Part 14 (2/2)
Now, the first sporting editor of ”The Mercury” was a handsome man, clean-shaven and well-dressed, who presented himself to Denis Quirk in answer to an advertisement in a Melbourne paper
”Mr James Gerard,” read Cairns fro ”Have you any idea who Mr Gerard is?”
”He says he's 'Trafalgar,' sir; not the battle, sir, but the horse I fancy he's dotty, Mr Cairns; he looks more like a donkey than a horse”
”Show him in to Mr Quirk; I have no time for lunatics,” said Cairns
Mr Jaers' roo a speech, for he had already decided to contest a vacancy on the council He received his visitor abruptly
”What do you want?” he asked
”I aar;' perhaps you have heard of me,” said the newcoht youChronicle'”
”Never heard of it What do you want?”
”You advertised for a sporting editor I have co about horses?” asked Denis
”No one better; I have studied them all my life,” replied Gerard
”That doesn't say you can write about them Howis my hobby I have an income of my own, and I write as an employment and a pleasure”
”If you come to me you will have to accept a salary, much as it may pain you You will be a servant, and do exactly as I ask Are you prepared for that?” said the er
”Naturally! Why would I be here if I were not prepared for that?”
”Very well, then You will begin at 4 a week, to be increased if you suit us; if you don't suit, out you go When are you prepared to begin?”
”To-day, if you like”
”To- See that you are spicy; we expect spice on this paper”
”Trafalgar's” first report did not satisfy thethe outer office, where ”Trafalgar” was already fraternising with Desmond O'Connor, ”'The Mercury' is out to put down fraud and hypocrisy wherever it is to be found I sent you to Melton to draw public attention to irregularities
Why did Caprice run last in the Melton Cup?”
”Not quite fit,” replied the sporting editor glibly ”I was talking to Carter----”
”Talking to her trainer and asking his opinion! That's not ant here Last week Caprice started at 6 to 4 on and won the Welter Handicap at Balnogan; yesterday she was quoted at 5 to 1, and ran last in the Melton Cup Sit down andthe readers to draw their own deductions, as I do”
”Are you looking for libel actions?” asked ”Trafalgar,” innocently