Part 46 (1/2)

”I mean,” he stammered, ”I mean that my being entered so late in the day--the fees might be made proportionately heavier--double them if need be--I should none the less be--be inestimably indebted to you; indeed I--I cannot tell you--” Now as Barnabas broke off, the Marquis smiled and reached out his hand--a languid-seeming hand, slim and delicate, yet by no means languid of grip.

”My dear Beverley,” said he, ”I like your earnestness. A race--especially this one--is a doocid serious thing; for some of us, perhaps, even more serious than we bargain for. It's going to be a punis.h.i.+ng race from start to finish, a test of endurance for horse and man, over the worst imaginable country. It originated in a match between Devenham on his 'Moonraker' and myself on 'Clinker,' but Sling here was hot to match his 'Rascal,' and Carnaby fancied his 'Clasher,' and begad! applications came so fast that we had a field in no time.”

”Good fellows and sportsmen all!” nodded the Captain. ”Gentlemen riders--no tag-rag, gamest of the game, sir.”

”Now, as to yourself, my dear Beverley,” continued the Marquis authoritatively, ”you 're doocid late, y' know; but then--”

”He can ride,” said the Viscount.

”And he's game,” nodded the Captain.

”And, therefore,” added the Marquis, ”we'll see what can be done about it.”

”And b'gad, here's wis.h.i.+ng you luck!” said the Captain.

At this moment Peterby entered the yard, deep in converse with a slim, gentleman-like person, whose n.o.ble cravat immediately attracted the attention of the Marquis.

”By the way,” pursued the Captain, ”we three are dining together at my club; may I have a cover laid for you, Mr. Beverley?”

”Sir,” answered Barnabas, ”I thank you, but, owing to--circ.u.mstances”

--here he cast a downward glance at his neckerchief--”I am unable to accept. But, perhaps, you will, all three of you, favor me to dinner at my house--say, in three days' time?”

The invitation was no sooner given than accepted.

”But,” said the Viscount, ”I didn't know that you had a place here in town, Bev. Where is it?”

”Why, indeed, now you come to mention it, I haven't the least idea; but, perhaps, my man can tell me.”

”Eh--what?” exclaimed the Captain. ”Oh, b'gad, he's smoking us!”

”Peterby!”

”Sir?” and having saluted the company, Peterby stood at respectful attention.

”I shall be giving a small dinner in three days' time.”

”Certainly, sir.”

”At my house, Peterby,--consequently I desire to know its location.

Where do I live now, Peterby?”

”Number five, St. James's Square, sir.”

”Thank you, Peterby.”

”An invaluable fellow, that of yours,” laughed the Marquis, as Peterby bowed and turned away.

”Indeed, I begin to think he is, my Lord,” answered Barnabas, ”and I shall expect you all, at six o'clock, on Friday next.” So, having shaken hands again, Captain Slingsby took the arm of the Marquis, and limped off.