haredale. I sent my manager down to see
+him."
+
+"Yes, yes," Copley said impatiently.
+
+"Oh, I won't detain you longer than I can help. My manager saw Sir
+George and had a long conversation with him. He was inclined to be high
+and mighty at first, but we soon changed all that. He was very anxious
+to know why you had transferred your debt to us, and we told him, of
+course, that you were engaged in very big speculations which called for
+all the ready capital you could lay your hands upon. We also hinted that
+we were finding money tight, and gave him to know that unless the cash
+was paid within a week, we should have to avail ourselves of our rights
+and place a man in possession at Haredale Park. That rather knocked the
+old gentleman off his balance. My manager said he was quite civil after
+that, and intimated his intention to do everything he could. But, at
+the same time, he appears to be very much annoyed with you. He thinks
+you have not treated him fairly, and seems to hope that when he has seen
+you he can arrange matters. Of course, he hasn't the least idea that we
+are merely dummies, so if you change your mind you can telephone to us
+and we will sit tight. He said he expected to see you this evening."
+
+Copley nodded approvingly. There was no need for hurry, for he knew that
+the longer Sir George Haredale thought over the matter, the more likely
+he was to yield in the end. After thanking Absalom, who went his way, he
+sent for Foster.
+
+"It's all right," he said when the latter came downstairs. "Absalom's
+people have seen Sir George, and have left him in a state of blue funk.
+I think the best thing we can do is to let him think it over for a day
+or two, because the longer he dwells upon the prospect before him the
+more likely he will be to listen to any terms I choose to offer. But we
+can talk this over after dinner. Let's get back to Seton Manor. By the
+way, I suppose you have dealt with those commissions. Did you manage to
+lay any money against the Blenheim colt to advantage? Has the trial
+leaked out yet?"
+
+"I managed to get a good lump on," Foster explained. "I fancy the story
+is getting known. According to one of the papers, the Blenheim colt has
+gone back to six to one. I think we have done as much as we can. At any
+rate, the money is as good as in our pockets."
+
+At Seton Manor Copley and his accomplice sat down to dinner in higher
+spirits and with better appetite than they had displayed for some time.
+There was nothing to trouble them. They had netted a huge sum of money
+without the slightest risk, and, what was more to the point, they would
+be in a position to handle it in the course of a few days. There was a
+good deal of flavour in Copley's cigar as he lay back in his seat
+sipping his coffee. A moment or two later a footman came in with a note
+on a tray. Copley smiled as he tore open the envelope, and intimated to
+the servant that he need not wait.
+
+"From the Baronet?" Foster grinned.
+
+"You've guessed it," Copley replied. "He wants me to go over at once on
+most important business."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+HONOUR BRIGHT
+
+
+As time passed Sir George Haredale began to think that trouble was
+really before him. He had not the least pretence to be a business man.
+He had always been prone to take people at their own valuation. He would
+never have done anything dishonest or underhanded, and he paid his
+fellow-men a similar compliment. He had never counted the cost of
+anything, for the simple reason that he had never been taught to. If he
+wanted a thing he got it. If he couldn't pay for anything he simply owed
+for it. When, from time to time, his creditors grew pressing, he gave
+his lawyers instructions to raise another mortgage, and there, so far as
+he was concerned, was an end of the whole transaction.
+
+It does not take long, especially with two or three generations of
+similar incapacity, seriously to embarrass even so fine an estate as
+Haredale Park. The day came at length when Sir George was under the
+painful necessity of facing the inevitable, when his worried lawyer told
+him a few plain truths, and he realized that his income was barely
+sufficient to live upon. Unfortunately, at this crisis, an occasional
+run of luck on the turf had relieved the pressure, and it occurred to
+Sir George as a brilliant idea that here was a source of permanent
+income. Then luck ran steadily against him, as it always does sooner or
+later, and at the time Sir George made the acquaintance of Copley he was
+literally at his wits' end to know what to do.
+
+It was a misfortune, though a disguised one, that Copley in his
+headstrong way should fall in love with May Haredale. He had gone about
+his wooing in characteristic fashion, and had recognized that, unless he
+were in a position to force the pace, his suit was hopeless. Hence he
+had helped Sir George, although he needed every penny he had for
+himself. At that time Copley did not see his way to get it all back and
+a great deal more. But now he had the consolation of knowing that he
+would come out all right, whether May Haredale became his wife or not.
+
+He was playing his game with wonted caution and cunning. In response to
+Sir George's note, he pleaded some excuse, and on one pretext or other
+kept clear of Haredale Park for the best part of a week. He knew how to
+play his fish. He knew that delay was in his favour, and was not going
+to spoil his triumph by undue haste.
+
+Sir George was thoroughly frightened. The interview with Messrs.
+Absalom's manager came in the light of a revelation to him. He realized
+that he was in Copley's power, and that the latter could ruin him
+whenever he chose. Not that he expected anything of the kind. He was of
+far too sanguine a nature for that, and being a gentleman and a man of
+honour he naturally believed the story that Copley was temporarily hard
+put to it for the want of money. From that point of view, of course,
+Copley was behaving very well. He had not pressed Sir George, nor had he
+insisted that the money must be paid. In point of fact, he had not
+mentioned the matter at all.
+
+But Messrs. Absalom's manager had been emphatic enough. There was
+something in his manner which Sir George did not like. He actually had
+no respect for the aristocracy, and spoke as if money were the only
+thing in the world that mattered.
+
+"It comes to this, Sir George," he said. "We must ask you to make
+arrangements to clear this off in a week. It is business, pure and
+simple, and my people want the money. Things are not going well, and we
+must look to you to settle this claim."
+
+"Within a week?" Sir George cried. "Impossible!"
+
+The shrewd manager shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I am sorry to hear you say that, Sir George," he replied. "In that
+case, we must take matters into our own hands and sell you up,
+including your horses in training. We shall much regret this step, but
+necessity will compel us. The best thing you can do is to consult your
+solicitors and see if you can raise a loan. Otherwise--well, I think I
+have made myself plain."
+
+The man withdrew, leaving Sir George to his own disturbed thoughts. With
+his sanguine disposition and lack of business knowledge he still clung
+to the idea that Copley would be able to put this matter right. But when
+Copley wrote that business called him elsewhere Sir George's vague sense
+of alarm began to develop into a perfect nightmare. At the expiration of
+a week the first blow fell. A man, shabbily dressed and dingy of aspect,
+called to see Sir George and would take no refusal. He stood in the hall
+grimly quiet, waiting for the master of the house, who appeared
+presently and demanded in his haughtiest manner what the intruder
+wanted.
+
+"I am here on behalf of Absalom & Co.," the intruder said. "Fact is, I
+represent the sheriff. It is no use blaming me, Sir George. I am only
+doing my duty, and it's not so pleasant, at that. But I am here in
+possession, and here I am bound by law to stay until this money is paid.
+As soon as that is done I shall be only too pleased to go away."
+
+Sir George began to understand the position. He had heard of these
+things before, but they had always appeared to be remote enough from
+him. This was what was called an execution, and Sir George's dignity
+disappeared accordingly.
+
+"This is very awkward," he said. "I had not anticipated anything like
+this. How long will you have to stay here?"
+
+"Well, it varies according to circumstances," the man explained. "It all
+depends upon what action the plaintiffs take. If they give you an
+extension of time I may be here for a month. Sometimes I have been in a
+house much longer."
+
+"A month," Sir George exclaimed, "impossible!"
+
+"It may be less than that," the man said. "If they don't give you any
+time at all I shall be gone in a week. In the ordinary course of things,
+at the expiration of seven days the sheriff will come in and sell
+everything."
+
+"Seven days!" Sir George repeated the words over and over again, as if
+he were trying to grasp their meaning. He had barely a week to find this
+money, and, if it were not forthcoming, everything he had would be
+disposed of. He would have to face the world without a penny. He
+wondered if these people would take his horses. He wondered whether
+their action would injure him in the Derby. But misfortunes never came
+singly, and it was possible that the Blenheim colt might not start for
+the historic race at all. For the moment everything lay in the hands of
+Raymond Copley. Probably he had not the slightest idea that Absalom &
+Co. had gone to these lengths. No doubt he would devise a way out of
+this disgraceful situation. It was the only chance.
+
+"If you wouldn't mind going away," Sir George said, "and coming back
+later in the day, I will see what I can do."
+
+The man smiled broadly.
+
+"Bless you! I couldn't do that," he said. "It would be as much as my
+place is worth. I might even get prosecuted, and I've a wife and family
+to think of. I dare not stir a step from here, Sir George; indeed, I
+dare not. If people treat me well I always try to give as little trouble
+as possible, and as yet nobody knows who I am and why I came. I daresay
+you can think of some excuse to account for my presence in the house."
+
+It was very humiliating, but there was nothing for it but a mild
+conspiracy between the master of Haredale and this grubby representative
+of the majesty of the law. Sir George led the way into the library.
+
+"You had better stay here," he said. "I can say you've come down from
+London on some business in connexion with the stable. By the way, it is
+just as well I should know your name. Oh, Brown, is it? Well, you had
+better remain here till I come back, and I can arrange for you to have
+your meals in the kitchen. I suppose you won't object to that?"
+
+"I shan't, if the servants don't," Brown said.
+
+"Very good. I am going to see a friend, and shall return as soon as
+possible. I suppose if you had a telegram from Absalom calling you back
+to London, you would disappear without any trouble."
+
+"Certainly, sir, and very glad to go. I have never been in a big house
+like this before, and it makes all the difference. But I'll do my best
+to save your servants from knowing who I am and what I am doing at
+Haredale Park."
+
+Possibly the speaker had some hope that this complacency would not leave
+him poorer than it found him, and, in his sanguine way, Sir George was
+already settling in his mind the size of the tip he would give this
+fellow after he had seen Copley and made arrangements to get rid of him.
+Nevertheless the master of Haredale was really distressed and alarmed as
+he made his way across the fields to Seton Manor. Perhaps Copley might
+not be back from London till dinner-time. But Copley was there. He was
+in the stable-yard talking to Foster as Sir George approached.
+
+"Here he comes," said Foster with a grin. "I thought he wouldn't be very
+long. It is any odds that Absalom's man is in possession already. Our
+friend looks rather dejected, doesn't he? Now is your time to clinch the
+business."
+
+Copley smiled his assent. "I don't think we are likely to have much
+trouble with Sir George."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+ACTING THE FRIEND
+
+
+Copley turned to his visitor with an air of surprise. He held out his
+hand with an appearance of great friendliness and began to talk about
+horses as if nothing out of the common had happened.
+
+"I am sorry I have been unable to see you," he said. "But I have been
+dreadfully harassed in business. You country gentlemen think that
+capitalists like myself have unlimited cash. Never, my dear Sir George,
+was there a greater mistake. There are times when I would give one of my
+ears for a thousand pounds in hard cash. Everything we have is locked
+up, and bankers are so chary of speculative securities. Of course, it
+comes all right in the long run, but really, for some days, matters have
+been extremely critical. However, I managed to make a satisfactory
+arrangement last night, and came home dead tired, with the full
+intention of not going near the City for two or three days. I hope there
+is nothing amiss with you. I don't suppose there is. Ah, you want to be
+in my line to know what anxiety is."
+
+"I think I've a pretty fair idea of it," Sir George said, as he shook
+hands. "You have been good enough to advise me once or twice, and I
+thought I would come over this morning and consult you about a worry of
+my own. I came on the off-chance, and esteem myself fortunate to find
+you at home."
+
+"Oh, not at all, not at all," Copley said breezily. "In fact, I was
+coming to see you. My conscience has been pricking me, and I feel I have
+been very rude. But come into the library and tell me all about it. I'll
+help you if I can."
+
+"You are exceedingly good," Sir George said gratefully. "I have had a
+most unpleasant shock this morning. It has to do with those people,
+Absalom & Co. They tell me you have transferred my debt to them. I can't
+understand it."
+
+Copley shook his head as he motioned his visitor to a chair. He passed
+over the cigars to Sir George, and sat down to listen in an attitude of
+respectful attention.
+
+"No, you wouldn't understand these things," he explained. "It is only
+the man of hard business training and instinct that can follow the
+ramifications of modern finance. Finance is a fascinating sport with
+substantial gains for the successful man, but Heaven help him who fails.
+He is bound to go to the wall, and no one has the slightest mercy for
+him. It is almost a truism to say that we are at war with one another.
+Though outwardly on good terms, we really are the bitterest enemies. It
+is part of the game. I go and stay with other financiers, and they come
+and stay with me. We drink each other's wine and smoke each other's
+cigars. We share grouse moors and yachts, we even marry each other's
+daughters. But, at the same time, it is everybody for himself. That is
+one of the recognized rules, and if you go under you may become a clerk
+or something of that kind, unless you prefer to blow out your brains. It
+is all the same in the City. I tell you this, so that you may understand
+what a lot of enemies one makes when one embarks in a new venture. It is
+a mistake to imagine that all the money the successful man makes comes
+from the public. Every time I make a quarter of a million, some of my
+friends must suffer. I have a very big thing on at present, and thought
+I had guarded myself at all points. But man is only human, and it is
+impossible to foresee everything. Two of my cleverest friends spotted
+the weak point in my armour, and were not slow to take their
+opportunity. They squeezed me to such an extent that, about a fortnight
+ago, they very nearly crushed the life out of me altogether. I was
+compelled to find forty thousand pounds at a few hours' notice. The only
+people I could think of were Absalom & Co., and I transferred your debt
+to them. My dear fellow, if I hadn't done so I should have been in the
+Bankruptcy Court to-day. Absalom & Co., in their turn, are being
+squeezed, and that is why they are putting pressure upon you."
+
+"Then you can't help me?" Sir George said blankly.
+
+"My dear Sir George, I am afraid not. It is with great regret I say
+this. In two or three weeks I shall be in funds, and if you will wait
+till then, why I shall give you my cheque with pleasure. At the moment I
+have nothing. In a month's time I shall have a fortune at my disposal.
+But probably these people won't wait."
+
+"Then I am ruined," Sir George exclaimed.
+
+Copley murmured that it looked very much like it. He made no suggestion
+at all. He merely appeared to be duly sympathetic. He was waiting for
+Sir George Haredale to realize his position. That done, it would be easy
+to play his game successfully.
+
+For a time Sir George paced up and down the library. He cursed himself
+and his bad fortune, blamed Chance, bemoaned his cruel ill luck; in
+fact, like the weak man he was, he blamed everything except the headlong
+folly and short-sighted blindness which had brought all this about. In
+the meantime, Copley sat letting his fish play until his strength was
+exhausted and he could readily be drawn to land. It was a one-sided
+battle.
+
+"Is there nothing you can suggest?" Sir George cried despairingly. "Is
+there no way of getting delay?"
+
+Copley made no reply for a time. When at length he spoke he dropped his
+voice to a persuasive whisper.
