The lad passed a peaceful night, but it was an anxious time for Jim Dennis and Dr Tom when he awoke next morning. They had money at stake, but it counted for little. Willie's health was far more to them than any paltry wagers. They were very much afraid he would not be fit to ride, and they knew how the lad would feel about it, and how jubilant certain people would be over the mishap.
Willie, however, was much better than Dr Tom expected.
The sleeping-draught and the night's rest had pulled him together wonderfully, and, although he staggered and for a few moments seemed dazed when he got out of bed, he soon recovered.
'I shall be all right in an hour or two,' he said. 'My head still swims, but one of Dr Tom's tonics will soon pull me round. I am going to ride Neptune and win on him.'
'Bravo, laddie!' said Dr Tom. 'There's pluck for you, Jim.'
'Have you no idea how this happened?' asked his father.
'No. I did not even feel the blow,' said the lad.
'I'll stroll round to the Gum Tree,' said Jim, 'and perhaps I may pick up some information there.'
'As you please,' said Dr Tom. 'Only don't forget this, keep your head cool and your temper well in hand. I will look after Willie.'
Although it was early, the people were already astir, for a great day was before them. Jim Dennis went round to Neptune's box and found the horse all right, and Dr Tom's black fellow had been true to his trust.
Neptune looked a picture of health and was as fit as his master knew how to make him. The horse had not been pampered, but had received a genuine preparation, and had done enough work to break the average modern thoroughbred down completely. Having satisfied himself all was right with Neptune, Jim Dennis went into the hotel. Business was already brisk, and visitors were arriving every few minutes.
Adye Dauntsey, the police magistrate at Barragong, had arrived, and he dearly loved a good race. He was partial to Jim Dennis and a great friend of Dr Tom's.
Sergeant Machinson was there with several constables, to keep order, but he was not popular atSwamp Creek, and the inhabitants were not slow in showing their likes and dislikes.
Adye Dauntsey saw Jim Dennis, and, going up to him, shook hands with him heartily. This caused Sergeant Machinson to scowl and mutter to himself,—
'There's not much chance for a man in my position when the P.M. is hand and glove with a fellow like Dennis.'
'Well, Dennis, what chance have you to-day? I hear Neptune is a bit out of the common, and that the cup will go to Wanabeen.'
'I hope it will,' said Jim.
'Your son rides, does he not? Quite a little chap?' asked Dauntsey.
'He's only twelve, but he's a rare boy on a horse. I think you'll say he is a wonder after the race,' said Jim.
Abe Dalton was hanging around, and, hearing this remark, smiled to himself as he thought, 'He's trying to hide it. He knows well enough his lad won't be able to ride. Perhaps he wants to hedge his money.'
'I have never seen so many people at Swamp Creek races before,' said Dauntsey. 'Dr Tom has worked the handicapping well; he deserves every credit for it.'
'Everything the doctor takes in hand he does well,' said Jim.
'You are right there. Where is he?'
'At his house. I am going there. Will you walk with me? My son is staying there.'
'With pleasure,' said the P.M., and they went out together.
'I say, Aaron,' said Abe Dalton when they had gone, 'how do you stand against my horse?'
'Badly, but he'll not win. I'm going for Neptune, although I have laid some wagers against him to oblige customers,' replied Hyam.
'I'll bet you a hundred The Captain beats him,' said Dalton.
'No,' replied Aaron, 'I will not make that wager; it spoils my book.'
'Come, I'll lay you a hundred to fifty my horse beats him,' said Dalton.
'You seem pretty sure of a win,' was Aaron's response. 'I'll take that wager.'
'All in, run or not?' said Abe.
Aaron laughed as he replied, 'As you please; but there's not much fear about Neptune being a non-starter.'
'You never can tell until the numbers go up,' said Dalton; 'and Jim Dennis is a curious fellow.'
'But he does not do dirty tricks like that,' said Aaron Hyam. He was about to add, 'It's more in your line,' but checked himself in time.
'That's your opinion, it is not mine,' was the reply of Abe Dalton.
Dr Tom was pleased to see Adye Dauntsey, andthe good-humoured magistrate was equally delighted to again meet the doctor.
'You are quite a stranger at Barragong,' he said. 'We very seldom see you there.'
'I have so much to do here,' said the doctor, smiling; 'but I mean to trespass upon your hospitality some day before long.'
'And you may be sure of a hearty welcome,' said Dauntsey. 'Is this the young jockey who will ride Neptune?' he added, as he patted Willie on the head.
The lad shrunk from his hand, for his head was still painful.
Adye Dauntsey looked up surprised. Jim Dennis hastened to explain.
When Adye Dauntsey heard what had happened the night previously he looked severe.
'This must be inquired into,' he said; 'but you were quite right to wait until after the races. I should not be at all surprised if that scoundrel Dalton had a hand in it. I think you made a mistake, doctor, in allowing him to run horses at the meeting.'
'I could not very well prevent him, and it might have caused an unpleasant scene.'
'But he's such an out-and-out bad lot.'
'He is, I'll grant you that.'
'Why does not Sergeant Machinson lay him by the heels?' asked the doctor.
'That is a question I have frequently asked myself,' said the magistrate. 'You see, Machinson holds a very responsible position and works a large district,and so far as I know does his duty, but I have often thought he ought to pay a little more attention to Barker's Creek and its inhabitants.'
'And you are quite right too,' said Jim Dennis. 'If you knew all Machinson's little games he would not be sergeant in your district long.'
Adye Dauntsey looked grave. He had his doubts about the sergeant's integrity himself, but it was a difficult case to inquire into. If he made a mistake there would be nothing for him to do but to resign his position. He must be very sure before he moved.
