Part 70 (1/2)

”No ---- nonsense,” he snarled.

”I thought you said we were both naked men,” replied Silver, folding his arms.

”Never mind what I said,” the other answered. ”Keep your ---- distance, or I'll puddle you into a pulp.”

Jim regarded the other with admiring eyes.

”You learned more at Oxford than I did,” he said. ”Learned to express yourself at least. If I'd that command of language I'd be in the pulpit or in Parliament to-morrow.”

There was the sound of a horse's feet behind them.

Boy was walking Four-Pound-the-Second toward them.

”Good morning, Miss Woodburn,” called Joses cheerily. ”So _you're_ up to-day.”

”Yes,” said the girl.

”Going to take him for a spin?”

Boy did not answer.

”Mr. Joses has been doing the spinning this morning,” interposed Silver urbanely, holding up the wire.

”Oh,” said the fat man. ”I'll leave him to spin his yarn, Miss Woodburn.

But don't you believe all he says. You'll hear the truth when I bring the case into court. He'll want all the money _you_ can win him by the time I've done with him.”

He disappeared down the hillside.

The girl came close and leaned down over the shoulder of the great horse.

”What is it?” she asked.

Jim Silver showed her.

”Only this,” he said. ”Right across the track.”

The girl took it as all in the day's work.

”Did you catch him at it?” she asked.

”No; he was lying doggo near by--to watch results.”

She examined the wire.

”He means business all right,” she said. ”We must look a bit lively.

I'll have the track patrolled.”