+
+"Well, there is one method," he said. "Absalom is a sportsman, and he
+takes a great interest in racing matters. Between ourselves, he finances
+some of the swell bookmakers, and I understand has a grip upon some of
+the large commission firms. If you could show him a way to make thirty
+or forty thousand pounds on a race like the Derby, you might induce him
+to withdraw his execution for a month. Though he is in a corner, or he
+wouldn't have dropped on you, the suggestion I speak of would be worth a
+sacrifice."
+
+"I don't follow you," Sir George said.
+
+"No? Then I must speak more plainly. At the present moment you own a
+colt which looks like winning the Derby. I know the colt has been
+coughing lately, but your man Raffle is very sanguine and knows what he
+is talking about. I see the colt has come back in the betting to eight
+to one, and the public never seem to be tired of backing him. That,
+however, is the public's look-out and is no concern of yours. In the
+colt's present condition you will be justified in putting a pen through
+his name and nobody could blame you. Owners don't raise horses for the
+benefit of the public, and if the public choose to come in and forestall
+the market and the horse is scratched, then they must take the
+consequences. It has been done over and over again, and I don't see why
+you shouldn't do it yourself. You needn't do it to-day, or to-morrow, or
+even next week, but if I can assure Absalom that this is going to
+happen, why, in that case, I feel certain these proceedings will be
+withdrawn, and perhaps such terms arranged as will wipe the debt out
+altogether. Do you follow me?"
+
+Sir George sat white and rigid. He seemed trying dimly to comprehend
+what Copley was driving at. All the time Copley was speaking he did not
+meet the eye of his victim. But Sir George's face was no index of his
+feelings. He was quivering from head to foot with a nameless indignation
+and, though Copley did not know it, was within an ace of inflicting
+personal punishment on the financier.
+
+"You can't be in earnest," Sir George said with difficulty. "Surely, you
+were joking when you asked me to do this thing? Why, it would be
+contemptible, dishonourable to the last degree. I expect to win a
+fortune with the Blenheim colt, but I backed him at a very long price,
+and if he breaks down the loss will not be so great. It would be bad
+enough to lose a fortune which I regarded as as good as in my pocket,
+but deliberately to scratch the horse, to wait for a fortnight whilst
+these friends of yours are laying against the colt, is an insult which I
+did not dream any man would put upon me."
+
+"You will pardon me if I don't see it in that light," Copley said
+coolly. "You have a right to do what you like with your own. You are
+justified in scratching the horse and, indeed, you have every excuse for
+doing so. I don't see that it matters much whether it is done to-day or
+in a fortnight's time. You may lose the few thousands pounds you put on
+the colt, but that seems probable in any case. And, on the other hand,
+you have it in your power to wipe out your debt to me--that is, to
+benefit to the extent of forty thousand pounds."
+
+Sir George's indignation began to ebb. He no longer felt a disposition
+to smite Copley hip and thigh; he was thinking of his own position and
+future.
+
+"And if I refuse?"
+
+Copley shrugged his shoulders eloquently.
+
+"In that case, there is no more to be said or done," he answered. "I
+would help you if I could, but I am powerless just now. But perhaps you
+will think better of it. I am sure you will be tired of that man in
+possession by the end of a week."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+AN ULTIMATUM
+
+
+Copley rose as if the interview were over, and he had done all he could
+for his friend. But Sir George lingered. He stood gazing into the fire
+thoughtfully and moodily. Copley's last shaft had gone home. Sir
+George's whole nature revolted from spending a week in the company of
+the man in possession. He wanted to gain time, to have an opportunity to
+consider matters, and, above all, to get rid of the incubus which, in
+his mind's eye, he could see seated patiently in the library at Haredale
+Park. Yet he also knew what he ought to have done. He ought either to
+have knocked Copley down out of hand, or to have walked out of the house
+with a curt intimation that he and Copley must be strangers in the
+future.
+
+But, like the weak man he was, when the pinch came he did neither of
+these things. It would never have occurred to him to assert that he was
+a man of honour. All the world had taken it for granted, and in this
+opinion Sir George shared. But, on the other hand, he was face to face
+with disgrace, and in a few days would be homeless and penniless, a mark
+for the finger of scorn, and the object of pity of those whom he had
+looked down upon from a lofty standpoint. But was there, after all, any
+great harm in what Copley suggested? Scores of owners of horses had done
+such things before, and he had a genuine excuse for drawing the pen
+through the name of the Blenheim colt, since it had fallen ill. If other
+people benefited by the knowledge, it was no concern of his. If the colt
+were no better at the end of a fortnight, he could be scratched and
+things go on as they were. Besides, the colt was a good one, and in the
+autumn there would be every chance of winning the St. Leger with him.
+This reasoning was all very specious and wrong, but it wasn't long
+before Sir George had justified himself, as Copley felt sure he would
+do.
+
+"Wait a little," Sir George said. "You can't expect me to make up my
+mind at once. I must have time to think it over. But I can't do anything
+as long as that man is at Haredale Park. If you can get rid of him for
+me----"
+
+"Oh, I think I can do that," Copley interrupted. "But if I telephone to
+Absalom & Co. from here they will want some guarantee from you
+that--well, you know what I mean. They won't want any writing, your word
+will be good enough for that."
+
+Sir George expanded at this suggestion. It never struck him that a mere
+negotiation on this point from Copley's view would be as good as a
+written document.
+
+"I think I can give it," he said.
+
+"Very well," Copley said briskly. "I am glad to hear you talk like that.
+It is a commonsense view of the situation. Sit down and smoke your cigar
+in peace and don't worry any more about the matter. I'll go into my
+office and ring up Absalom & Co., and in an hour's time you will be free
+from your trouble."
+
+For three-quarters of an hour Sir George sat immersed in gloomy
+thoughts. Manipulate the transaction as he might, deceive himself as he
+pleased, there was no getting away from the fact that he was
+contemplating a shameful thing, and the knowledge that he was saving
+himself did not mend matters. The best part of an hour had passed before
+Copley returned with a cheerful face.
+
+"I thought I could manage," he exclaimed. "I felt sure there would be
+little difficulty, if we only convinced Absalom & Co. that there was a
+good thing for them here. But, mind you, I had to give them my word.
+They wouldn't accept anything in the least vague. Nothing is to be done
+for a fortnight; in fact, not till after the next meeting at Mirst Park,
+and at the end of that time the Blenheim colt is to be scratched. You
+have only to keep him short of exercise, and the public will conclude
+that something serious is amiss with the colt. I had to promise this
+before I could move these people at all. Of course, if you don't want to
+go as far as that I can ring them up again. It would be a pity to do so,
+however, seeing that by this time Absalom's have taken steps to withdraw
+their action, and in a few minutes the man at Haredale Park will receive
+a telegram calling him back to London at once. You had better think the
+matter over. Don't say that I persuaded you, for, if you wish to break
+off negotiations, it is not too late to do so."
+
+Copley's voice was gentle, but there was nothing persuasive about him.
+He meant to leave the matter entirely in Sir George's hands. But, as he
+had confidently expected, Sir George did not repudiate the bargain. On
+the contrary, he thanked Copley for what he had done, and when they left
+the library a few minutes later the arrangement was ratified. As they
+made for the stable-yard Copley paused as if something had suddenly
+occurred to him.
+
+"There is one other matter," he said. "I didn't like to mention it
+before for fear you should imagine I was forcing your hand. Now I can
+speak freely. It relates to your daughter. When I lent you that money I
+expected to have the privilege of calling myself your son-in-law. I
+have not yet had anything definite from Miss Haredale; in fact, I am
+afraid she dislikes me. But things can't go on like this, and you
+promised to put in a good word for me. I daresay you will think it
+strange, but I have set my heart on this marriage. It will be well,
+perhaps, to let your daughter know how things stand. I fear she doesn't
+comprehend the position. Tell her yourself."
+
+There was no mistaking the ring of command in the last words.
+
+"Certainly," Sir George promised. "I will do so without delay. I can't
+for the life of me understand May's hesitancy. Almost every girl in the
+county would jump at the chance of being Mrs. Raymond Copley. Besides,
+May must marry a rich man. But leave it to me, Copley. Come over after
+dinner this evening and see if we can't fix this thing up once and for
+all."
+
+Sir George returned to Haredale trying to feel on good terms with
+himself and elated with the turn things had taken. But he could not
+disguise that he had done wrong. He could not still the voice of
+conscience. However, he was relieved to hear from his butler of the
+departure of Brown on receipt of a telegram. The man had made certain
+promises. He would call again later in the day, but had left his address
+in case Sir George wanted to write to him. It was very correct and
+discreet, no one was any the wiser, nobody had guessed about this black
+disgrace, and in the fullness of his heart Sir George wrote a short note
+to Brown enclosing a cheque. He was sealing up the envelope and putting
+on the stamp when May entered.
+
+She was fresh from her ride. Her eyes were sparkling and her cheeks
+glowed. There was something in her gay abandon and her clear light of
+innocence that jarred upon Sir George. Why should she have none of this
+trouble? Why should she be outside of it all? To some extent, she was
+the cause of the mischief. But for her Copley would never have lent Sir
+George any money; but for her he would never have found himself in the
+clutches of Absalom & Co. This was as specious as his other moralizing,
+and he never imagined that he had fallen into a trap set by Copley. What
+he wanted was some one to vent his anger upon.
+
+"Where have you been?" he asked irritably. "I have been looking for you
+everywhere. I have just been having a conversation about you with Mr.
+Copley. He wants to know----"
+
+"He already does know," May said coldly. "I thought I had made that
+quite clear. I shall be glad if you will not allude to this again. It is
+most distasteful to me."
+
+Sir George brought his fist with a bang on the table.
+
+"You are a fool," he cried. "I beg pardon, but I can't think of any
+other word. You don't seem to realize what obligations we are under to
+Mr. Copley. Do you know that if he liked he could turn us out of the
+house to-morrow? Do you know that even this morning he has saved us from
+a great disgrace? And he has done all this out of affection for you. I
+can assure you that Mr. Raymond Copley is not the man to be played
+with."
+
+"My dear father," May protested, "why this violence? I don't in the
+least want to play with Mr. Copley."
+
+"Oh, this is no joking matter. You ought to be proud to think that a man
+like that is ready to lay his wealth at your feet. Now, I want you to
+understand that if you treat him in this way he will very likely teach
+you a lesson. It is no use beating about the bush. We are in his hands.
+And, therefore, you must marry him."
+
+"Must, my dear father. Surely----"
+
+"Oh, I am not going to listen to any more. I won't argue with you. You
+are either going to marry Mr. Copley or I wash my hands of you
+altogether. I will not be ruined for the mere whim of a girl. Now you
+quite understand me? If this thing isn't settled to-morrow, Haredale
+will be no place for you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+A POINT-BLANK REFUSAL
+
+
+It was a cruel shock to the girl. She had never heard her father speak
+like that before; indeed, she would not have deemed him capable of such
+harshness. For many years May and her father had been the best of
+friends; indeed, their relationship had been more like brother and
+sister than anything else. She had shared in Sir George's pleasures, she
+had known most of his troubles, and generally had been allowed to do
+exactly as she pleased. And if she had a proper sense of pride, it was
+Sir George who was mainly responsible for it. He had never forgotten
+that he was the master of Haredale Park, and that the family had lived
+there three centuries and more. He had always spoken his mind freely to
+May on the subject of new-comers and interlopers. He had declared that
+no matter what his neighbours might do, not one of them should ever
+cross his threshold; he had apparently despised these new rich from the
+bottom of his heart. It seemed only the other day that Sir George had
+spoken most contemptuously about Raymond Copley. A few months before
+and he would have laughed to scorn any suggestion on Copley's part to
+become one of the family.
+
+"We need not envy them, my dear," Sir George had said over and over
+again. "After all, money is not everything. Of course, one has to be
+agreeable to these people in the hunting-field and when one meets them
+at neighbouring houses, but, thank goodness, we need not go farther than
+that. You won't have much when I die, but so long as you marry the right
+sort of man I shall be quite content with your choice. I can trust you,
+I know."
+
+These recollections crowded into May's mind as she stood face to face
+with her father. It struck her almost with painful force that she was
+making his acquaintance for the first time. This was another Sir George
+Haredale, of whom she had not the slightest knowledge. He looked hard
+and sullen, and met her eye with difficulty. May hoped he would have the
+grace to be ashamed of himself, that this was an outburst for which he
+would apologize presently.
+
+"Do you really know what you are saying?" she murmured. "I hope I have
+not mistaken you, father."
+
+"You have not mistaken me at all," Sir George said sullenly.
+
+"Then I am to understand that it is your wish that I should become the
+wife of Mr. Raymond Copley?"
+
+"I thought I had made it quite plain."
+
+"You are so set upon this match that unless I marry this man I am no
+longer to consider Haredale Park as my home."
+
+Sir George nodded. He had not the courage to put it as plainly as that.
+
+"I will try to be calm," May went on. "But this has been a terrible blow
+to me. Even now I can hardly believe my ears. Do you mean to say that if
+I refuse Mr. Copley I am to be turned out of house and home?"
+
+"Don't be dramatic," Sir George interrupted.
+
+"I didn't know that I was. I only want to have a clear understanding.
+Oh, the thing is monstrous. You cannot realize what you are saying. If
+you have no sort of feeling for yourself or me, just try to imagine what
+our friends will say. We know many people who would decline to be on
+visiting terms with Mr. Copley. There are lots of houses where he could
+not go. Even if I were fond of the man and could meet your wishes, it
+would be a long time before certain of our neighbours forgave me. What
+will you say when you meet them racing, or hunting, or shooting? Do you
+suppose this thing can be kept quiet? Do you suppose everybody won't
+know why I left home? Do you believe for a moment that common gossip
+will not say that you turned your daughter out because she refused to
+marry a man whom you declined to call upon for months after he came
+here? I know such things happen in the case of boys, but I never yet
+heard of a father in your position who sent his daughter away because
+she refused to sell herself to a person whom she both disliked and
+despised."
+
+Sir George listened uncomfortably. He was violating all his best
+feelings. He knew what a sorry figure he must be cutting in the eyes of
+his daughter. Moreover, every word she said was true. This thing would
+get out. It would be a dainty morsel in the mouths of all the gossips,
+and, though he could rely upon May to be silent, other tongues would not
+be bridled. But he comforted himself with the assurance that things
+would never go as far as that, for when May saw that he was in earnest
+she would yield. There might be tears and reproaches, but in the end she
+would bow to his wishes, and though Copley was not popular, yet he would
+be accepted in time on the strength of being Sir George Haredale's
+son-in-law.
+
+"There are reasons why this must be," he said. "I am under obligations
+to Copley, under great obligations. Besides, he is paying you the
+greatest compliment in his power. There are many girls----"
+
+"Oh, what have the majority of girls to do with me? I am not like them.
+I have not been trained in the same school. I know lots of my friends
+regard matrimony as a matter of business. They are too idle and selfish
+to think of anything but themselves. They would deem it a fine thing to
+have the spending of Mr. Copley's money. But I detest the man too much
+for that. He is not a gentleman, his manners are not good, and I am sure
+he is neither honest nor straightforward. I would do anything in my
+power to help you, but if it comes to this, that Haredale Park can only
+be preserved to us by this hateful marriage, then I decline. It is too
+great a sacrifice to ask of your daughter. Oh, how can you even make the
+suggestion?"