'One thing I must do,' he said, 'I will instruct Machinson to inquire into this assault upon your son, Dennis; and I shall expect him to find out the culprit.'
'That he will not do,' was Jim's answer.
'Why?'
'Because I firmly believe Dalton had a hand in it.'
'And why should it prevent him from doing his duty?' asked Adye.
'That is best known to himself. Machinson has never been fair to me. He still believes, or professes to do so, that I had a hand in that Potter affair, and he circulated a rumour at the time that I was responsible for the Seahorse business.'
'No one believes it, Dennis,' said Dauntsey.
'I am glad to hear you say so again,' said Jim; 'but it sticks, after all these years. There istrouble brewing again around here, let me tell you. Seth Sharp has been at Barker's Creek ever since his discharge from prison. They ought to have hanged him.'
'Seth Sharp at Barker's Creek!' exclaimed both Dr Tom and Adye Dauntsey. 'Surely you don't mean that?'
'I'll swear I saw him last week, and where should he be located around here if not at Barker's Creek?'
'That man's a murderer,' said Adye Dauntsey. 'How he got off with only fifteen years the lord only knows. How quickly time flies. Are you quite sure, Jim, you have made no mistake?'
'Certain. I know him. Haven't I fought him and beaten him? The look he gave me as we passed each other was quite enough.'
'This shall be attended to,' said Dauntsey. 'Machinson must inquire into it. He cannot know anything about it.'
'He ought to,' said Jim. 'It is more his business than mine.'
There was a shout outside, and Dr Tom went to the door.
'Come in, Shaw,' he said.
Rodney Shaw entered the room and, after greeting them, said—
'What's up with the jockey? He does not look very well.'
'No, and you would not look any better if you had had a crack on the head last night,' blurted out Jim.
'Was he hurt? Who did it?' asked Shaw.
'That's what I would like to find out,' said Jim.
'Will he be able to ride?' asked Shaw, anxiously.
'Yes,' said Willie, 'and win too.'
Rodney Shaw laughed.
'Don't be too sure, my lad. You have Distant Shore to beat, and The Captain, and a dozen more.'
'And I shall beat them all. It is my first race, and I am going to win it.'
Dr Tom had seen Rodney Shaw several times, but did not know him well. Something in his voice seemed to recall memories. He had only been to Cudgegong three or four times, and had never seen much of the owner of that station. 'Where the deuce have I met him, years ago?' thought Dr Tom.
Of course it could only be fancy, he knew that, but still he could not get rid of the idea that Rodney Shaw was a man he had known in days gone by.
'You think Distant Shore will win?' asked Adye Dauntsey.
'Yes. With Madsley up, I have a really good chance.'
'It promises to be a most interesting race,' said Dr Tom.
'The handicap is not bad considering the committee framed it,' said Shaw.
'I think they have done their work well,' saidthe doctor. 'Do you think it could have been improved upon?'
'Oh, no, I would not suggest that for a moment,' said Rodney Shaw. He was looking hard at Willie, who sat very still with his hands fixed firmly one on each arm of his chair.
'He'll ride but he'll never win,' was Rodney Shaw's inward comment. 'He must be a plucky little chap'—this he thought grudgingly.
Swamp Creek race-course was not an attractive place, nor was it an ideal ground for the purpose. The track was somewhat uneven, and only a mile round, so that for the cup race the horses had to compass it twice. It was, however, a track that gave the people a good chance of seeing every part of the race, and they could thus watch the struggle with the keenest interest.
At a comparatively early hour the course was crowded with a large number of vehicles of all descriptions, from the smart buggy to the more humble ramshackle which hardly seemed capable of holding together. There was an improvised ring, but no stand, and in these railed-off enclosures the bulk of the wagering took place.
The first two races were not of much interest, and as Abe Dalton won one he was sanguine of The Captain taking the cup. The bulk of the people present would have been sorely disappointed had The Captain won, for Abe Dalton's character was well known, and he was decidedly unpopular and looked askance upon by honest folk.
Half an hour before the cup race the scene was animated, not to say picturesque, and the excitement was worked up to fever pitch. There were fourteen runners, and each horse had followers who backed their fancy freely. Aaron Hyam was busy pencilling wagers down almost as fast as he could write, and his son, with numerous assistants, was equally busy at the booth; so it was evident the host of the Gum Tree Hotel was in for a good day. He avoided laying much against Neptune, and was standing Jim Dennis's horse to win a good stake.
Abe Dalton was anxious about Willie Dennis, and he was surprised when he saw him on the course, apparently sound and well and very little the worse for the cowardly attack made upon him.
Considering it was a country meeting, the horses running for the cup were a credit to the district. It was a genuine sporting affair, and the rivalry was keen, and each runner might be depended upon to do its best. The difficulty was in procuring riders, and some of them were not likely to make a brilliant display in the saddle. Still, they all meant to win if possible, which is not always the case at more fashionable gatherings.
When Willie Dennis donned his new yellow jacket and red cap he felt proud, and walked about the ring with an amusing air of importance which did not ill become him. His head still ached and at times he felt faint, but he pulled himself together and shook it off, for he knew he must have all his wits abouthim to win the cup on Neptune. Many curious and inquiring glances followed him, and the ladies smiled upon him, and said he was 'a dear little fellow, and so good-looking.'
Sal was there, but she kept away from the crowd, and her anxiety to see Willie win was almost painful. She knew nothing of the attack made upon him the night before or she would have been still more anxious. She never doubted that he would win, but she wished the race was over.
'How do you feel now, my lad?' said Adye Dauntsey, putting his hand on Willie's shoulder.
'Much better; a little dizzy at times, but it soon passes off. I hope I shall be all right in the race, at any rate I shall try my best.'
