CHAPTER II.
Billy Platt shows his hand, and receives an unexpected but well-deserved blow.
"Have you any idea how much you owe me?" asked Platt, as soon as the sitting-room door was shut.
"I have not my book with me—it has become rather a large sum, as I have not had a single winning week since Goodwood," replied Mr. Moordown.
"Some people would think it a large amount, but it is a mere flea-bite to you rich landowners."
"What is the total?"
"£1725, and I want the money."
"It is more than I thought, but never mind, Billy, you shall have it, every penny."
"When?"
"I have no money to spare at present, but my turn of luck will come if you are only patient with me."
"But I have no patience left; you have had lots of time, and I must insist on a settlement—here—to-night. I am short of ready money myself."
"That is unreasonable. You don't suppose I walk about with such a sum of money in my possession?"
"Have it I must. Why not get some of your friends to advance it? I have heard that great people always oblige one another."
"Out of the question. You can wait at all events till after Wincastle races. I may be able to knock off a good portion of the debt this week. I have a horse entered for the Silver Gauntlet, and he is not unlikely to win."
"What's its name?"
"Highdrift."
"Highdrift! the devil. Why that's favourite, and the horse I am so bad against. Laid eights, and now they take 2 to 1, and the worst of it is they only back another horse with any freedom—Springtrap. I have a ruinous book; it is all Highdrift."
"I am sorry you are bad against my horse, because he is very well, and knowing, as I do, every one of his opponents, I think he stands an excellent chance. You must not lose by Highdrift, Billy."
"Highdrift be poleaxed! (That word will do.) Get back my money at 2 to 1! You must think me a hedgehog." (He did not say hedgehog.) "I know a move worth a dozen of that. Me back Highdrift? Why, I am only too happy to lay against him. Do you know anyone who wants the odds to a hundred?"
"I don't understand you, Platt. Highdrift is all right, and it is not more than 2 to 1 against him. He will very nearly, if not quite, win."
"But that's where we agree to differ. You do not see my drift—lowdrift, you can call it if you like. I have been taking liberties with your horse all along, and I'll be cremated if he is going to win."
"What the devil do you mean, man?" asked Moordown, getting rapidly into a passion, and rising hastily from his chair.
"Just what I say. It is a mutual benefit affair. You owe me £1,725, and cannot pay it; I agree to give you time. I have overlaid your horse; you oblige me by scratching him on account of an accident, or give me your word that if he runs he will not win."
"Scoundrel! take that," was Moordown's answer to these equitable proposals, as he drove his right between Billy's eyes.
When Billy recovered from his well-deserved punishment, and was able to regain his feet, he found Sir Hew Mainfly, the owner of Springtrap, the second favourite for the Silver Gauntlet, in his room.
"Well, Billy, anything wrong? You look dreadfully uncomfortable. Been taking a nap? You might have chosen a softer place than the floor. Hilloa! that's a nasty lump on your forehead. Who has been giving you a lesson in the noble art of self-defence?"
"Somebody who will very soon rue it. Who should it be but the owner of Highdrift, the great Mr. Moordown?"
"You don't mean to say he has been foolish enough to quarrel with you?"
"It is just what he has done. He might have paid his debt first, don't you think?"
"Certainly. I never was so surprised. Did you explain things properly? Would he not listen to reason?"
"I at last told him plainly enough, and the moment he understood it he knocked me down."
"We did not reckon on this difficulty. Moordown's obstinacy will upset all our plans. It is provoking, for with Highdrift out of the way the race would have been a good thing for my horse. I did think, as he owed you such a lot of money, you would be sure to bring him to terms."
"I did my best, Sir Hew; but nothing is lost as yet."
"Everything is very uncertain. What will you do now?"
"I will send him a letter demanding payment of my money before twelve o'clock to-morrow, and in the meantime I will lay all I can against Highdrift."
"And to-morrow. How will you proceed?"
"Never mind, I have arranged it. Highdrift won't trouble you."
"Suppose he finds the money. Is it much?"
"£1,725."
"Impossible for him to get that sum."
"I thought so. With Moordown out of the hunt you will, I suppose, about pull through. I have made a book for your horse."
"I only fear Highdrift. Keep him harmless and you will win your money."
"Don't bother about the blackguard or his horse; I have a blow to pay, and am in a hurry to get rid of the obligation. I hear you are both after the duchess. Make hay while the sun shines. Win the Silver Gauntlet, and carry off the duchess into the bargain."
"Keep to your compact, Billy, and I will have a good try for the double event."