+
+"You will think better of it," Sir George said.
+
+"Never! I have said the last word. I will not allude to it again, and,
+unless you take back what you have said, I will accept you at your word
+and go out into the world and earn my own living. Don't mention it
+again."
+
+Sir George looked uneasily at his daughter. Her austere sternness
+disturbed him. He said that Copley was coming over later in the evening
+to hear what May had to say on the matter.
+
+"Very well," she answered, "I am rather glad of that. I shall be able to
+settle this thing for ever."
+
+She turned and swept from the room. She was glad she had kept the tears
+out of her eyes. She was glad Sir George little knew how terribly he had
+wounded her. For the rest of the day May went about the house as though
+nothing had happened. She had a smile and a pleasant word for her
+visitor, so that even Sir George took heart of grace and deluded himself
+with the idea that his firmness had not been misplaced. It was only when
+Copley came that he found out how mistaken he was. Copley had no
+difficulty in getting May to himself, for Alice Carden was deeply
+engrossed in a book, and Sir George was sitting over his cigar in the
+library. At the very first hint of the reason for his visit May turned
+to him.
+
+"I think I know what you are going to say," she observed. "I shall be
+glad to have this matter finally settled. Oh, no, I don't mean what you
+do at all. Will you be good enough to come to the library with me,
+because I should like my father to hear what passes between us? I won't
+detain you more than a few minutes, and it is the best way."
+
+The self-satisfied smile died from Copley's lips. He had not expected a
+reception like this, and it surprised him, too, to see this
+uncompromising dignity in May's manner. Perhaps she had never been more
+alluring or more attractive in his eyes than she was at that moment, and
+he knew, too, without any words from her, that he was on the eve of
+defeat.
+
+"Very well," he said, "though I don't see why we shouldn't settle it
+between us. It is our affair."
+
+May made no reply. She walked into the library, followed by Copley. Sir
+George turned eagerly as they entered.
+
+"Ah, well?" he said with an uneasy attempt at playfulness. "I see you
+have come to an understanding."
+
+"I trust so," May said quietly, "though I don't think it is the
+understanding you anticipate. This is a very hateful position for me,
+and I would give a good deal to be out of it. But it would be cowardly
+if I tried to shirk my duty. Mr. Copley has already asked me to be his
+wife, and I refused him. I do not wish to give him any pain, but I had
+to put the matter plainly because he is a persistent man and not
+inclined to take 'No' for an answer. I understand he has come here
+to-night to renew his offer. Now, Mr. Copley, I have to tell you before
+my father that what you ask is impossible. I am old-fashioned enough to
+prefer happiness to money, and I could not marry a man whom I did not
+love. I have never liked you, I never could like you, in fact, I hope
+you won't think me rude when I say that I dislike you exceedingly.
+Besides, there is something unmanly and cowardly in pursuing a
+defenceless girl in this way. If you have one spark of proper feeling
+you will never allude to this topic again. I don't want to appeal to
+your pride. I think I have said enough."
+
+Copley said nothing at the moment. He was struggling to obtain the
+mastery of himself. His face flushed angrily. There was a nasty glitter
+in his eyes.
+
+"Does she understand?" he asked.
+
+"It is not my fault if she doesn't," Sir George muttered.
+
+"It is because I do understand," May said, "that I am all the more
+determined in my refusal."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+AN EASY FALL
+
+
+"One moment," Copley put in. "If Sir George has explained matters, then,
+perhaps I can speak freely. Your father is indebted to me--I will not
+say anything about the amount, for that would all be wiped out and we
+could start on a much better footing if you would only take another view
+of the case. If you persist----"
+
+"You can take that for granted," May said.
+
+"Would you like to think it over?" Copley suggested.
+
+"Oh, I have thought it over. I have had all day to think it over. I see
+you mean to force me to speak more plainly still. You have a hold over
+my father. He is deeply in your debt. You have lent him a large sum of
+money, not out of any feeling of friendship or generosity, but simply
+because you thought you could force me to marry you. Did any one ever
+hear of such a situation except on the stage? I know that if I do not
+change my mind you will visit your displeasure upon my father, you will
+make it impossible for us to remain at Haredale Park any longer. It
+seems a strange thing that a man should be so lost to all sense of
+decency as to use weapons like these to compel a girl to marry him. But
+it hasn't stopped there. My father has told me quite plainly, even
+brutally, that unless I make this sacrifice I am no longer to consider
+myself as his daughter. I must go out as if I were a mere underling to
+earn my own living. Very well; I am ready to do so. No, I don't want
+words from either of you. My mind is made up, and there is no more to be
+said."
+
+May turned away, and left the library with her head held high and a
+bright colour burning her cheeks. She was very near to tears, but was
+grateful for the pride which had carried her through this trying
+interview without the semblance of a breakdown. When they were alone Sir
+George turned to his companion.
+
+"I wouldn't have believed it," he said apologetically. "I never expected
+that May would be so disobedient. But you must make allowance for her. I
+daresay in time----"
+
+"Never," Copley said emphatically. "She means every word she says. If
+you had half the pluck and grit she has you would never have found
+yourself in your present position. We have made a mistake, Haredale; we
+have gone the wrong way to work. I don't blame you any more than myself,
+but you may depend upon it that your daughter will never be my wife.
+She will keep her word; she will go out into the world, if necessary, to
+earn her own living, and I shouldn't wonder if she made a very good one.
+I must put up with my disappointment, I suppose. I would give half I
+possess to be able to say that your daughter was my wife. But there must
+be none of these harsh measures, Haredale. Just think what people would
+say! We should both be boycotted. The thing would get into the papers
+and your life wouldn't be worth living. We must find some other way out.
+Now let us change the subject."
+
+Sir George was perfectly willing. Despite his selfish obstinacy the
+interview had been a trial to him, and he was exceedingly glad to get it
+over.
+
+"What else have you in your mind?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, business, of course. About the Blenheim colt? I am taking it for
+granted that you will scratch him. I don't see very well how you can
+back out. I have made the arrangements with Absalom & Co., and as they
+have withdrawn their action they will expect you to do your part. Now
+what do you say to letting the colt have a run in the Champion Stakes
+next week at Mirst Park? I thought it would be a very good way of
+getting out. To begin with, the public will be glad to see whether or
+not their fears are justified, and if the horse cuts up badly, why,
+then, you can scratch him at once. It would appear absolutely fair and
+above board; in fact, it will be. Or, if you like, you can let it be
+understood that the horse is not quite fit and that you still have hopes
+of getting him in fettle for the Derby. Either seems a good scheme."
+
+"I see," Sir George said thoughtfully. "Yes, on the whole, that isn't a
+bad idea of yours. I shall be glad to get it over, too. I hadn't the
+slightest intention of sending the colt to Mirst Park, but Raffle
+reports that he is much fitter to-day, so that there is no reason why I
+should not adopt your suggestion. There is the chance that people will
+blame me for taking the risk, but, at the outside, that will be the
+worst of it. I will talk it over with Raffle in the morning, and let you
+know definitely."
+
+Shortly after breakfast next morning Mallow came into the library to
+hear what his employer had to say. The trainer would hardly believe his
+ears when Sir George unfolded his plan. He had a score of practical
+objections to make, but Haredale put them all impatiently aside.
+
+"Does the colt belong to you or to me?" he asked. "I have the very best
+of reasons for what I am going to do. It has always been my policy to
+take the public into my confidence. I want them to see at Mirst Park
+exactly what the horse can do. If they like to go on backing him after
+that it will be their own look-out."
+
+"But that isn't the point, Sir George," Mallow insisted. "The colt is
+coming on splendidly again. It would be madness to extend him just now,
+and if he breaks down badly, don't blame me. I'll do my best between now
+and the day of the race, not because I want to, but because you are my
+employer and I must obey orders."
+
+Mallow refused to say more. He closed his mouth obstinately and went
+back to the stables in a peculiar frame of mind. He had had twenty years
+of turf experience. There was no cunning wile or deep-laid plot that was
+not familiar to him and he was wondering what dodge Sir George was up
+to. Hitherto he had found Sir George Haredale the soul of honour and
+integrity, but it was one of Mallow's theories that every man had his
+limits. Besides, no one knew better how critical Sir George's financial
+affairs were. Of late, too, Sir George had been hand in glove with
+Raymond Copley, and Mallow hated Copley from the bottom of his heart. In
+his own phraseology, Copley was a wrong 'un.
+
+Raffle was past all words when, in the fullness of his heart. Mallow
+confided in him. Raffle was a keen judge of such matters. He sought an
+opportunity later in the afternoon of seeing Fielden and telling him
+what had happened.
+
+"Is Sir George mad?" Fielden asked.
+
+"I don't think so, sir," Raffle replied. "I don't like it at all. Depend
+upon it, Sir George has got into a mess over his money matters and has
+thought out some scheme for putting himself right. Call me a fool if
+that there Copley isn't at the bottom of the whole thing. He and Sir
+George have been as thick as thieves lately. They say you can't touch
+pitch without being defiled. And since those two have been so friendly,
+Sir George is quite another man. However, unless you like to interfere,
+I must act upon instructions. I am bound to do as I am told."
+
+"How could I interfere?" Fielden asked.
+
+"Well, sir, the colt rightfully belongs to you. He is as much yours as
+the coat on your back. I can't see why you should stand quietly by and
+watch the ruin of one of the finest horses that ever trod the turf."
+
+"I had forgotten that," Fielden said. "Perhaps, later, I may have
+something to say, but for the present that must be our secret, Joe.
+Mallow must carry out his instructions. By the way, what are they?"
+
+Something like a grin crossed Raffle's face.
+
+"Oh, we've got to run him, sir," he said. "We've got to run him and do
+our best. That there is the faintest chance of his winning Sir George
+does not believe for a moment. Still, if you refuse to take a hand, I
+must do as I am told, that's all. Perhaps you will be at Mirst Park
+yourself on the first day."
+
+"Of course. I am taking one or two of our crocks there. But I must be
+off, Joe."
+
+The conversation haunted Fielden. It was with him night and day till the
+first day of the Mirst Park meeting arrived. He had seen little or
+nothing of Phillips for some time, but that morning he had received a
+telegram asking him to meet Phillips in London early in the afternoon.
+He gathered from the message that Phillips had something important to
+say and so he decided to go to town. It would be easy to get back in
+time to see the end of the afternoon's sport. None of the Haredale Park
+party was over. Nor had Copley put in an appearance, and Fielden had his
+time almost to himself. He ran against Raffle in the paddock half an
+hour or so before the race for the Champion Stakes. There was a queer
+grin on the old man's face as he suggested that Fielden should go and
+have a look at the horse. They found the Blenheim colt in his stable
+looking in much better condition than Fielden had expected.
+
+"He looks splendid," he said.
+
+"Ah, he is a bonny colt," Raffle exclaimed with a look of affection in
+his eyes. "I never saw a better-tempered horse or a more genuine trier.
+He'll go every inch of the way, and I shouldn't be surprised if--but we
+won't talk about that."
+
+Raffle refused to say more. Moreover, he had the colt to look to, for
+the race was close at hand; so Fielden made his way into the stand,
+where he could command a good view. Not that he had any interest in the
+race. It was a foregone conclusion that the Blenheim colt would be
+beaten and in only one or two instances did he carry any public money. A
+moment or two later Raffle took up a position by Fielden's side.
+
+"The colt moves well," said Fielden, looking through his glasses, "and I
+don't see much signs of staleness, either. Upon my word, if I had any
+money to spare I'd back him for a trifle myself."
+
+"You might do worse," Raffle chuckled.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+THE FIVE BASKETS
+
+
+There was the usual roar from the ring which began to die down as the
+horses were seen fidgeting at the post. Then a murmur arose from the
+spectators, and the dancing kaleidoscope of colours broke into a thin
+stream as the field got away to a capital start. They came along all in
+a cluster round the bend of the course till, presently, there was a
+hoarse shout from the onlookers and the name of the Blenheim colt was on
+every lip. The horse hung for a moment or two coming up the straight,
+then seemed to recover himself and, moving along with a beautifully free
+and easy stride, caught the leaders a dozen lengths from home and
+slipped past the post a winner by a short head.
+
+"What did I tell you?" Raffle chuckled. "Well, they can't blame me. I
+was told by Sir George to do the best I could with the horse and I
+carried out my instructions to the letter. No, sir, I didn't back him
+myself. I wasn't quite sure. Besides, Sir George wouldn't have liked it.
+Between you and me, sir, I don't think he'll be altogether pleased."
+
+Fielden asked no questions. Whatever suspicions Raffle had he kept to
+himself. Fielden glanced at his watch and saw he would just have time to
+catch a train to town and join Phillips at the rendezvous in Covent
+Garden. He hurried away from the course and caught his train by sheer
+good luck.
+
+He wasn't at all easy in his mind. He was inclined to agree with Raffle
+that there was more than met the eye in this affair and that Sir George
+had little consideration for the public when he decided to run the colt
+at Mirst Park. On the face of it, it was a mad thing to do and the fact
+that the horse had won rendered Sir George's policy all the more
+inexplicable. There was something sinister, too, in the close friendship
+which had sprung up between Haredale and Copley. That Copley was an
+unscrupulous blackguard Fielden knew very well. Possibly this knowledge
+was not shared by Sir George, but there was no getting over the fact
+that Haredale's money matters were in a critical state. Better men than
+Sir George had yielded to temptation.
+
+Fielden was still debating the matter when he reached town. He turned up
+at the hotel in Covent Garden where Phillips was awaiting him, it
+wanting then just ten minutes to three. Phillips was relieved when
+Fielden came in.
+
+"I thought you were going to fail me," he said. "I began to think that
+you had missed your train."
+
+"I very nearly lost it," Fielden laughed. "But why do you want me?"
+
+"We shall see that in good time, sir," Phillips said. "In about ten
+minutes from now we shall begin operations. There is just time to smoke
+a cigarette before we start. What is the best news from Mirst Park? I
+haven't seen a paper yet. Was the Blenheim colt beaten very
+disgracefully?"
+
+"He wasn't beaten at all," Fielden said. "In fact, he won with
+considerable ease. There was very little trace of staleness about him.
+But it is early to talk about that. We must wait and see what old Raffle
+says to-morrow. I should not be surprised if the colt has done himself
+some serious injury to-day."
+
+Phillips burst into a hearty laugh.
+
+"What a joke!" he cried. "And what a sell it will be for Sir George! Oh,
+I know a thing or two, Mr. Fielden. I haven't been moving about with my
+eyes shut lately. It is very good of your old friend to pull out his
+horse in public, for the benefit of backers generally, but the man who
+will be most surprised and most disappointed at the result of to-day's
+race will be Sir George himself. If there is another man madder than Sir
+George it will be that scoundrel Copley."