'I hope you will win,' said Adye Dauntsey, 'both for your own sake and your father's.'
'I think I shall,' he replied. 'Have you backed Neptune?'
'Yes, I have a fiver on with Hyam, but he would not lay me more than six to one.'
'Which horse is favourite?' asked Willie.
'I should say Distant Shore is as good a favourite as anything,' said Adye Dauntsey; 'and The Captain is second favourite. There are a lot of them backed, such as Wamba, Wattle Tree, Dingo, Reindeer and Scamp, and some people have been tempted by the long odds to put a few pounds on Seaweed, Mr Shaw's secondstring. I suppose he will make the running for Distant Shore. You must not let him steal a march on you and get too far ahead; there's many a race lost in that way.'
'I'll take good care of that,' said Willie, smiling. 'I know Neptune can stay every yard of the two miles, so I shall not hesitate to make good use of him.'
Ben Madsley came up wearing the green jacket and white cap, which were Rodney Shaw's first colours, a black cap denoting which was the second string.
'Well, youngster, do you fancy yourself for this race? I think I shall beat you. Your father ought to have let me ride Neptune; it would have been a good thing then.'
'It is not a bad thing now,' said Willie; 'and I know how to ride the horse, and he understands me. You'll find we shall be thereabouts at the finish.'
'You have never ridden in a race before,' said Madsley, 'so you don't know what it's like. All I can say is that, if you win, you are a bit of a wonder.'
'I hope I am,' said the lad, smiling, and Ben Madsley could not help laughing at him.
A jockey named Jackson was riding The Captain, and carried the black jacket of Abe Dalton.
Jackson had not a very good reputation, and on more than one occasion there was suspicion of foul riding connected with some of his work.
Abe Dalton had promised him a good round sum if he won, and had told him he must lose no chances, and if there were any risks to take them.
'Remember I want to win,' said Dalton. 'Never mind the other beggars; if you can jostle one or two of them out of it, so much the better.'
'I am not a nervous chap,' said Jackson, 'and I can take a risk as well as any man, you know that.'
'I have seen you do some fairly sharp bits of work,' said Dalton; 'but you have, so far, been lucky enough to steer clear of trouble.'
Jim Dennis had saddled Neptune, and seen everything right, and, leaving the horse in charge of one of his hands, he went to have a quiet chat with his son before the race.
'There's no need for me to tell you much,' said Jim. 'You have ridden him in his work, and if you ride as well in the race I feel pretty sure of your winning. Don't let them crowd you on to the rails or block you at the finish. You had better lose ground by going on the outside than take any risk of being shut in. Keep an eye on Madsley, he's a good rider, and Distant Shore is a good horse. Steer clear of Jackson and The Captain, because he is not very particular what he does, so long as he thinks it will help him to win. Above all, keep cool, and ride with your head as well as your hands. You have a good horse under you and can make the most of him.'
This was a long speech for Jim, but it was goodadvice he gave, and he was anxious his son should win.
Willie listened attentively, and promised to follow his father's instructions.
Dr Tom was very busy, being here, there and everywhere, but he had a cheerful word for all his friends, and seemed to have time to spare a few minutes with each one.
He gave Willie some parting words of encouragement, and said with a laugh,—
'I hope I shall not have to fine you for disobedience at the post. I know you will be anxious to get off, and I'll not leave you if you are smart.'
The bustle and excitement increased as the horses were mounted and filed out on to the course.
Only one side of the track was fenced off, and the carriages and carts made a boundary line on the other side near the judge's box.
Distant Shore went past with a great dash, Ben Madsley sitting him well, and horse and rider were heartily cheered. Rodney Shaw's horse was a firm favourite, and he felt confident of winning. His second string, Seaweed, also went well, and as he was very fast for a mile the pace was likely to be good for the first half of the journey. The Captain also looked well, but there was very little applause as Jackson rode Dalton's horse down the course. Wamba, Scamp and Dingo went together, and then came Neptune, with his small jockey perched on his back and riding like an old and experienced hand.There was a rare burst of cheering as he went past the crowd, and Willie felt a thrill of excitement as he heard it.
This was the first time he had ridden in a race, and he experienced the pleasurable thrill which applause from a big crowd gives.
Neptune moved like a piece of machinery, his lovely, sweeping stride getting him over the ground at a great pace, and Willie thought to himself, 'This is glorious. He can go and no mistake. If he gallops like this in the race there will be nothing to touch him.'
He saw the bright-coloured jackets ahead of him, and quickly raced Neptune up to them. He had never felt the pleasant rustle of a racing jacket before, and the sensation was delightful. They were soon back at the post, and Dr Tom took them in hand. On a circular course such as this there was a natural desire on the part of several of the jockeys to get a good position on the rails, so as not to lose ground by going round on the outside.
Jackson on The Captain was jostling and pushing about, caring very little for the other riders and their mounts so long as he got a good place himself.
Dr Tom spoke sharply to him once or twice, and when this had no effect he said, 'The next time you disobey my orders, I'll fine you, Jackson, and if that has no effect I'll send you back into the paddock.'
Jackson knew the doctor would be as good as his word, so he kept his horse well in hand. There wereseveral false starts, and Willie knew Neptune was becoming restless, and inclined to show temper.
'I must humour him,' said Willie to himself, 'and take him on the outside. If they bustle him he'll turn nasty.'
He wisely pulled Neptune back and kept him away from the others.
The start was from the winning-post and every movement was plainly seen by the crowd. Some people, more excitable than others, were shouting at the jockeys, tendering them well-meant, though ill-advised, instructions as to what they ought to do.
Willie took no notice of repeated cries such as,—
'Get Neptune on the rails.' 'You'll be left at the post, little fellow.' 'Give us a chance for our money, Dennis,' and so on.
The lad smiled, and sat the restless Neptune comfortably.
Adye Dauntsey watched him and thought,—
'That lad will make a smart rider when he has had more experience. He keeps his head like an old hand.'
Eventually, after much patience, the doctor lowered the flag to a capital start, and amidst a volley of cheers the horses started on their journey.
Neptune got well away, although, being on the outside, he did not get such a lead as The Captain, Jackson having pushed his mount through just as the flag was lowered, a clever piece of horsemanship, but risky and dangerous.
Although Neptune was on the outside, it gave him the advantage of a clear run. Rodney Shaw's second string made the pace a cracker and sailed round the first bend with a long lead. At this point Neptune ran wide and lost a good deal of ground, but Willie soon steadied him, and determined to be more careful in future. It was a sharp circle round the side, and Jackson hugged the rails with The Captain; Ben Madsley, being alongside him on the favourite, who also was going remarkably well.
In a cluster behind this pair came Wamba,Wattle Tree, Dingo and another, and Neptune was close after them.
Round the far side of the course Seaweed still held a good lead, but as they neared the turn into the straight run home it soon became apparent he would not retain it long, as his jockey was even then at work on him.
There was not much in it as they neared the judge's box; in fact, at the end of the first mile it seemed a very open race.
Past the long line of vehicles and the crowds of people they galloped, all well together, and the thud of their hoofs echoed amongst the throng.
How the people shouted, first the name of this horse, then that, as they caught sight of the colours.
Jim Dennis, who was standing near the judge's box with Adye Dauntsey, saw how splendidly his horse was going, and that Willie had him well in hand, and said to the magistrate,—
'If Neptune is as full of running next time he passes here we shall win, I think.'
'By Jove! how well your lad rides! He is a plucky little fellow,' said Adye.
'Yes, there's not much fear in him, and he is a rare judge of pace; I have proved that when we have ridden together on the station; he has often come with a sudden rush and beaten me,' said Jim.
Round the turn they swept again, and this time Willie held his horse well in hand and secured a good position.
Seaweed had shot his bolt and fallen back, and The Captain now held the lead, Jackson steadying him and keeping a wary eye on the others.
Ben Madsley felt confident of success, for Distant Shore was going well, and pulling him out of the saddle. Still, it was too far from the winning-post, he thought, to take up the running. He glanced to the right, but could not see Neptune, and thought to himself,—
'Dennis has not much chance. He'll be sorry he did not put me up.'
He could not see that Neptune was going strong, not more than a couple of lengths behind him.
At this point the favourite and The Captain held the advantage, and already there was a tumult of excitement at the prospect of one of them winning. Abe Dalton loudly proclaimed that The Captain would win.
'My horse wins for a score!' he kept on shouting, but no one ventured to take his offer.
Jackson still held the lead, and was evidently bent on getting a clear run round the home turn. This, too, was the intention of Ben Madsley, and the riders of Wamba and Dingo were also on the alert.
Willie still had Neptune on the outside, as he did not care to risk being crowded on to the rails and possibly not be able to find an opening at the finish.
Dr Tom was watching the race closely, and thought,—
'If Neptune wins he's a real clinker, for he hasrun wide all the way. I'm not at all sure this is not the best plan to ride such a big, striding horse on this course. I hope Willie will last it out. It looks like being a close finish, and he will want all his wits about him. That blow on the head will not help him, it might cause him to feel faint at the last moment. I wish I knew who did it.'
As the horses neared the turn into the straight the crowd became more and more excited, for this was the critical moment, and there had been more than one spill here on previous occasions.
Jackson sent The Captain along at his best pace, but could not shake off Distant Shore. Neck and neck they raced for the turn, with Wamba and Dingo and Scamp, who had come with a rattle close behind, and Neptune still on the outside.
A thought had come into Willie's head which he resolved to put into execution if possible. If he could be sure of Neptune, he thought it might be done, and the horse had great speed.
He meant to come with a rush round the turn, and get so far in front as to be able to sweep down on to the rails without any danger of crossing or interfering with the other horses. It was a bold plan and might succeed.
At last the bend was reached and he brought Neptune round with such a tremendous rush that it electrified all who saw it.
'What's his little game?' muttered Dr Tom.
'He means to get on to the rails,' said Jim tohis companion, 'but it is too much to expect of the horse; look what a sweep he has to make.'
'He'll do it, I believe,' said Adye.
'It is a dashing move at anyrate, and worth trying for.'
Neptune, however, was not quite equal to the task, for Jackson saw what Willie meant to try and accomplish, and sent The Captain along at such a pace that it was impossible for Neptune to draw clear of him. This run, brilliant as it was, gave Neptune an advantage, even if it didn't accomplish all Willie had intended.
The pace, for the end of a two-mile race, was terrific, and there was soon a long tail in the rear.
Jackson had been pushing The Captain for some time and it commenced to tell upon him.
Madsley noticed this, and thought he had the race as good as won, but he could not get rid of either The Captain or Neptune. The green jacket was so conspicuous that Rodney Shaw became excited at the prospect of winning and commenced to shout the name of his horse. He was standing not far from Jim Dennis, who, hearing him, turned round and said,—
'Neptune beats yours for fifty.'
'Done,' said Shaw, 'a hundred if you like.'
'No, fifty will do,' said Jim.
'I'll have the other fifty,' said Aaron Hyam, and Shaw accepted it.
The yellow jacket was now almost level with thegreen and the black; close behind came Scamp, Wamba and Dingo. The issue was confined to this lot.
The crowd shouted until they were hoarse.
'The Captain's beaten!'