+
+"What do you mean?" Fielden asked.
+
+"Never mind, sir. The least said soonest mended. But if I had ten
+thousand pounds I'd cheerfully back my opinion to the last penny that
+Sir George never hoped for and never expected a victory for the colt.
+I'll explain all in very good time. Now the sooner we are off the
+better. We are going to meet a gentleman named Chaffey whom I expect to
+see in a few minutes not very far from the Post Club on the other side
+of the street. You remember telling me how Chaffey turned up at Seton
+Manor, and what he said when he was drunk. I am glad you overheard that,
+because it solved a point that has been puzzling me for some time. I
+couldn't for the life of me make out how it was that Jolly & Co. managed
+to signal the result of the three o'clock race at Mirst Park into the
+smoking-room of the Post Club. I doubt if I ever should have found out
+had not Chaffey gone down to Seton Manor and hinted that if he couldn't
+get what he wanted somebody else might have his job of playing with the
+fruit baskets in Covent Garden. I saw at once that this was connected
+with the swindle, but for the life of me I couldn't place it. After
+thinking over it for the best part of a week, I took a stroll through
+Covent Garden market and finally stood in front of the Post Club trying
+to piece the puzzle together in my mind. There were a good many men
+about loading and unloading baskets, and I saw that most of them carried
+them on their heads. Why, some of these porters can carry as many as
+eight or nine bushel baskets on their heads. While I stood watching
+them an idea flashed into my mind. Look at this copy of to-day's
+_Sportsman_. Turn to the probable starters in the three o'clock race,
+and you will see for yourself that there is a number by the side of
+every horse. Now most racing men carry a _Sportsman_. There would be
+nothing suspicious in a backer pulling the _Sportsman_ out of his pocket
+and consulting it at any moment. He might do it in a railway carriage,
+or on the course, or in a smoking-room, and it wouldn't attract any
+attention. Unless I am greatly mistaken, I have found the clue to the
+means by which Copley & Co.'s confederate has the result of a race at
+Mirst Park conveyed to him into the smoking-room of the Post Club
+practically before the horses are past the post. Then, of course, he can
+make what bets he likes. He is perfectly safe, because he can't lose.
+But, come along, it is past three and I don't want to lose this chance
+of verifying my conclusions. Only we must be careful. We must not rouse
+Chaffey's suspicions. He must not know that we are even watching him.
+Close to the Post Club there is a shop where we can procure some cigars
+and cigarettes and keep our eye upon what is going on. Are you ready?"
+
+Fielden was ready and willing, for his curiosity was aflame. When he and
+his companion reached Covent Garden, they turned into a cigar shop in
+the same block of buildings in which the Post Club was situated. A good
+many customers had to be attended to, so that it was excusable to stand
+inside the door way and watch what was taking place on the other side of
+the road.
+
+The market was practically empty. Business had been finished for the
+day, and there were only two or three casual porters loafing about
+waiting on the off-chance for an hour's work. One of them standing by a
+pile of baskets with hands plunged deeply in his pockets and a pipe in
+his mouth was Chaffey.
+
+"No mistake about him?" Phillips asked.
+
+"That's the man," Fielden whispered. "I could swear to that expression
+of his anywhere. But what is he doing there? He doesn't seem to be
+particularly busy."
+
+"He is getting well paid for his job, anyway," Phillips chuckled. "As it
+is not likely to last long he'll be gone in a few moments. Have you the
+right time about you? What do you make it? Five minutes past three by
+post office time? The result ought to be here at any moment. Ah, I
+thought so. Just keep your eye closely upon Chaffey."
+
+In his excitement Phillips bent over and grasped his companion's arm.
+Fielden saw Chaffey suddenly pull himself up and moisten his hands. He
+touched his ragged cap as if in response to a distant call, then he
+proceeded to fling five baskets one on the top of the other and balance
+them on his head. With this pyramid thus arranged he walked slowly
+across the market and disappeared down one of the corridors, where he
+was lost to sight.
+
+"What on earth does it mean?" Fielden asked.
+
+"Oh, that's the signal," Phillips explained. "The result has just come
+into the office of Jolly & Co. on the private telephone wire from The
+Nook at Mirst Park. The supposed Mr. Jolly stands near the window with
+the telephone receiver to his ear ready to flash the signal across the
+street. Now you understand why the flex of the telephone is so long.
+Before the horse is past the post the man on the top of the house at
+Mirst Park sends the number, and Jolly & Co. signal it to Chaffey. Then
+Chaffey simply puts five or other number of baskets on his head, and the
+confederate in the Post Club has the result. Mind you, this could be
+done within five seconds of the race being settled. Now take this
+_Sportsman_ and I'll eat my hat if the winner of the three o'clock race
+at Mirst Park isn't number five on the programme."
+
+When the result was published Phillips proved to be correct.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+NO. 5
+
+
+"That's it," Phillips exclaimed. "I think we've got it right at last. We
+know by the evening paper that Dandy won the Longhill Handicap, which
+was the three o'clock race at Mirst Park to-day. We also know that Dandy
+is No. 5 on the _Sportsman_ list, all of which goes to prove our case.
+It is a smart bit of business, isn't it?"
+
+"Exceedingly smart," Fielden said, "and, to some extent, risky. Whoever
+sends the message from Mirst Park is certainly a very good judge of
+racing. That telephone signal must have been started before the horse
+was past the post."
+
+"Oh, I don't know," Phillips argued. "In a very tight race they would
+have to wait to see what the judge had to say. But I am sure that either
+of us could spot the winner in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred within
+fifty lengths of the post. Therefore, the result would be known in
+London and signalled into the Post Club practically at the same instant
+that the race was over. I think we shall know how to deal with Mr.
+Copley now."
+
+"What are you going to do?" Fielden asked.
+
+"That depends upon circumstances. I don't mind telling you, when I first
+came home and found Copley in an apparently good position, I intended to
+make money out of him. I didn't feel so keen upon revenge as I used to
+feel. It would have been no great satisfaction to me to get him ten
+years on the Breakwater, and, besides, I should have had to go out to
+the Cape and waste several months there. That is why I decided to hit
+him through his pocket. But I had to be careful, because I had a
+dangerous man to deal with and I didn't relish the idea of a prosecution
+for blackmail. That is one of the reasons why I went into this business.
+When I speak, I shall lay Copley by the heels without taking any trouble
+and probably without appearing in the matter. I shall have the
+satisfaction of sending him to gaol, and I shan't have to go out of the
+country at all."
+
+"You can't make anything out of this," Fielden reminded him.
+
+"Of course not. If I were to go to Copley to-day and tell him what I had
+discovered he would give me a few thousand pounds to keep my mouth shut
+and, sooner or later, when the dodge is found out, as it must be, I
+should figure in the dock with the others. It is too dangerous a game.
+Still, when I come to think of it, sir, you are somewhat in my debt."
+
+"Perhaps I am," Fielden admitted. "But I don't see what special favour
+you have done me----"
+
+"By getting rid of Raymond Copley," Phillips smiled. "I couldn't have
+served you better. We shall have him out of the way anyhow. Later, when
+you find yourself in a good position again, I will ask you to give me a
+responsible post in your stables. Oh, it will all come right, sir. You
+ought to win a big stake over the Derby, if you play your cards right,
+and the Blenheim colt will be worth a small fortune."
+
+"What have I to do with the horse?" Fielden asked.
+
+"I know all about that, sir," Phillips said cheerfully. "Never mind
+where I had my information. I am half a gipsy and my mother's tribe pick
+up news from all sorts of unlikely quarters. A lad who used to be in
+your stables told me the story. Nobody else would have believed him but
+me. I can give you chapter and verse if you like, but that would only be
+wasting time, and I can guess what Copley's game is, too. See if I don't
+prove to be a true prophet. The Blenheim colt will be sure to show signs
+of to-day's race; indeed, he is a marvel if he does any good during the
+rest of his career as a three year-old. But, then, the horse is a
+marvel. Still, very few of us know that, and we shall be able to back
+him for the Derby at our own price within the next few days. I will
+stick on the horse every farthing I can rake together. If I could only
+get a couple of thousand pounds I could make a fortune. And you ought to
+make a fortune, too. You told me that you could find that sum, if
+necessary, and seeing that you have it in your power to prevent the
+Blenheim colt from being scratched you will be flying in the face of
+Providence if you turn your back on a chance like this."
+
+Fielden looked at his companion in some perplexity. He was astonished to
+find that Phillips knew so much. Whence did the man derive his
+information? But there never was a gipsy yet who was not fond of a
+horse. The various clans roam all over the country, and very little that
+is going on escapes their sharp black eyes and there is, besides, a sort
+of freemasonry amongst them. But it mattered little whence Phillips'
+information came, for he had certainly got it. He was correct in every
+detail, too, and for the first time Fielden began to see his way. He
+could lay his hands upon a couple of thousand pounds, and before the
+week was out he knew that the Blenheim colt would be at any price in the
+market that a backer needed. Two thousand pounds in itself was not much
+to lose. It would leave him only a little worse off than he was at
+present. On the other hand, it might bring him in enough to start life
+again as a rich man. He was thinking of May Haredale and all the
+brilliant possibilities in that quarter. He could stop this vile
+conspiracy. It was for him to say what the future of the Blenheim colt
+was, and he could do this without arousing any gossip or giving the
+public any chance for spicy scandal. When the right moment came he could
+go to Sir George and inform him that he had no control whatever over the
+colt. Sir George might bluster and Copley might threaten, but their
+threats would be in vain. In the long run Sir George would benefit and
+May would be free from the persecutions of a scoundrel and Fielden would
+be in a position to offer her a luxurious home. He had learnt his
+lesson, too. He was no longer the careless and extravagant youth who had
+left England more or less under a cloud.
+
+He was aroused from his reverie by questions from Phillips.
+
+"Really, I beg pardon," he said, "but, for the moment, I was thinking
+about something else."
+
+"Oh, I understand that," Phillips said with a dry smile. "But we haven't
+finished. Our case is not complete. We must know whether there is any
+big wagering on the three o'clock race this afternoon in the Post Club.
+To get my facts I have brought Major Carden over here on purpose. I have
+paid his expenses to and from Germany, and I understand he wishes to
+return to-night, if possible. Let's go on to our hotel and wait for him.
+But I must tell you that Carden knows nothing. He thinks I have some
+deep scheme on for making money and so long as I pay him for his
+information he is satisfied. You had better leave all questions to me."
+
+Fielden was willing enough to do so. To some degree he was not pleased
+to be mixed up in this business, though it gave him a hold over Copley.
+They had hardly reached their hotel before the Major came in. He made
+no objection to Phillips' offer of refreshment. They talked for a few
+minutes on indifferent topics and then Phillips went to the point.
+
+"I suppose you've got my cheque," he said, "or you would not have been
+here to-day. I hope it wasn't inconvenient."
+
+"It was devilish inconvenient," the Major said in his florid way. "But
+as you are willing to pay I don't mind. Now I am ready to give you all
+the information you need. Please don't be long because I have a train to
+catch before five."
+
+"Then we needn't waste more time," Phillips said. "I suppose you were in
+the Post Club all the afternoon."
+
+"My dear sir, I lunched there and I've only just come away. I left a lot
+of people there. Rickerby was there, with three or four more of the
+gilded plungers, including Selwyn. As to the first and second race----"
+
+"Oh, hang the first and second race," Phillips cried impatiently. "It is
+the three o'clock race at Mirst Park that I am interested in. Was there
+any heavy wagering going on, and can you tell me who was betting? That's
+all I want to know."
+
+The Major went into detail. There had been a certain amount of business
+over the three o'clock race, but sundry heavy wagers had been deferred
+almost to the last moment. A large amount of chaff had gone on between
+one particular plunger and Selwyn and his satellites over a horse called
+the Dandy. Dandy had been a rank outsider and had only cropped up in the
+betting at the eleventh hour, so to speak. A quarter of an hour before
+the race there had been no takers. Then the argument grew more heated
+and finally Selwyn had laid several wagers against Dandy at a thousand
+to thirty. All this had taken place, so far as the Major could guess,
+whilst the race was in progress. There was something like consternation
+amongst the bookmakers when the news came that Dandy had won the
+Longhill Handicap by three lengths. Altogether it had been a dramatic
+afternoon.
+
+"And that's about all I can tell you," the Major concluded. "If you want
+me again, give me more notice, please. I really must be going."
+
+He took up his hat and swaggered from the room, leaving Phillips
+apparently very well pleased.
+
+"Our case is complete," he said. "The rest is in your hands."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV
+
+A POISONOUS ATMOSPHERE
+
+
+It is impossible for a man to change the habits of a lifetime,
+especially when he has reached the age to which Sir George Haredale had
+attained. He tried hard to justify himself in his present embroilment.
+He juggled with his conscience, but the ways of the transgressor are
+hard, and the master of Haredale Park was having anything but a good
+time. He knew that he was doing wrong, that he was about to commit
+something in the shape of a crime. When a man has pledged himself to
+this kind of thing, it is marvellous how circumstances combine to help
+him.
+
+On the face of it things were not going well. The victory of the
+Blenheim colt in the Champion Stakes was a blow to him. He had expected
+the colt to lose, thereby giving him occasion to scratch it. If this had
+turned out as he had expected, he would have been the object of popular
+sympathy and his reputation as a sportsman and an honourable man would
+have been enhanced. But to his surprise and vexation, the colt had
+proved his sterling worth and within the last few hours the public had
+established him more firmly than ever in the betting. There was always
+the chance, of course, that the race would leave its mark on the colt
+and that some ill effects might supervene, in which case the original
+programme could be carried out without exciting the suspicions of the
+many-headed.
+
+This was precisely what did happen. Three days later Mallow came into
+his employer's study with a long face and the information that the
+colt's lack of condition was rather more manifest than before. For once
+in a way Mallow was not polite and forgot the respect due to his master.
+
+"It's just as I told you, Sir George," he exclaimed. "The colt's been
+ruined. I don't say it isn't possible to get him fit in time for the
+Derby, because he's a wonder. But if you had tried to ruin the horse you
+couldn't have gone about it in a better way. I can almost cry when I
+think of it."
+
+"You are forgetting yourself, Mallow," Sir George said.
+
+"Oh, maybe I am, sir, maybe I am. I have been dealing with fools and
+knaves all my lifetime, and I ought to be accustomed to them by now. I
+feel as if I had been a party to cutting that colt's throat. You don't
+deserve to have a horse like that in your stable; you don't deserve to
+win another race as long as you live."
+
+Sir George was vastly indignant. He wanted to know if Mallow realized
+whom he was talking to. But Mallow was in no mood for politeness and
+told his employer a few home truths. He sketched graphically what the
+better-class sportsmen would say when they realized what had happened.
+It was useless to be angry, all the more so because he knew that every
+word Mallow spoke was true. On the spur of the moment he had intended to
+give Mallow instructions to have the horse struck out of all his
+three-year engagements, but looking his irate servant in the face he
+lacked the pluck to do so. So he proceeded to compromise.
+
+"At the worst," he said with some dignity, "it was only an error in
+judgment. If you can get the colt fit again before the Derby the public
+will have no grievance against me. They will win their money and that's
+all they care about."
+
+Mallow appeared to be somewhat mollified.
+
+"Then things are to go on as they are, Sir George?" he asked. "There has
+been a lot of mischief done, but it is not yet too late. But it is no
+use crying over spilt milk."
+
+This was going rather too far and too fast. Sir George's fears were
+aroused again.
+
+"Your instructions are not quite indefinite," he corrected. "We will let
+the matter stand over for a week. At the end of that time we will see
+the colt's condition. If there is no material change for the better,
+then I must scratch him."
+
+With this perforce Mallow had to remain content and went out muttering
+to himself. He wanted to know what Sir George was driving at and what
+this new policy meant. The trainer had a shrewd idea, though he hardly
+dared to whisper it even to himself. Still, a week was a week, and much
+might be done in that time. Besides, if necessary, he knew Raffle had a
+great card to play. For some reason or other Sir George wanted the colt
+scratched and Mallow had no difficulty in laying this somewhat shady
+diplomacy on the shoulders of Raymond Copley.
+
+Meanwhile, the week drifted on and things remained in much the same
+position at Haredale Park. Sir George had said nothing more to his
+daughter, neither had she alluded to the detestable topic. But she was
+ready to take a step which would have considerably alarmed her father
+had he known of it. Copley was away on business. He came back on
+Saturday and made his way across to Haredale Park after dinner. In the
+drawing-room he was coldly informed that Sir George was in the library.
+He appeared to take this curt dismissal in good part and went off in
+search of Sir George whom he found sitting moodily over the fire.
+
+"Where have you been lately?" the Baronet asked.
+
+"Oh, my dear sir," Copley explained, "you forget that I have my business
+to look after. I have been exceedingly busy. When things take a turn
+for the better that is the time to follow your fortune closely. During
+the last few days I have been making money with both hands."
+
+It appeared to be no idle boast, for Copley was looking less gloomy than
+usual. Fortune was smiling upon him again. He and his confederates had
+had a rare haul over the Longhill Handicap. They were in funds, and
+unless things went very wrong indeed by the time the Derby was over they
+would be all rich men. But Sir George guessed nothing of this. He was
+only sorry to think that May should be so obstinate in refusing to take
+her share in the spending of these phenomenal riches.
+
+"I am exceedingly glad to hear it," he said.
+
+"Oh, thank you very much. You see, fortune cuts all round. What's good
+for me is good for you. In the first place, you can make your mind easy
+about that affair of Absalom & Co., because they won't trouble you any
+more. After the Derby we need not worry ourselves as to money matters.
+That brings me to my reason for coming here this evening. I understand
+that the colt has broken down permanently. From what I see in the papers
+there is not the remotest chance of his winning a race as a three-year
+old."
+
+"It looks like it," Sir George answered. "At the same time, Mallow
+doesn't share my opinion. He is very obstinate."
+
+"Oh, what the devil does it matter what he says or thinks?" Copley said
+impatiently. "He is only a servant. Surely you can do what you like with
+your own. Besides, in this matter the opinion of the whole racing world
+will sustain you. At the worst people can only say that you have made an
+error in judgment. The Press recognizes that you have acted like a good
+fellow and a sportsman in running this risk simply with the object of
+taking the public into your confidence. They don't know, of course, that
+you don't want the horse to win, nor what a surprise the Mirst Park
+victory was to you. And on the top of that they tumble over one another
+to back the colt, and if he doesn't start at all they are to blame.
+Still, it has been a good thing for me. I have laid against your animal
+thick and thin and after the Derby is over I shan't need to do any more
+work."
+
+Sir George made no reply. He sat gazing dubiously into the fire. Looking
+back at the course of events, he could hardly see how he had got himself
+into this mess. He ought to have refused to listen to Copley, and should
+have supported the opinion of such a sound judge as Raffle. Besides, he
+had never won a Derby in his racing career, and it seemed to him that he
+was wasting a splendid chance. But it was too late to repent, too late
+to draw back, and all Sir George could hope was that no one would ever
+have an inkling of his shame. He did not know, neither did Copley, that
+May was standing in the doorway. She had come in for something she
+required. Her evening shoes had made no sound on the thick carpets, and
+she had heard every word that was said. Not that she intended to play
+the eavesdropper. But one remark of Copley's had fascinated her and she
+stood as if rooted to the spot.
+
+She knew her ears did not deceive her. She had been brought up all her
+life in an atmosphere of racing. She knew almost as much about it as
+Raffle himself. The thing was plain and a wave of shame and humiliation
+rushed over the girl as she stood there drinking in every word.
+
+She could not blind herself to the truth. She could not get away from
+the fact that her father was a conscious participant in a disgraceful
+action. It mattered little that her father was in Copley's hands, or
+that Copley had suggested the whole thing. The shock was none the less
+painful. It seemed incredible that a man in Sir George's position should
+stoop so low as this. These plots had happened before and no one had
+spoken of them with greater contempt than had Sir George. Now was he
+self-confessed as a principal in one of the shadiest of them all.
+
+May stole away. For a moment she had been on the point of an outburst.
+But perhaps it would be better to wait and speak to her father quietly
+later, to try to find some means of averting this dreadful dishonour.
+
+"I cannot stay here," she murmured. "The atmosphere poisons me. I must
+get away, I must get away."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI
+
+FIELDEN INTERVENES
+
+
+May went quietly back to the drawing-room. There was nothing in her face
+to indicate what she was suffering. For a time she sat gazing into the
+fire, watching Alice Carden who sat opposite her engrossed in a book. At
+the end of half an hour May had made up her mind what to do, and when
+Alice laid her volume aside, she began to speak.
+
+"How long is your father likely to be away?" she asked.
+
+"Oh, for two months, I suppose," Alice said. "But I may find him at home
+when I go back next week."
+
+"I hope not," May answered, "because I have a plan to suggest to you. I
+wonder if you would mind my coming with you? I suppose you could get me
+a bedroom in your house. I should like to pay for myself. Could it be
+managed, do you think?"
+
+"It would be delightful," Alice cried. "But why do you want to leave
+this beautiful house? What will Sir George say when he hears of it?"
+
+"He mustn't hear it," May whispered. "We have always been very good
+friends, Alice, and you can help me now if you will. I am going to
+confide in you and you must not whisper a word of it to a soul. So long
+as your father is away I shall be safe with you, and as he may not be
+back for some weeks I will have time to turn round. I must go away, I
+cannot stay here any longer. Something has happened which compels me to
+get my own living."
+
+"Oh, impossible!" Alice cried.
+
+"My dear, don't you know that it is the unexpected that happens? Well,
+in my case, it has. If anybody had told me this a couple of months ago I
+should have laughed the idea to scorn. It would have been incredible
+that my father should threaten to turn me out of the house. Hitherto we
+have been the best of friends, and I have regarded him as one of the
+most upright and most honourable of men. I have always prided myself
+upon the fact that nothing could rob us of our good name; but I was
+mistaken, Alice. Actually this place does not belong to us at all. My
+father is a mere lodger, dependent upon the good will of Mr. Raymond
+Copley, who can turn us out at any moment. Moreover, he has compelled my
+father to do a thing that I blush to mention. Do you know why Mr. Copley
+has brought all this about?"
+
+"I think I can guess," Alice said. "He is anxious to marry you. Am I not
+right?"
+
+"You have guessed it," May exclaimed. "You have saved me the humiliation
+of telling you that. Mr. Copley can't say he has bought me. But he has
+bought my father, and it comes to this, that unless I consent to be
+Raymond Copley's wife I am to consider this my home no longer. These
+were my father's very words. I suppose he chose them because they
+sounded best. But it is as if he had told me to go. I couldn't marry
+that man; nothing would induce me to do so. There is worse behind--there
+is a conspiracy on foot which I overheard in the library just now. You
+must not ask me to tell you what it is. My tongue would refuse to tell
+it. Well, it is the last straw. I couldn't be more miserable than I have
+been the last week or so. I cannot stay any longer. I have little or no
+money, but I have my mother's jewels which ought to fetch at least a
+thousand pounds. I propose to go to London and look about for something
+to do. I want to come to you because we are such friends, and because I
+know you will sympathize with me. We can live very cheaply together and
+I will pay you for all I have, and before your father returns I shall
+probably have found work. You won't refuse, will you?"
+
+"How can you think such a thing?" Alice said reproachfully. "There is
+nothing I would not do for you, and I know we shall be perfectly happy
+together. It would be worse than death to marry a man like Mr. Copley.
+I don't know why it is, but from the very first moment I saw him I hated
+him. I think he has such a cruel face. His mouth is so hard and his eyes
+are dreadful. But when do you want to go? When will you be ready to
+start?"
+
+"Didn't you say you must be back in town on Tuesday? Didn't you say
+something about your pupils? Well, suppose you go up on that day and I
+follow you on Wednesday. It would arouse suspicion for us both to go at
+the same time, and indeed I would ask you to stay longer only I can't
+breathe here. Knowing what I do, it is hateful to have to sit down to
+the same table with my father. I daresay I shall come to forgive him in
+time, but for the present it is beyond my strength. Mr. Copley is always
+about the house. Do try to make it Tuesday if you can. It seems so
+horrid of me----"
+
+Alice rose from her seat and kissed the speaker affectionately.
+
+"I won't hear another word," she said. "It is not in the least horrid of
+you. I will gladly do all I can to help you."
+
+Tuesday came at length and Alice Carden went away, leaving May to her
+own melancholy thoughts. She had not seen Harry Fielden for a few days
+and was thankful he had not been near her. It would be hard parting from
+him. It would be difficult to say good-bye without betraying herself or
+giving him some inkling of what had happened. After lunch on Wednesday
+she stole out of the house and walked to the station. She had sent on
+her luggage by Alice Carden the day before, so that when she left for
+London it might seem that she was only going for a casual visit. She
+would not mind the new life, so she thought, and she hardened her heart
+as she looked out of the carriage window. But, all the same, she was
+glad to find herself alone, for the tears would come and the old
+familiar landscape grew dim and blurred.
+
+What would they say, she wondered, when they knew. What would Harry
+Fielden think? But, at that very moment, Harry Fielden had something
+else to occupy his attention. He was walking across the Downs towards
+Haredale Park with Raffle, and the latter was speaking his mind very
+freely.
+
+"I won't be quiet, sir, and I won't keep my mouth shut," he said. "I
+tell you, Mr. Harry, it is a foul conspiracy and there are no two ways
+about it. Sir George gave Mallow a week to try to pull the colt round,
+and he says, says he, 'Mallow, if he's no better by that time, he's to
+be scratched.' Those were the instructions and Sir George confirmed them
+this morning. Now I am not going to say that the colt is much better,
+but I am prepared to pledge my reputation, and it is worth something,
+that I'll get him fit in a month. The whole thing has been arranged
+between Sir George and that man Copley, so that the horse can be
+scratched for the Derby. The public are to believe that Sir George has
+been unfortunate, but has played the game like a gentleman and a
+sportsman. Well, you may have what opinion you like, but I know better.
+Mind you, if I didn't know what I know I should have to put up with it
+and hold my tongue, because I am only a servant and no one can blame me
+for obeying my orders. But I have been making inquiries, and I find that
+Copley and his gang have been laying thick and thin against the colt for
+the past week. Do you mean to tell me they could know the colt would be
+scratched if they hadn't got Sir George in their power?"
+
+"What do you want me to do?" Fielden asked.
+
+A bitter smile crossed the old man's face.
+
+"I shouldn't have thought you'd ask what you were to do, sir," he said.
+"But I'm not going to stand it. I'm not going to sit down quietly and
+see this game going on. I daresay you think it will be bad for Miss May
+if this thing comes out. But bless you! if you go the right way to work
+nothing will leak out. The colt mustn't be scratched. You leave him
+where he is and he's certain to win the Derby. You are the very man to
+step in and stop the game. Let Sir George know what your power is. Let
+Copley see that he's got a gentleman to deal with. It will ruin Copley
+and his mob, but that doesn't matter. They are a fine set of thieves,
+if you ask me, sir, and I shouldn't mind telling Copley so. Now I would
+like to hear your opinion."
+
+Fielden had no particular opinion to offer. At the same time, he had
+information in his possession which would have astonished Raffle if he
+could only have seen into the mind of his old master. Pressing as the
+matter was, it was not possible to act on the spur of the moment, and
+Fielden contented himself by saying he would think over the matter.
+
+"But you can't do it, sir," Raffle protested. "There's no time to waste
+like that. The colt has to be scratched and maybe a telegram's already
+gone to London to that effect. The mischief may be done."
+
+"By Jove, I hadn't thought of that," Fielden exclaimed. "All right, Joe,
+it will be a most unpleasant piece of business, but I see now that it
+must not be put off any longer. I'll go straight over to Haredale Park
+and see Sir George at once."
+
+Sir George was in his library. He had given instructions to the butler
+to deny him to every one. In fact, he was seated by the library fire
+reading a letter which May had left for him. She had not minced matters.
+She had gone away for reasons well known to him, she said, and her
+address mattered nothing to anybody. Sir George was looking particularly
+old and grey and troubled as Fielden thrust his way past the butler and
+entered the library. Sir George's manner was not encouraging, and he
+curtly demanded to know the meaning of this intrusion.
+
+"I am sorry," Fielden said, "but my business would not wait. Am I to
+understand that you have struck the Blenheim colt out of the Derby? Is
+it done?"
+
+"It's not done yet," Sir George said indignantly, "but it will be done
+this afternoon. Perhaps you have some objection to make. Perhaps you
+would like to forbid it?"
+
+"I do and must," Fielden said quietly. "The horse does not belong to you
+at all. He happens to be mine."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII
+
+BETWEEN TWO FIRES
+
+
+Sir George Haredale pulled himself together.
+
+"You will excuse me," he said, "but I don't follow you. I have had much
+trouble and worry lately and I am not myself this morning. Did you say
+that the Blenheim colt belonged to you? If this is a joke I cannot say I
+admire it."
+
+"I assure you I was never more serious in my life, Sir George," Fielden
+protested. "I know what I say sounds extraordinary. The Blenheim colt
+belongs to me; it was never yours at all; in fact, it is not even
+entered in this year's Derby in your name. I have been making inquiries,
+and this is a literal fact. I have derived my information from
+headquarters. The conditions, monetary and otherwise, have been complied
+with----"
+
+"I don't doubt it for a moment," Sir George exclaimed. "But what has all
+this to do with me? When you went abroad I bought every animal you
+possessed."