It was an ominous sound, and Abe Dalton smothered an oath as he looked and saw Jackson hard at work upon his horse. Still The Captain struggled on and answered gallantly, and Dalton thought he might just get home. Whips were out, and Ben Madsley was calling vigorously upon Distant Shore.
On the outside, nearly in the middle of the course, was Neptune, coming along with giant strides, and Willie sitting still upon him.
At this critical moment the shouts of the crowd, the intense excitement of a desperate finish, caused his head to swim, and he felt faint. He nerved himself for a last effort. He must not fail now when the goal was nearly reached, and Neptune looked all over a winner.
The excitement was tremendous. Never had such a finish been seen at Swamp Creek, and the people surged and swayed in their frantic desire to see the end of this great struggle.
Sympathy was with Willie Dennis. He was such a youngster, and so small, and had ridden such a splendid race. Then Jim Dennis was popular, and neither Abe Dalton nor Rodney Shaw possessed much of this. So the crowd yelled, andwaved hats and handkerchiefs, and the name of Neptune echoed far and wide.
'Neptune wins!' 'Bravo, little un!' 'Neptune wins!'
'The Captain's done!'
Abe Dalton clenched his hands and set his teeth. The Captain was the first of the three leaders to crack, and, despite every effort on the part of Jackson, fell back. Dalton showered a torrent of oaths on the people round him. He cursed Jackson and cursed his horse, and well-nigh choked with rage, but no one heeded him, they were too intent upon the race.
Rodney Shaw was almost frantic as he shouted the name of his horse until his throat felt sore.
Jim Dennis seemed unmoved, but he was seething with intense excitement, hidden beneath a calm exterior.
As for Willie, he hardly knew where he was or what he was doing. The blow he had received caused his head to ache painfully, and a dimness came over his eyes, and he only saw faintly.
He saw a mass of people swaying to and fro, like phantoms in a mist. There was a surging in his ears and a tight feeling at his heart, but he held on like grim death, and rode Neptune for all he was worth. In a hazy sort of way he saw the judge's box, then he fancied he caught sight of his father's set face, but he knew that could hardly be true.
Everything was jumbled up in his mind, and the only thing he recollected afterwards with distinctness was that the green jacket was still level with him and Ben Madsley was riding desperately.
'Distant Shore!' 'Neptune!'
'Neptune wins!' 'Distant Shore wins!'
These were the sounds he heard, in a dull sort of way, and he wondered what it all meant.
He kept his eyes fixed on that green jacket. Would it never leave? Why could he not shake it off? It seemed to dance before his eyes, to be first on one side and then on the other, and a white cap on top, bobbing up and down like a ball. He seemed to be flying through the air, and he knew Neptune was going at a great pace; the horse could do no better, no matter what he did or how he rode, and he sat perfectly still. Had he moved he believed he would have fallen off.
It was all for the best that he could not move, for, had he done so, Neptune might have shirked his work. There was no shirking now, and again and again the ringing cheers proclaimed that Jim Dennis's horse would win. At last, amid a perfect roar of exciting shouts, the pair passed the post almost neck and neck.
Which had won?
The yellow or the green?
Ben Madsley thought Distant Shore had just struggled home in front, but he was not sure.
As for Willie Dennis, he indistinctly recollectedthat the judge's box was passed, and therefore the race must be over, and with an effort he pulled Neptune up and turned him round. He did not know whether he had won or not, but the crowd did, for Neptune's number had been hoisted, and the judge's verdict was a short head.
'What a great race the lad rode,' said Adye Dauntsey. 'He's a little wonder, Jim. You must take him to Sydney. He sat as still as a mouse.'
Jim Dennis hurried across to lead his horse in, followed by Dr Tom and an excited crowd of people.
'Well done, Willie,' said Jim, and then, catching sight of his son's face, he trembled all over. Willie was pale as death and looked straight before him with wide, staring eyes.
Dr Tom came up, and, seeing the lad's state, said,—
'He'll hardly be able to weigh in, Jim. Hold on fast, Willie,' he said. 'You must not fail us now; that will never do. You have won the race. Do you hear me? Neptune's won!'
The lad smiled faintly and nodded.
'I'm all right now, Dr Tom,' he said in a dull voice.
He staggered as he got out of the saddle, and in a mechanical way unbuckled the straps. Then he walked into the weighing-room with his father and Dr Tom, one on each side.
He scaled all right, and there was another deafening cheer.
When the tension relaxed, and he knew everything was right, and that he had done what had been asked of him, he fainted.
It quickly got about that Willie Dennis was in a bad way, and some people said the race had been too much for him, and that it was a shame for his father to let him ride.
When Dr Tom heard such remarks, he could no longer refrain from speaking out, and said indignantly,—
'If you knew the cause of this fainting fit you would not talk like that. There's been foul play somewhere, and I don't care who knows it now the race is over.'
'Foul play? What do you mean, doctor?' said Aaron Hyam.
'Listen, and I will tell you. Last night Jim Dennis and myself went to your place and left Willie at home. When we returned, we found him insensible on the floor, and he had received a violent blow on the back of the head. Some scoundrel, I suppose, who had laid against Neptune, did it, but we mean to find out the culprit.'
There was an angry murmur at this, for the Swamp Creek people knew and trusted Dr Tom, and they hated foul play.
They were standing inside Aaron Hyam's booth, and Abe Dalton heard what passed, but he knew he had little cause to fear, because no one had seen him enter Dr Tom's. Constable Doonan was also there, and said to Dr Tom, 'Have you repeated this to Sergeant Machinson?'
'No, but the police magistrate knows; and he saw Willie Dennis early this morning and felt the lump on his head.'
Sergeant Machinson, seeing the crowd gathered in the booth, came up and asked what was the matter.