+
+"I don't think so, Sir George. One or two were kept back; Raffle did so
+on his own responsibility. My solicitors have the papers and receipts,
+so that it is possible to earmark your exact purchases. I may tell you,
+however, that until I came here, I had no notion of this singular
+business. It appears that I forgot to advise my bankers before I left
+England and that, even up to the present moment, they are meeting my
+racing obligations out of the surplus moneys paid into my account. Now
+according to what Raffle says, _your_ colt, I mean your entry for this
+year's Derby, was disposed of long ago. My colt Raffle kept for
+sentimental reasons and, for the last two years, he has been trained
+with your horses. Raffle has always declared that some day he would do
+something great with one of the Blenheim blood. When he found out how
+good a thing he had he was almost frightened. He was on the point of
+confessing to you several times, but when he heard that I was dead he
+decided to let matters slide. Raffle has a vein of sentiment in his
+nature and, I suppose, the romance of the thing appealed to him.
+Besides, he knew that you were a friend of mine and that May was more
+than a friend. He is very fond of your daughter, in which he shows his
+good taste. So the foolish old man resolved to keep the secret to
+himself. He had transferred his allegiance to you and yours and had set
+his heart upon restoring your family fortunes; in reality he was giving
+May a comfortable and settled future. He didn't want the money for
+himself. He was satisfied to feel that he was repaying the kindness he
+had had at your hands. From a lofty moral point of view the thing may be
+open to censure, but what I am able to prove I say through my lawyers,
+through my bankers, through Raffle himself, and through other witnesses
+whom we can produce. Of course I am in your debt for training expenses,
+but that, at the moment, is beside the point. The point is that the
+Blenheim colt which, bar accidents, is certain to win this year's Derby,
+as you are perfectly well aware----"
+
+"I am not so sure of that," Sir George interrupted. "If I am to believe
+what Raffle says----"
+
+"We will come to that," Fielden went on. "I think otherwise. The horse
+has been knocked about in the betting a good deal lately and I am told
+that he has gone to an outside price again. I have managed to scrape
+together about two thousand pounds, every penny of which I have put upon
+the colt. I had made up my mind never to make another bet, but this
+opportunity is too good to be lost. If this horse wins the Derby, then I
+shall be a rich man again. If that good fortune is in store for me, it
+will be the last bet I shall ever make. And now, you understand why,
+apart from the morality of the thing, I object to the horse being
+scratched. In fact, you are not in a position to do so."
+
+Sir George rubbed his head bewilderingly.
+
+"Please say it all over again," he asked. "I know you mean everything
+you say, I know you are not joking with me, but I can't understand it."
+
+Fielden went over his points once more slowly and carefully, and then,
+at last, Sir George began to see. He did not fail to grasp his own
+position, either. He knew the peril in which he stood, unless he could
+persuade Fielden to fall in with his plans. But Fielden had told him he
+had backed the colt for all he was worth, and he was not likely to ruin
+himself merely to save an old man from the result of his folly. Besides,
+this would entail a shameful confession, for Sir George was not aware
+that Fielden had an intelligent view of the situation.
+
+"This is very awkward," he remarked.
+
+"I don't see why it should be," Fielden said coolly. "You can make a
+fortune, too. You have backed the horse heavily, and nothing in the race
+has any chance of beating him. I must consider myself. I have learnt the
+folly of sacrificing myself to my friends. In this affair I have some
+one to think about besides myself. May----"
+
+"May! What has she to do with it?"
+
+Fielden hesitated. He hated to give anybody pain, but the time had come
+to speak plainly.
+
+"She has a great deal to do with it," he said. "Whatever disgrace falls
+upon you cannot affect her good name. But, at the same time, I strongly
+object to any one being able to say that my future wife's father had
+been warned off the turf for malpractices."
+
+"Malpractices!" Sir George cried. "My dear Fielden, you are forgetting
+yourself. Explain, please."
+
+"I had much rather not," Fielden said. "But since you force me to speak,
+I must go on. I happen to know a good deal about Mr. Raymond Copley. I
+know you are deeply in his debt. I know that he helped you, because he
+hoped thereby to compel you to coerce May into a marriage with him. I am
+given to understand that you have done your best. I beg of you, Sir
+George, not to interrupt me. You have challenged me and I have a right
+to state my case. Copley is a scoundrel. I knew something about him in
+South Africa, though we never met. But he was in constant contact with a
+sort of partner of mine named Aaron Phillips. Phillips and I contrived
+to get an option on a diamond mine and, but for unforeseen
+circumstances, we should have made a fortune out of it. But the locality
+was kept a secret. The only man who knew where it was died and we had
+nothing but some plans to go on. Copley and Foster heard of this and
+resolved to get hold of those plans. The plans have vanished and
+probably will never be seen again. Then these two ruffians tried to
+murder Phillips. Indirectly they nearly murdered me. Phillips came back
+to England and sought me out. If he thought it worth while he could put
+the police on the track of Copley and Foster and they would be certain
+of penal servitude. But Phillips has other views. He has been following
+up these two men like a sleuth-hound and you may take my word for it
+that within a few days both Copley and Foster will be arrested in
+connection with one of the biggest turf frauds of recent years. Oh, I
+know what I am talking about."
+
+"Bless me!" Sir George cried, "is this true?"
+
+"Absolutely. I know about the whole thing. I know how the scheme has
+been worked and could put my hand upon the confederates at the present
+moment. But you will see for yourself before the week is out. You must
+not say a word of this to a living soul, and if you meet Copley during
+the next day or two I will ask you to behave towards him as if he were
+still a friend. Now you see the kind of man who has you in his toils.
+Simply because Copley has a powerful hold on you, you have promised to
+draw the pen through the name of the Blenheim colt. I won't unduly blame
+you, Sir George; no man knows how weak he is till he is face to face
+with a great trouble and a great temptation. Was not that the situation?
+Copley is in a position to turn you out of Haredale Park. He offers to
+cancel the debt if you will scratch the colt. At that moment the colt
+falls providentially lame. You can oblige him without a soul being any
+the wiser, and even gain popular applause over it, and make a fortune
+out of it by working it the right way."
+
+"Not a penny," Sir George said emphatically.
+
+"Well, I am glad to hear you say that. At the same time, I can't forget
+what you were willing to do. At any rate, I am preventing you from
+something in the nature of a crime. You can't interfere with my
+property, but you can refuse to carry out what Copley desires and defy
+him to do his worst. You are safe from him, and in future your daughter
+will have no occasion to be ashamed of you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII
+
+LOOSENING THE GRIP
+
+
+Fielden's last thrust went home. Sir George fairly winced and the red of
+shame flushed his face. Never in the course of his life had anybody ever
+spoken to him like this before. And never did he feel less able to
+resist the reproach.
+
+"You are going too far," was all he could say.
+
+"Indeed, I have no wish to," Fielden exclaimed. "I only want to save you
+from this crowning folly, and you need not be afraid of Copley. He is
+powerless to do you any mischief. Of course, you will still owe the
+money to somebody, but ere the law can make up its mind who is your
+creditor, if we have any luck at Epsom, you will be independent of all
+your creditors. Nobody need know of this. You may rest assured that not
+a word of it will ever pass my lips, and not even May shall be told."
+
+"I am afraid she knows already," Sir George rejoined. "It is useless, my
+dear boy, for me to combat your statements farther. I thought I was an
+honest English gentleman, and now I find that at a turn of the screw I
+am only a pitiful scoundrel. I fear that May has found out all about it.
+I was anxious she should marry Copley, for salvation seemed to lie that
+way, and I was under great obligations to the man. I was so annoyed with
+May that I said more than I should have done; indeed, I lost my temper
+and, in the heat of the moment, told her that if she did not obey me in
+this matter she was no longer a daughter of mine. Of course, I did not
+mean it."
+
+Fielden walked to the window and back before he ventured on a reply. Hot
+words hovered on his lips and anger filled his heart, but he tried to
+speak calmly.
+
+"That, to say the least of it, was indiscreet," he said. "If I know May,
+and I think I do, she is the last girl in the world to put up with
+treatment like that."
+
+"She didn't put up with it," Sir George confessed miserably. "She has
+gone, taking with her nothing but her mother's jewels which she intends
+to turn into money. In her letter to me she refuses to say where she is.
+She says she is going to get her own living and will never come back to
+Haredale. She must know what took place between Copley and me last
+night, for she alludes to something she overheard in the library. I
+wonder if you can help me?"
+
+Fielden groaned aloud. He had not expected a bitter disappointment like
+this. He was anxious to avoid scandal. Of course, the public would have
+to hear the strange story which, like a romance, clothed the Blenheim
+colt. But there was nothing in that to be ashamed of, nothing which
+would reflect on the honour either of Sir George or himself. Nor would
+the vast army of race-goers suffer. But the disappearance of May had
+altered all that. People would ask questions and neighbours were sure to
+talk. For the moment it seemed as if Fielden's efforts had been wasted,
+then an inspiration shot into his mind and he took comfort from it.
+
+"I think I know where to find her," he said. "But it may take me a few
+days and, meanwhile, you had better let it be known that May has gone
+away on a visit. We will assume that she is staying with Miss Carden for
+the present. I need not detain you longer. You will know what to do when
+Copley turns up to ascertain why the Blenheim colt has not been
+scratched. For obvious reasons we won't make the discovery public just
+yet; in fact, I see no reason why it should be made public at all. We
+can trust May, and I am sure we can trust Raffle, though you will have
+to tell Copley the truth. Still, as he will be in other hands before
+long, nothing he can say or do will matter much. I am going up to London
+and shall be greatly surprised if, when I come back, I don't bring you
+news of May."
+
+Fielden took his departure, leaving Sir George to his own troubled
+thoughts. He was properly ashamed of himself. He knew what a humiliating
+figure he had cut. He knew how two people, whose opinions he valued
+highly, despised him. Yet, in spite of everything, himself included, he
+was glad to know that he would be compelled to keep faith with the
+public. He was glad to know that within a few days Copley would have no
+further power to harm him. He had known all along, juggle with his
+conscience as he might, that old Raffle had been perfectly correct in
+regard to the colt. Notwithstanding the folly of that appearance at
+Mirst Park, the colt was not so lame as he had made out and in a week or
+two would be all right again. At the present moment if he risked a
+thousand or two, there was almost absolute certainty he would get it
+back fifty-fold at the great Epsom meeting. As Sir George pondered the
+situation, his mind was equally divided between shame and exultation. He
+did not fail to see his conduct in its proper light, nor did he fail to
+see an honourable way out, with credit to himself and a good many
+thousands in his pocket. He sat thinking until it was time for his
+solitary dinner. He had proved everything to his satisfaction before he
+returned to the library for a cigar. He would have given anything to
+have had May back again, for once she was under his roof, the way looked
+perfectly clear. He was still weighing the pros and cons when Copley
+strode angrily into the library.
+
+He had entered unannounced and looked at Sir George with the light of
+battle in his eye. He stood an imposing, bullying figure. But the master
+of the house was not afraid.
+
+"What is the meaning of this?" Copley demanded. "I hope you are not
+trying to shirk your obligations, because if you do, by gad, I shall
+have to teach you a lesson."
+
+"You mean about the colt?" Sir George asked.
+
+"What else could I mean? You promised he should be scratched this
+afternoon. It hadn't been done when I left London at six o'clock. Why?"
+
+"Sit down and have a cigar," Sir George said, "and I'll explain to you.
+But don't adopt that tone to me, because I don't like it. I am not
+accustomed to it."
+
+Copley burst into an offensive laugh.
+
+"Oh, aren't you?" he said. "We'll precious soon see about that. No, I
+don't want a cigar or anything to drink. I'll go home again and perhaps
+I can find another way----"
+
+"I don't think it will make much difference," Sir George said mildly. "I
+didn't scratch the colt for the simple reason that I find I haven't the
+power."
+
+"Haven't the power? What are you talking about?"
+
+"I assure you I am speaking the truth. I wasn't in the least aware of it
+myself till this afternoon. It is quite a story in its way. Now do,
+please, sit down and listen. The man you know as Field is the son of an
+old friend of mine named Fielden, who at one time owned a considerable
+amount of property hereabouts. You may have heard some of the neighbours
+speak of him. The son preferred not to be known by his proper name, and
+that is why I introduced him to you as Field. Now Field, or Fielden,
+whichever you like to call him, is really the owner of the Blenheim
+colt. If you will be quiet I will tell you all about it. By the way,
+Fielden knows a good deal about you and also about your friend Foster.
+He ran against you in South Africa where he was in partnership with a
+man called Aaron Phillips. I don't know Mr. Phillips myself, but he
+tells a story which interested me very much. I have just had it from Mr.
+Fielden's lips. But sit down."
+
+Copley sat down suddenly. His bullying air fell away from him like a
+garment. He seemed to have some difficulty in getting a light to his
+cigar. Sir George could almost have smiled as he saw the change in his
+one-time friend. There was a look of anxiety, almost of anxious misery,
+in Copley's eyes as he wriggled about in his chair whilst Sir George
+told his tale.
+
+"There you have it in a nutshell," the latter concluded. "That is the
+whole romance for you to deal with as you like. It doesn't matter a bit
+whether I want to serve you or not, you can see for yourself the
+position I am in and how powerless I am to prevent the Blenheim colt
+from running in this year's Derby. Mr. Fielden would not consent, even
+if he hadn't backed the colt to his last penny. You may depend upon it
+that if the horse starts he is bound to win, for in this year's moderate
+lot there is nothing to beat him. This upsets all your plans, but you
+will find that everything I say is correct. You have still time to get
+out."
+
+"How can I?" Copley asked. "Why, I have laid against the colt till I am
+tired of it, and if he runs he'll win. But it is no use my sitting here
+wasting time. I must go back at once and talk this thing over with
+Foster. I never heard such an extraordinary story in my life. I thought
+I was up to most of the moves, but a prophet couldn't have foreseen
+this. One thing is very certain, as matters have turned out I shall want
+every penny I can scrape together the next few days and I shall look to
+you to repay what you owe me. Of course, I don't want to be unpleasant,
+but necessity knows no law."
+
+Sir George waved his cigar gracefully. He felt he could promise with an
+easy mind.
+
+"Don't let that trouble you," he said. "I think I shall be able to
+manage. Circumstances alter cases. Must you really go?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX
+
+A DRAMATIC EXIT
+
+
+May had taken her fortune in her own hands. She had, as she thought,
+shaken the dust of Haredale Park from her feet for ever. There was no
+reason, she thought, why she should not make her own way in the world.
+Her trinkets were more valuable than she had expected. She had disposed
+of one for a hundred pounds, and had no anxiety as to the immediate
+future. But she was miserable enough. Lodgings seemed to cramp and
+confine her. She missed the pure air of the Downs, and longed once more
+to feel the exhilarating stride of a good horse under her. At the end of
+three days she would have given her pride and all her possessions to be
+back at Haredale. Already she was trying to think of some excuse for
+returning home.
+
+She did not know how near her wishes were to being gratified. She was
+not aware that Fielden was looking for her all over London. He had
+jumped to the correct conclusion that he would find her near to Alice
+Carden, but the trouble was to obtain Miss Carden's address. It was not
+till the Saturday morning that he ran against Phillips, who fortunately
+knew where Carden lived.
+
+"You won't find him at home," he said.