'Matter enough,' said Dr Tom. 'Willie Dennis was attacked last night and hit over the head. I hope you will make inquiries into the matter.' Then, catching sight of Abe Dalton, Dr Tom said, 'Perhaps Dalton can lay his hand on the man who did it. He's about as likely a person as anyone I know for that job. They have some shady fellows hanging around Barker's Creek.'
'You let me alone,' said Abe Dalton, menacingly. 'What right have you to make such accusations against me?'
'The right every honest man has to think ill of a thief,' said Dr Tom, boldly.
'You shall pay for this,' said Dalton.
Constable Doonan put his hand on Abe Dalton's shoulder and said,—
'I saw you coming from the direction of Dr Sheridan's house last night. Be careful what you say and do.'
'And who the devil are you that I should be afraid of you? Can't a man walk about the street without being suspected of such a thing as this? Wait until your betters speak to me,' said Dalton.
'I think you had better let the matter rest for the present,' said Sergeant Machinson to Dr Tom. 'I will see every inquiry is made.'
'Mind you do,' said the doctor, who had a temper when it was roused. 'Mind you do, and don't forget to call at Barker's Creek for information.'
'I know my work, and need no instructions from you,' said the sergeant, and walked away. The doctor's statement was soon known, and sympathy was expressed for Jim Dennis and his son.
Willie, the hero of the town, was taken to a comfortable buggy, and Jim Dennis was about to remove himfrom the course when the lad recovered and opened his eyes.
'Are you better now?' asked his father.
'Yes,' said Willie, faintly. 'Please do not take me home; it will do me good to watch the other races.'
'If you think you can stand it, we will remain.'
'I'll be all right, dad. It was more the excitement of the race than anything else upset me.'
When Sal saw Neptune battling out the finish with Distant Shore she rushed down towards the crowd to find out which horse had won.
As she did so she encountered Rodney Shaw, who stopped her and said,—
'Where are you going? You seem to be in a hurry, Sal.'
'Has Willie won? Has he won? Please tell me, Mr Shaw.'
'Yes, he has beaten me and won the race; at least the judge says so. I think my horse won,' he replied.
Sal clapped her hands in delight, and her eyes sparkled. She really looked a handsome woman at that moment, and so thought Rodney Shaw as he saw her hurry away in her eager desire to find Willie.
'I'll have her,' he muttered. 'Abe Dalton must do the trick. Hecanmanage it, and he shall.' The look on his face was not pleasant to see.
Sal knew nothing of race-courses, and had only been to Swamp Creek three or four times.
She was helpless, and blundered about in the crowd until, by good chance, she came across Constable Doonan. She at once recognised a friend, and recalled what Willie had told her Doonan had said about her.
The constable recognised her, and was surprised to see her in such a place.
'Where is Willie?' she asked. 'Please tell me where I can find him. Mr Shaw told me he had won the race.'
'Mr Shaw!' said Constable Doonan. 'Have you been with him?'
'I met him a few minutes ago. He said Willie had won.'
'I hope you do not have much to say to Rodney Shaw,' said Doonan.
'No, I do not like him. I am afraid of him. He is a bad man, and he is no friend to Jim Dennis,' she said.
'I will take you to Willie,' said Doonan. 'Come with me.'
Sergeant Machinson saw Sal speak to Doonan, and when they walked away together he intercepted them, and, drawing the constable aside, said,—
'You know very well you ought not to be walking about with that woman. That is not part of your duty. Do you think it is?'
'Yes. She asked me where Willie Dennis was,and I thought there was no harm in showing her. She is Jim Dennis's housekeeper, and looks after his place well. She is a very decent woman, let me tell you.'
Sergeant Machinson laughed.
'Housekeeper, eh! He seems to pick out the best he can find. Does she come from about here?'
'Yes, I believe so, and she has been with him for some years.'
'Well, take her to Dennis, and be quick; but remember it's not the sort of thing to do here—people notice it,' said the sergeant.
'You go to the deuce,' said Doonan as he walked off, but the sergeant did not hear him.
He took Sal to the buggy, and when she saw Willie she looked frightened, he was so pale.
'What's the matter, lad?' she asked. 'What ails you?'
'He is over-excited,' said Jim, 'and something happened him last night.'
'Happened him!' she exclaimed.
'Yes, he was knocked on the head, but we mean to find out who did it,' said Jim.
The woman's eyes blazed angrily.
'Let me help you to find out,' she said eagerly.
'What can you do, Sal?' asked Jim, surprised.
'I'll find him out. They shall not hurt you, Willie, for nothing.'
'Where are you going?' called Jim as she walked away.
Sal did not look round, but went straight on to where she saw Constable Doonan standing.
'Here again!' exclaimed the constable. 'Why have you left Willie?'
'Do you know what happened to him last night?' she said, answering him with another question.
'You mean at the doctor's place? Yes, I know about it; I wish I knew who did it.'
'You'll find out,' she said. 'Have you any idea?'
He looked at her doubtfully. He was very fond of Sal, but he did not know whether he ought to communicate any suspicions he might have to her. She saw him hesitate, and said,—
'Can't you trust me? I might be able to help you.'
'You?'
'Yes, why not? They say blacks are more cunning than whites.'
'But you are not black, Sal; you are a woman of quite another colour,' and he smiled at her.
'You do suspect someone. Tell me who it is.'
'I met Abe Dalton, alone, coming from the direction of the doctor's house. I thought it strange he should be there when all the people were at the Gum Tree, and wagering going on,' said Doonan.
'Where is Dalton?'
'I saw him last in Hyam's booth. You must not question him about it.'
'Leave that to me,' she said. Then, placing her hand on his arm, she added, 'Find out who did it. You will; I am sure you will.'