+
+"I don't want him," Fielden smiled. "Thank you very much. I'll see you
+later in the day, perhaps."
+
+"I'm busy," Phillips said darkly. "I've a good many things to do this
+morning. I've to interview Selwyn and other big plungers. After that, I
+have an appointment with one of the leading men of Scotland Yard, which
+will take us down to Mirst Park with a view to going over a certain
+house we wot of."
+
+Phillips bustled away and Fielden lost no time in seeking out the modest
+residence of Major Carden. He was disappointed to hear that Miss Carden
+was out, but it was gratifying to be told that Miss Carden's friend was
+in the house. Without waiting for further information, Fielden walked
+upstairs into the room where May was seated. She had pulled a chair up
+dejectedly in front of the fire and started at the sound of Fielden's
+voice. There were tears in her eyes.
+
+"So you have found me out."
+
+"Oh, yes, I have run you to earth," Fielden smiled. "I have been looking
+for you for three days. I had some difficulty in getting the Major's
+address, but felt quite sure that when I had that you would not be far
+off. Like me, May, you have not many friends. And now, don't you think
+you have been foolish?"
+
+May smiled through her tears.
+
+"But what else could I do?" she asked. "Oh, my dear boy, if you knew
+everything you would not blame me."
+
+"I think I do know everything," Fielden said gravely. "At any rate, I
+know why you left home. I had a long interview with your father,
+and--well, I won't blame him. None of us know what we would do in a
+temptation like that. That scoundrel Copley had him entirely in his
+power. Now, tell me, do you know anything of the great conspiracy? Were
+you in the library the night before you left home, and did you hear Sir
+George and Copley----"
+
+"I heard everything," May exclaimed. "I must tell you, Harry; I must
+tell somebody. I never felt so ashamed and humiliated in my life. It was
+bad enough to be turned out of the house because I refused to marry that
+man, but when I found that my father had entered into a plot with Mr.
+Copley to do a disgraceful thing, I felt I could not stay at home any
+longer. I suppose the mischief is done and the Blenheim colt has been
+struck out of the Derby. But though the public will never know how they
+have been swindled, I shall always feel that my father----"
+
+The girl broke down.
+
+"You need not worry about that," Fielden said. "I quite understand what
+your feelings are. But what you so greatly dread will never happen.
+Disgrace will be spared you and yours, because your father has not the
+power to interfere with the colt. Possibly before the day is out Copley
+will be as helpless as a child. You look surprised and I don't wonder. I
+am going to tell you something in the nature of a romance. To begin
+with, the Blenheim colt belongs to me."
+
+May was too surprised to speak. She sat on the arm of Fielden's chair.
+She did not seem to notice that his arm was around her, and that her
+head was very near his shoulder. She did not seem to care about anything
+now that Fielden was with her, and there was a link between the past and
+the present. It was a fascinating story which Fielden had to tell, much
+more remarkable than anything May had ever read of between the covers of
+a sporting novel. When the recital was finished she wiped the tears from
+her eyes, and a happy smile broke over her face. On the spur of the
+moment she bent down and kissed her companion.
+
+"Did any one ever hear the like of it?" she exclaimed. "It seems almost
+too good to be true. It is more like a fairy story than literal fact.
+But I am glad for your sake, for my sake, and for my father's sake. For
+he is my father, and it is possible that in his position I might have
+acted in a like heedless and foolish way. It would have been a terrible
+blow for him to leave Haredale Park. It is only since I have been in
+lodgings that I have come to realize what it means to have no home, what
+it was to turn out of such a dear old place as Haredale. But, Harry, we
+don't appear to be out of the wood yet. It will be a bitter
+disappointment to Mr. Copley and his colleague to be deprived of their
+chance of swindling the public. I am sure Mr. Copley will be none the
+less vindictive against my father, because this was no fault of his. I
+am afraid we shall have to leave Haredale in any case."
+
+"I don't think so," Fielden said. "Before long Copley will be powerless.
+We shall be able to hang on till Derby Day; then the gallant colt will
+win fortunes for all of us, and I shall be a rich man again. I shall be
+able to restore the old house and buy back the land, and then I shall
+have a home fit to ask my wife to. After that we shall be happy, only
+there won't be any more betting and gambling, because I have learnt my
+lesson, and it will be all the more effectual and lasting because it has
+been bitter. Meanwhile nobody knows anything about your trouble with
+your father except myself and, I presume, Miss Carden. You are supposed
+to be on a visit to London for a few days. It is lucky you have no maid
+to make mischief. I must return to Haredale this evening. Let me tell
+your father that I have explained everything to you, that you are coming
+back on Monday or Tuesday, and that Miss Carden will accompany you. I
+know Sir George will be glad to see you. He told me he could not
+understand how he spoke to you as he did. And, you see, as there is no
+one to follow your father, as the title will die out with him, Haredale
+Park will be your own some day. I know you love the place."
+
+"I couldn't tell you how much," May said unsteadily. "It is only during
+the last few days that I have realized the depth of my affection. I will
+come back. You may tell father I said so. I will return on Monday as
+early as possible and I hope you will be there to meet me. I thought I
+was going to be brave and strong and earn my own living; I thought that
+wanted no more than the pluck one has to exhibit in the hunting-field.
+But it is quite different. It must be a matter of custom and
+surroundings. It is all very well to run up to London to spend a few
+days with friends, but when you are alone, as I have been, the very size
+of the place frightens one. You don't know how glad I shall be to be
+home again. Why, twenty-four hours after I came here I began to cast
+about for reasons and excuses for going back."
+
+An hour later Fielden left, at peace with all mankind and inclined to
+take a roseate view of the future. Everything depended on the Blenheim
+colt. The path was clear and those chiefly concerned were going to have
+a straight run for their money. The poisonous influence of Copley would
+be removed. There would be peace and happiness at Haredale Park once
+more and, above all, May was coming home.
+
+Fielden flung himself down in the corner of his carriage and proceeded
+to open a late edition of an evening paper. He read the racing news of
+interest, then turned to the news items on the fifth page. Two headlines
+caught his attention at once and held him fascinated. They were
+sensational enough even to the ordinary person, but to Fielden they were
+pregnant with meaning.
+
+    "ALLEGED GREAT TURF FRAUDS.
+
+    "ARREST OF MR. COPLEY AND MR. FOSTER.
+
+    "Late this afternoon, the well-known financier, Mr. Raymond
+    Copley, and his private secretary, Mr. Foster, were arrested in
+    London on a warrant in connection with some alleged turf frauds
+    which took place recently at the Post Club. We understand that
+    the warrant was granted at the instance of Mr. Selwyn."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL
+
+CAUGHT!
+
+
+Raymond Copley went away from Haredale Park with every ounce of fight
+knocked out of him. Never for a moment had he anticipated a development
+like this. He had gone there in his most truculent mood. Everything
+seemed to be prospering with him. He had only to hold out his hand and
+all would drop into it. He had no fear Sir George would defy him. Rather
+had he taken a journey across the fields in order to manifest his power.
+
+There had been no actual necessity for Sir George to put his colt out of
+the betting yet; indeed, it would have been diplomatic to wait for
+another fortnight. But Sir George must be shown that he could not do as
+he liked. He must understand the force he had to deal with in Copley.
+
+Now it had all vanished like a dream. The thing appeared incredible to
+Copley as he walked homewards. He could not realize it. He was not
+disposed to regard Sir George's story as a deliberate lie, for it bore
+the impress of truth. The only way to settle the thing once and for all
+was to ask for absolute proof. But, if this were done, Harry Fielden
+would protest and, if he did so, the public would learn what was going
+on. Taking it altogether, the risk was too great.
+
+He would have to find some other way out of his difficulties. He had
+laid against the Blenheim colt thick and thin. He had literally piled
+the money against it with the comfortable assurance that it would never
+run at all, and that he was about to net a huge fortune without a
+pennyworth of risk. That prospect had vanished at a blow. If he stayed
+in England he would have to pay these debts, or the turf would know him
+no more. And if posted at Tattersall's, his career was at an end. There
+would be no more chance of making money in that way. He would have to
+start an entirely new plan if he meant to keep up his role of
+millionaire. But millionaires do not repudiate their racing debts, and
+Copley could see nothing but ruin wherever he looked.
+
+There was worse behind, too. It was disturbing to know that in some
+mysterious manner Aaron Phillips was mixed up in this business. But he
+had made no sign. He had not come near Copley, nor had he attempted to
+extort money from him. Yet he was actually a sort of partner with Harry
+Fielden, who had taken service with Copley under the name of Field. The
+more Copley thought over the matter the less he liked it. He had known
+Fielden by name, although they had never met. He realized for the first
+time that he had a deadly enemy under his own roof, so to speak. How
+much did these two know?
+
+Well, it wouldn't be difficult to discover. He would send for Fielden
+directly he got back to Seton Manor and pump him judiciously. Foster
+awaited him with the air of a man who finds the world a good place to
+live in. He looked uneasy, however, as he noted the expression of his
+employer's face.
+
+"What's the matter?" he asked.
+
+"Matter enough," Copley growled. "It's all over, my friend. You can say
+good-bye to your dreams of fortune. If we can get away with a whole skin
+we shall be lucky. As far as I can make out, we have made ourselves
+liable for thirty or forty thousand pounds, and have nothing to pay it
+with."
+
+"Well, that's all right," Foster said.
+
+"Oh, is it? I suppose you will admit that if the Blenheim colt turns out
+fit and well for the Derby there is nothing to beat him."
+
+"If he does turn out. But he won't."
+
+"Oh, yes, he will. But I'll tell you the story and if you can show me
+some way out you are a cleverer man than I take you for."
+
+Foster listened with deepest interest. He looked just as anxious and
+haggard as Copley by the time the story was finished. For a long time he
+sat gnawing his fingers.
+
+"It's a facer," he said presently. "That horse will run, and he'll win,
+too, unless we can find some means of preventing him from starting. We
+_must_ find some means."
+
+Copley threw up his hand impatiently.
+
+"What's the good of talking that rot?" he said. "The age for getting at
+horses is past. That was done with years ago. Even the sporting writer
+wouldn't dare to use a situation like this. You must think of something
+better than that. If the worst comes to the worst we've got a few weeks
+to turn round between now and Derby day. Sir George owes me forty
+thousand pounds, which I must get without delay. It is no use thinking
+anything more about May Haredale. With that money we may be able to
+cover our loss or hedge and bring it down to a trifle. We shall have to
+be contented with what we make over the Mirst Park meeting. So long as
+Rickerby and that set are not suspicious----"
+
+"I begin to fear they are," Foster interrupted. "As you know, we ought
+to have had a big cheque last week, but it hasn't come, though I wrote a
+sharp letter about it again the day before yesterday. I don't know
+whether Rickerby suspects, or whether he will refuse to pay, but in the
+face of what you have learnt the non-receipt of that cheque is alarming.
+Nor do I like what you say about Phillips and this chap Fielden.
+Phillips is a dangerous man and owes us a grudge. Let's have Fielden in.
+We may be able to bully something out of him."
+
+Copley jumped at the idea. He rang the bell and sent for Fielden, who
+appeared presently cool and collected, and ready to answer any
+questions.
+
+"Look here," Copley said in his most overbearing manner, "I've been
+hearing things about you. I am told your name is not Field at all, but
+Fielden. Is that so?"
+
+"That is quite correct," Harry said calmly.
+
+"Then, what the devil do you mean by coming into my service under false
+pretences? No honest man----"
+
+"I'll thank you not to take that tone with me," Fielden said. "We don't
+want to discuss the question of honesty. It is a subject on which you
+are not an authority. But I see you have found out everything and I may
+as well be candid. I entered your service because I had nothing to do. I
+assumed the name of Field, because I found nobody recognized me and I
+didn't want any of my old friends to know what I was doing. I suppose I
+am correct in assuming that Sir George Haredale has told you everything.
+Probably he has informed you that my partner in South Africa was Aaron
+Phillips. I need not ask if you know Aaron Phillips, because that would
+be superfluous. I never met either of you till I returned to England,
+but I know about you. Phillips knows more. I am also aware of the
+conspiracy for preventing the Blenheim colt from running in the Derby,
+but that scheme is frustrated. Have you any more to say?"
+
+"This is a nice way to speak to an employer," Copley protested.
+
+"It would be if I were still in your employ," Fielden retorted. "But I
+no longer consider myself your servant. There is no occasion for me to
+remain with you. Perhaps the next time we meet--but never mind about
+that."
+
+Fielden turned curtly on his heel and left the room. The other two
+exchanged significant glances.
+
+"Pretty cool," Foster muttered.
+
+"Yes, and pretty sure of his ground, too," Copley replied. "I don't like
+it, Foster, I don't like it a bit. I have a feeling that those fellows
+know everything. It frightens me to think that Phillips has been lying
+low for so long. You may depend upon it he is up to some mischief. And
+now that you tell me you have not received Rickerby's cheque I feel all
+the more certain of it. Don't you think it would be as well to go over
+to The Nook and remove that telephone? It always struck me as a
+dangerous thing to leave it on the roof. You never know what
+inquisitive people there may be about. If anybody acquainted with racing
+only saw it they would be sure to make inquiries. We had better take the
+car and run over before it is dark. What do you say?"
+
+Foster had no objection; in fact, he rather liked the idea. Half an hour
+later the car was crossing the country and before dusk the two reached
+their destination. They were later than they had expected in consequence
+of a breakdown on the road, but they seemed to be in time, for the house
+was quiet and deserted and, so far as they could see, nobody had been
+meddling with the telephone. Foster drew down the blinds and lit the
+gas. It had not occurred to him to lock the front door. There was no
+occasion for hurry and, after procuring a chest of tools, he started on
+his work, which presented few difficulties.
+
+Then the door opened and two men walked deliberately into the hall.
+Copley turned upon them with a snarl.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI
+
+HOME AGAIN
+
+
+"What do you mean by this?" Copley demanded.
+
+The intruders were not in the least abashed. On the contrary, they had
+every evidence of being very sure of their ground. The foremost touched
+Copley on the shoulder.
+
+"Mr. Raymond Copley, I believe?" he said politely.
+
+"It would be foolish to deny it," Copley sneered.
+
+"Very good, sir," the stranger went on. "And this other gentleman is Mr.
+Foster?"
+
+Foster nodded uneasily. He held the screwdriver he was using and waited
+for developments with white face and quivering lips.
+
+"That being so, gentlemen," the stranger said, "I may as well introduce
+myself. I am Inspector Andrews of Scotland Yard and this is my
+assistant. We have a warrant for the arrest of both of you on the charge
+of obtaining a large sum of money by means of a trick from Mr. Selwyn
+and others in connection with race meetings at Mirst Park. The warrant
+was obtained on the information of Mr. Selwyn, and you will please
+consider yourselves my prisoners. Anything you say, of course, will be
+given in evidence against you."
+
+Copley cursed himself under his breath. What a fool he had been to come
+here! The matter would have been bad enough if he had been arrested at
+Seton Manor, but to be taken here, to be identified in this fashion at
+The Nook was fatal. There was nothing for it in the circumstances but to
+try to bluster.
+
+"This is an outrage," he exclaimed. "It is a mere tale to extort money
+from a man in my position. You haven't a scrap of evidence to justify a
+proceeding like this."
+
+"That remains to be proved, sir," the Inspector said quietly. "I may say
+that your accomplice, Captain Eversleigh, is already in custody and is
+volunteering all the information we require. We have also arrested the
+man Chaffey in the neighbourhood of Covent Garden. More than that, we
+have interviewed the National Telephone authorities, and they have not
+been reticent, either. Besides that, we can produce the agent who let
+this house and who has already identified you. Also, we have taken
+possession of the office of Jolly & Co., and your accomplice there is in
+our hands also. I don't think we have left anything undone. We motored
+to Seton Manor, but you had left just before we arrived. We kept you
+under observation till now. Come, Mr. Copley, nothing will be gained by
+taking this attitude. I am telling you this in fairness to yourself so
+that you may know what you have to answer."
+
+Copley was done and submitted quietly to have the handcuffs put upon his
+wrists. Foster seemed equally subdued. He advanced towards the
+Inspector's assistant, then suddenly lunged forward, brushed him aside,
+and darted through the door into the open air. Instantly he was lost in
+the thick bushes. Inspector Andrews shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"You are to blame for that," he said. "No, it is no use following him
+just now. We must pick him up later. Mr. Copley, if you are quite ready
+we'll get back to London."
+
+An hour later Copley was safely housed. By seven o'clock his name was
+ringing from one end of London to the other. At first the published
+details were meagre, but the extra specials contained fuller tidings.
+They had managed to ferret out some racing particulars and to interview
+Rickerby, who was not in the least reticent. By ten o'clock Copley's
+arrest formed the one topic of conversation in the clubs. His name
+appeared largely on every poster and the South African millionaire found
+himself notorious.
+
+The news even reached the ears of May Haredale and her friend Alice.
+They had been treating themselves to the theatre in honour of recent
+events and paused on their way home to buy a paper. There was plenty to
+discuss as they partook of their frugal supper and they sat till late
+with the paper between them.
+
+"You have had a lucky escape," Alice said.
+
+"My father has," May replied. "I would never have married that man. I
+would have starved first. I never liked him and always felt there was
+something wrong about him. He won't trouble us any more and I only hope
+this terrible business won't upset my father."
+
+"Don't let us talk any more about it," Alice said. "Let us think about
+nothing else but your going home again. I don't know how I shall manage
+to stay in London after this. My fortnight at Haredale Park spoilt me."
+
+It is not necessary to say much about May's homecoming. Sir George met
+his daughter in the hall. He waited to say a few words to Alice Carden
+and then led May into the library.
+
+"I hope you won't blame me, my child," he said. "I can say no more than
+that I am exceedingly sorry for what happened. It was only after you had
+gone that I realized what a brute I had been. I must have been mad. But
+I thought I was going to be turned out of the old home, and to marry
+Copley--pardon me for alluding to it--seemed such an easy way out of my
+difficulty. I know now that women don't regard these things from the
+same standpoint as men do and, of course, I believed Copley was in a
+strong position. I regarded him as honest and straightforward,
+otherwise----"
+
+"You could not have done that," May protested. "How could you? When you
+were ready to fall in with his--but I won't say anything about that. All
+that is past and done with for ever. As Harry Fielden said, no man knows
+how weak he is till he is face to face with a great temptation. It is
+enough that you sincerely regret what has happened. As for me, I am only
+too glad to return home on any terms."
+
+"You overwhelm me," Sir George murmured.
+
+"Oh, don't feel like that, I implore you. But, tell me, what difference
+will this make to you? I have heard about the strange story of the colt
+and how Harry Fielden stepped in to prevent disgrace to our house. But
+that does not alter the fact that you owe Mr. Copley a large sum of
+money. I suppose it will have to be paid whether he is convicted or
+not."
+
+"Undoubtedly," Sir George answered. "But my lawyer says it will be some
+time before I am called upon to pay the money. I had a long interview
+with him this morning. Everybody knows now that Raymond Copley is no
+millionaire and that he is an unscrupulous adventurer who passed
+himself off as a wealthy man in order to carry out his swindles. From a
+telegram I have just received a good many fresh details came out this
+morning when Copley was brought up at Bow Street. The magistrate has
+refused to allow bail, but it will be two or three months before Copley
+is convicted, and during the interval some of his creditors are sure to
+make him bankrupt. They will be anxious to rescue some of the plunder
+and there are probably several thousand pounds in the bank besides all
+the stuff at Seton Manor and other places. It will take time to
+investigate these things, and possibly the summer will be over before
+the Bankruptcy officials ask me to pay this money to Copley's estate.
+Long before that the Blenheim colt will have won the Derby."
+
+May could not repress a smile.
+
+"You are always sanguine," she said. "In fact, if you hadn't been so
+sanguine, you would not be in your present position. I suppose nobody
+knows of our trouble."
+
+"Only Harry Fielden," Sir George said thankfully. "I suppose, we shall
+have to regard him as one of the family, though what he is going to live
+on and how he is going to keep you, goodness knows. I've got nothing."
+
+A smile crossed May's face.
+
+"We are all going to make fortunes out of the colt," she said. "If you
+are so sanguine, you must not grudge a little bit of a similar spirit to
+us. I know that Harry has backed the colt for all he is worth. It is
+very dreadful and wrong and extravagant, but Harry tells me that this
+will be the last time. How singular that the fortunes of two families
+should depend upon a horse! Only think, too, that, but for the merest
+accident, the Blenheim colt would not be in the Derby at all. That makes
+me think our good fortune is to continue. I don't think Fate would play
+us a low-down trick. It is impossible that the colt has been saved only
+to speed us to ruin at the last. But I don't like to think about it. I
+shall be in a fever of anxiety from now till May. But I'll try to be
+calm. I must realize that this is my last bet."
+
+Sir George was content to let it go at that. He was glad to have his
+daughter back, glad to think that things were no worse. Fate, too, had
+been kind to him, for he had preserved his name and reputation. He had
+lost nothing; indeed, he stood to be in a better position than he had
+ever yet occupied. For the first time for months he was looking forward
+to his dinner with gusto.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLII
+
+FIRST PAST THE POST
+
+
+Things turned out much as Sir George's lawyer had predicted. After
+several adjourned hearings Copley was committed for trial, together with
+his associates, and Aaron Phillips had the satisfaction of giving the
+most damning evidence against the accused. Of Foster nothing whatever
+had been heard and it was assumed he had got safely out of the country.
+Copley's trial was set down to take place in June and in the meantime
+some of his creditors had made him a bankrupt. The bubble was pricked.
+Copley had nothing to gain by keeping up the pretence of being a man of
+integrity and substance. He stood out now unabashed and unashamed, and
+refused to give any information about his business affairs. Perhaps he
+was looking forward to the time, some years hence, when on his release
+from gaol he could blackmail Sir George Haredale.
+
+But Sir George had already taken steps to obviate that. He had learnt
+his lesson and was not likely to put himself in Copley's power again. A
+proper statement of the relationship between Copley and himself had
+been rendered by Sir George's lawyer and ample time had been given by
+the Bankruptcy officials to pay the debt. Therefore Sir George could
+look forward with easy mind to the momentous event at Epsom.
+
+Everything went smoothly and Raffle pronounced the colt as fit to run
+for a kingdom. The horse was established in the betting once more and at
+that moment there were few more popular men in England than Sir George
+Haredale. He was anxious, of course, for so much depended upon what was
+to take place between now and next Wednesday, and Harry Fielden was not
+very far from the spot; indeed, his feelings were like those of Sir
+George. His whole fortune, too, depended upon the running of the colt.
+About the only member of the party who was not unduly anxious was Raffle
+himself. He went about his business with a knowing smile and refused to
+discuss even the possibility of defeat.
+
+"Bless you, sir," he said to Fielden two days before the race, "I can't
+see what you've got to fret about. The race is in our pockets. It
+wouldn't do to disappoint the people now, for Epsom is Epsom. But that
+colt will just win from the start. There ain't going to be any risks,
+because so much depends upon it. What a story it would make, Mr. Harry,
+wouldn't it?"
+
+Fielden nodded. They were standing in the Blenheim colt's stall admiring
+the noble animal, which looked fit to race for his own life. There was
+no sign of staleness about him. He was apparently trained to the last
+ounce and, as Raffle said, his temper was perfect.
+
+"He won't mind the crowd and the horses," he said, laying his hand upon
+the colt's glossy neck. "I never saw such a tractable animal. It is a
+proud day for me to live to see the Blenheim blood doing a big thing
+like this. I always believed in it, sir, though we had a good many
+failures. I wonder what the public would say if they knew everything."
+
+"They are not in the least likely to do that," Fielden laughed. "I think
+we were wise to keep the whole thing to ourselves. It is just as well,
+too, to let the colt run as Sir George's property. At any rate, there's
+no harm done and we haven't broken any rules. Besides, it is all in the
+family. What are your plans for to-morrow, Raffle? If you don't mind, I
+will go to Epsom with you. Sir George and Miss Haredale can follow on
+Wednesday morning. I don't want to lose sight of the colt if I can help
+it. I wish Wednesday was over."
+
+Raffle highly approved the suggestion, so, on the morrow, they went off
+to Epsom with the colt. They literally slept with it all Tuesday night.
+The fateful Wednesday dawned without a cloud in the sky and by noon the
+Downs were crowded with people. For the most part they meant to have a
+holiday, seeing that they were on the favourite to a man and that the
+chance of the favourite losing was as remote as a racing possibility
+could be. Shortly after two o'clock Fielden left the paddock and went to
+join Sir George and May and Miss Carden.
+
+"I hope all is well," May whispered.
+
+"It couldn't be better," Fielden said. "Another hour and you will be out
+of your misery. The colt looks as fine as a star. We are having him
+saddled at the top end of the course so that he won't be actually seen
+till he is ready for the start. It will be a popular victory, May."
+
+"Oh, yes," May said nervously. "I suppose it will. I don't know when I
+felt so anxious. I was looking forward to enjoying this race, but I
+don't think I shall. I envy you, Harry. How can you keep so cool?"
+
+Fielden smiled. In fact, he was anything but cool. He looked confident
+but, at the same time, he was conscious of a dryness in his throat and
+of the quicker beating of his heart as he weighed the possibilities
+which the next hour held for him and the party from Haredale Park. At
+that moment he possessed practically nothing. If by any untoward fate
+the horse lost he would be as poor as he was before, and his marriage
+with May would be indefinitely postponed. In case of this disaster Sir
+George would have to sell everything to pay his mortgages and the money
+he owed to Copley's estate. He would have to spend the rest of his days
+in humble lodgings. There would be an end to the glories of Haredale.
+
+But if the horse won! So much depended upon those four feet, upon those
+wonderful staying powers of which Raffle had so frequently boasted.
+Hitherto there had always been a weak spot in the Blenheim blood and it
+might crop up at the very moment when so much depended upon bone and
+muscle and sinew.
+
+And if everything did go well, why, then, Sir George Haredale would be a
+rich man again. Fielden would have more than he ever possessed before
+and the tarnished glory of the family would be restored. As he stood,
+quiet and reserved, he did not look like a man to whom the next
+half-hour meant so much. But he thought that half-hour would never be
+over.
+
+The minutes wore on nevertheless. The roar and fret and murmur of the
+crowd at last died down and the long winding ribbon of turf between the
+masses of people began to manifest itself. The gay kaleidoscope of
+colour gradually drifted into a ragged line at the post. Then a hoarse
+roar broke out again.
+
+"They're off!" May whispered, clutching Fielden frantically by the arm.
+"You must tell me how the race is going. Positively, I haven't the
+courage to look."
+
+Fielden did not hear a word she said. He had no consciousness of those
+tense nervous fingers on his arm. He stood like a statue with his racing
+glasses glued to his eyes. He watched the streaming glow of colours
+rigidly, until, presently, it seemed to him that one horse came floating
+easily and gracefully apart from the rest and then his heart began to
+sing within him. They came in much the same order round Tattenham
+Corner. Then the roar intensified till everything seemed to shake and
+rock, and Fielden trembled and could not see through his glasses. When
+he finally adjusted them to his satisfaction, he was conscious of a
+still deeper shout of gratification from the multitude. Then, as if in
+response to the ringing cheers, the Blenheim colt drew almost
+imperceptibly away from the ruck of horses and passed the winning-post a
+good half length ahead. The Derby was ancient history now. The Blenheim
+colt had won this classic race and a score or two of old friends were
+gathering round Sir George to shake him by the hand. The victory was all
+the more popular because ninety-nine out of every hundred spectators had
+backed the winner.
+
+Fielden closed his glasses with a snap. He was conscious now that May
+was clinging to his arm and that she was swaying backwards and forwards
+ominously. It was only for a few moments, however, and then a slight
+smile trembled on her lips.
+
+"Take me away from here for a while," she whispered. "Let us take a walk
+on the course. Do you know, I feel as if I could enjoy a turn on a
+roundabout. I could even shy for cocoanuts. And only two or three
+minutes ago I felt as if I were going to faint. I never saw a yard of
+the race. If I had looked up I should have collapsed. I guessed how
+things were going only by the cheers of the crowd. I knew by that
+exultant roar that the colt was winning. But I don't want to go through
+it again, Harry, I have had enough. Now that we have all made fortunes,
+it will be so good to be at home again and feel that everything there
+actually belongs to us. Some of my father's old friends want us to dine
+in London. But I would far rather go home. You must back me up."
+
+But Sir George wanted no particular backing. Tried sportsman as he was,
+the strain had told upon him and he was glad, so he said, to find
+himself once more in a comfortable corner of a railway carriage on his
+way to Haredale. It was a lovely evening, too, and the face of the old
+house was bathed in sunshine.
+
+"It is smiling a welcome to us," May said. "To think that it is
+absolutely our own! I hope we have done with gambling for ever."
+
+"I have finished with it for good," replied Harry. "I have won a fortune
+and a wife on the same day, and that is more luck than most men gain on
+the course. If you are happy, darling, what more do I need?"
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+Changes to the original publication have been made as follows:
+
+    Page 68
+    there'll be a hatfull of money to _changed to_
+    there'll be a hatful of money to
+
+    Page 80
+    Perhaps you will be there, too, Mr. Field _changed to_
+    Perhaps you will be there, too, Mr. Fielden
+
+    Page 150
+    flat-racing was over. Probable _changed to_
+    flat-racing was over. Probably
+
+    Page 174
+    these people, Absolom & Co. _changed to_
+    these people, Absalom & Co.
+
+    Page 219
+    were exhausted and he could readily _changed to_
+    was exhausted and he could readily
+
+    Page 256
+    Phillips's information came _changed to_
+    Phillips' information came
+
+    Page 258
+    to Phillips's offer of refreshment _changed to_
+    to Phillips' offer of refreshment
+
+
+
+
+
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