'All right, Sal, I'll do my best, but Sergeant Machinson may take the matter out of my hands.'
A contemptuous look came over her face.
'I don't think much of the sergeant,' she said. 'You are worth a dozen of him.'
Constable Doonan felt satisfied with himself, and thought Sal a woman of much discernment. He determined then and there to do what she asked, sergeant or no sergeant.
Wandering around, Sal saw Abe Dalton after the next race, and he also saw her.
'This will be a good opportunity of speaking to her,' he thought. 'I would like to do this bit of business for Rodney Shaw; he's rich, and a rich friend is always handy, more especially if he happens to be a partner in a suspicious transaction.'
He put himself in her way, little thinking she was also intent upon seeing him.
Sal was a woman of more than average intelligence and strength, and quite equal to Abe Dalton in cunning when desirous of pitting herself against such a man.
Jim Dennis was the only one who knew her worth and of what she was capable, and when she left him sitting with Willie in the buggy he had not the slightest doubt she had some scheme on hand for discovering the perpetrator of the assault.
'So you came to see your pet lad win?' said Abe Dalton, as he stood in front of her.
'He beat you and that fellow Jackson,' said Sal, exultingly.
Abe Dalton was still boiling over this defeat, and he had not much faith in Sal's sagacity, or in that of any man, woman, or child, with black blood in its veins.
'He never ought to have won. The horse won. Neptune is a good one, I can tell you. The little ass was half dazed at the finish,' snapped Abe.
'So would you have been had you been struck on the head like he was the night before,' she retorted.
'So you believe that story, eh? Well, let me tell you, it's a lie, an undiluted lie, not a single thing to redeem it. Struck on the head! Well, I'm blessed! And you believe it?'
'I not only believe it, but I know who did it,' was the unexpected reply.
In spite of himself he started, and she noticed it.
He laughed harshly.
'You think yourself——clever, I suppose?' he growled.
'Some of your men did it because you wanted The Captain to win,' she said.
He felt a sense of relief. She did not think he had done it.
'Who are my men?' he asked.
'Shall I tell you?' was her fierce answer.
'Go on, let's have it.'
'Your men are the worst lot yet unhung. They are the lowest of the low, and had not Jim Dennis taken me in I might have been herded with those outcasts from the tribe at Barker's Creek. Beware,Abe Dalton! King Charlie is not yet dead, and he never forgets. Some day Barker's Creek will run with blood. I can see it—see it now. Run with blood, I tell you, Abe Dalton—and your own will mingle with it, the black and the white together.' And she raised her hand as though she would strike him.
He left her without another word.
After the races, Swamp Creek settled down into its usual quiet ways, and the excitement quickly subsided.
Most of the inhabitants won a trifle over Neptune's victory and were therefore gratified at the result of the cup.
Willie Dennis was none the worse for the blow he had received, but his father was desperately angry, and no steps appeared to have been taken by the police to ascertain who committed the outrage.
'They are a dunderheaded, sleepy lot,' he said to Sal; 'and Doonan appears to be no better than the others.'
'It is not his fault,' she replied. 'I know who did it, and so do you. It was Abe Dalton. I could see it in his face when I tackled him at the races. The coward shrank from me.'
'I think he is the man,' said Jim; 'but we have no proof. I am going over to Barragong with Dr Tom. We shall not be away more than two or three days. You can look after things here.Willie will be able to attend to the hands, and see Neptune and the other horses are properly exercised. I will tell Silas Dixon to keep a watchful eye on everything, but I do not think there is anything to fear, and you will not be molested.'
'I am not afraid,' she said; 'and I can use a revolver as well as most men.'
'Yes, you are a good shot,' he answered her. 'I hope there will be no occasion for shooting.'
He rode over with Dr Tom Sheridan on a long-promised visit to Adye Dauntsey.
Jim Dennis was a regular stay-at-home, and never cared to be long away from Wanabeen.
The police magistrate, however, knew how to entertain such visitors, and he possessed a fund of anecdote, and had gone through a wide and varied experience, which enabled him to relate many stories of interest connected with the district.
Abe Dalton was not slow to learn that Jim Dennis was absent from Wanabeen, and he thought it would be a good time to attempt to get possession of Sal during his absence.
He laid his plans accordingly, and four of his men were allotted to undertake the task.
There were, however, in the blacks' camp at Barker's Creek, women who had come to loathe and hate Dalton and all his belongings, and who sometimes managed to escape the vigilance of hismen and get away unseen, when they would visit Sal at Wanabeen, or search out their own tribe. They were bound to return to the Creek, or it would have gone ill with those remaining behind.
Dalton's men took but little heed of the blacks, talking freely in front of them, and it came to their knowledge that Sal was in some danger, so they determined to warn her. The nature of the danger they failed to understand, but that it existed they were certain.
At night one of the gins slipped away unobserved and walked to Wanabeen, where she arrived at daybreak. These blacks knew the country well, and had they been treated in a decent manner would not have been slow to appreciate kindness.
Sal was always willing to give them a helping hand, and tried to persuade them not to go back to Barker's Creek when they came to Wanabeen, but without avail. They regarded her with a sort of awe, knowing her to be partially one of themselves and yet far superior. They could not understand how a woman who had once been in their tribe became as she was.
When Sal went outside she saw the black gin waiting on the steps of the verandah. She welcomed her and gave her food, and then questioned her.
She gathered that some danger threatened her from Dalton's gang, and that Jim's absence from Wanabeen was known at Barker's Creek.
She thought but little of herself, all her anxiety was for Willie and Jim Dennis's property.
Where was Constable Doonan? That was her first thought, for she knew he would help her, and the arm of the law was strong. In such a district it was a hard matter to know where the mounted police are to be found.
Constable Doonan was stationed at Swamp Creek, but he might not be there, and there was no time to lose.
She thought for a few moments, and then sent Willie to tell Dixon she wanted him. She knew she could trust Silas Dixon, although he was a surly, misanthropical sort of man.
Dixon came, and growled out something about being interfered with in his work, and that he wished the boss was at home and there was no women to meddle with him.
'So do I wish he was here,' said Sal, 'for danger is at hand. You must ride to Swamp Creek and seek out Constable Doonan, and if he is not there you must find him.'
'Easier said than done,' was his answer.
'But you must find him, Silas. There is danger!' And she related what the black gin from Barker's Creek had said.
'Whew,' whistled Silas, 'Dalton's lot, eh! They have left us alone for a good number of years, and now the scoundrels are breaking out again. I'll go, and I'll find Doonan. I owe Daltonone, as many another good man round here does.'
'Lose no time about it, find him as quickly as possible,' said Sal; 'and, mind, not a word to Willie about it.'
'He'd better know. That lad's useful. He's as good as a man, bless yer heart.'
'Tell him, then. Do as you think best,' said Sal.
Willie had been riding Neptune in an early morning spin, and when he returned Silas said to him,—
'I know you'll not be frightened, Willie, at what I'm going to tell you. One of the blacks from Barker's Creek's here, and she tells Sal there's to be ructions around Wanabeen.'
'When?' said Willie, quietly.
'While the boss is away, sure,' said Silas.
'What'll we do?'
'I'm going for Doonan. If he is here they'll get pepper,' said Silas.
'I'll go with you.'
Then, as the lad thought for a moment or two, he added,—
'If I go there will be no one with Sal, but we shall not be long away.'
Silas smiled.
'I thought he was as good as a man,' he muttered to himself. 'He's a chip off Jim Dennis, if ever there was one. Whoa up, you beggar! You just missed me.'
The latter part of these remarks were meant for Neptune, who had lashed out at Silas with both heels.
Willie laughed as he said,—
'He's beaten Abe Dalton once, and he'd do it again if he could only get one home like that.'
'When can you come?' asked Silas.
'I'll have a snack and be with you quick,' replied Willie.
Neptune having been installed in his box and properly looked after, Willie went inside to refresh himself.
'He's told you,' said Sal.
'Yes,' said Willie, consuming a square meal with considerable rapidity, 'he's told me.'
'And you'll go with him?'
'Rather.'
'And when you see Constable Doonan what will you say?' asked Sal.
'Leave that to me. I'll fetch him quick enough.'
'You will be able to find him?'
'I know where he is.'
'Where?'
'Just outside of Barker's Creek, on the watch.'
'What for?' asked Sal.
'Business, so he said,' answered Willie, 'whatever that means.'
The lad finished his meal and left the room.
They were quickly mounted, Silas and the boy,and rode off in the direction of Barker's Creek, for Willie had told him where he had seen Doonan.
'You "copt" him there this morning. You must have given Neptune a rare good spin,' said Silas.
'He wants it,' said Willie. 'Long and strong work he wants. That won him the cup. Do you know how I felt, Silas, when he was winning?'
'No, lad, but I'd like to.'
They were riding at a good pace, and the old hand thought, 'What a seat the boy has! He can beat me with all my knack of doing it.'
'I felt just like shooting through the sky on a comet,' said Willie.
'As fast as that?'
'Yes; and when we passed the box I had no idea what had won or where I was. Neptune went over the ground at a tremendous rate.'
'But you were bad, ill, and you had no idea what you were doing. That's the yarn they tell me,' said Silas.
'I felt a bit queer, but I stuck on fast and sat still. That's the way to ride Neptune. If I'd moved on him I believe he would have lost. That knock on the head helped me, Ihadto sit still.'
'There's someone over yonder,' said Silas. 'Your eyes are better than mine. Who is it?'
'It is Doonan. Come on,' shouted the lad.
They rode at their horses' best pace, for Constable Doonan was well ahead of them.
'I'll coo-ee,' said Silas, and he did, and the familiarsound carried far, to Doonan's ears. The constable looked round, and as he did so reined in his horse. He knew there must be something 'up' or they would not have ridden after him at that pace.
He rode towards them.
'You two appear to be having a race,' he said.
They looked at each other.
'Tell him, Willie,' said Silas.
The lad was not long in explaining.
'I'll ride back with you,' said Doonan. 'They can have done no harm yet.'
'Why are you around here?' said Silas.
'I want Seth Sharp,' said the constable.
'What for?'
'There's been murder done.'
'Who is it?'
'Ned Glenn.'
Willie and Silas looked at him in horror. They could not believe it. Ned Glenn, the old coach-driver they had known for so many years!
'Dead—not Ned, surely!'
'It's right, lads; and he just had time to say it was Seth Sharp shot him and that Dalton's lot were in it. Let me get hold of any of them, that's all,' and the constable raised his clenched fist and looked fierce.
The tears came into Willie's eyes. Ned Glenn was a real old friend, and he could not bear to think of it.
'How did it happen?' said Silas.
'The coach was stuck up about three miles outside Swamp Creek. All I know, and the others know, is that Ned was found lying on the ground dying. Two horses were killed, and there were no passengers. What the motive for the business was I don't know and cannot imagine. There was no gold in the coach, and it is most likely Seth Sharp did it out of revenge. You may remember, Silas, it was Ned Glenn who put him away?'
'So it was, so it was,' said Dixon.
'We must make haste,' was Willie's comment. 'Suppose Sharp was one of the men sent over to our place?'
'He'll not venture there. He has put his neck in a halter this time,' said Doonan; 'and Barker's Creek will have to be wiped out.'