’I’ve seen him ‘ave his gallops,’ said the little man, who in his moments of excitement would sometimes fall away from that exact pronunciation which had been one of the studies of his life,’ and have measured his stride.  I think I know what pace means.  Of course I’m not going to answer for the ’orse.  He’s a temper, but if things go favourably, no animal that ever showed on the Downs was more likely to do the trick.  Is there any gentleman here who would like to bet me fifteen to one in hundreds against the two events,—­the Derby and the Leger?’ The desired odds were at once offered by Mr Lupton, and the bet was booked.

This gave rise to other betting, and before the evening was over Lord Silverbridge had taken three-and-a-half to one against his horse to such an extent that he stood to lose twelve hundred pounds.  The champagne which he had drunk, and the news that Quousque, the first favourite, had so gone to pieces that now there was a question which was the first favourite, had so inflated him, that, had he been left alone, he would almost have wagered even money on his horse.  In the midst of his excitement there came to him a feeling that he was allowing himself to do just that which he had intended to avoid.  But then the occasion was so peculiar!  How often can it happen to a man in his life that he shall own a favourite for the Derby!  The affair was one in which it was almost necessary that he should risk a little money.

Tifto, when he got into his bed, was altogether happy.  He had added whisky-and-water to his champagne, and feared nothing.  If Prime Minister should win the Derby he would be able to pay all that he owed, and to make a start with money in his pocket.  And then there would be attached to him all the infinite glory of being the owner of the winner of the Derby.  The horse was run in his name.  Thoughts as to great successes crowded themselves upon his heated brain.  What might not be open to him?  Parliament!  The Jockey Club!  The mastership of one of the crack shire packs!  Might it not come to pass that he should some day become the great authority in England upon races, racehorses, and hunters?  If he could be the winner of the Derby and Leger he thought that Glasslough and Lupton would snub him no longer, that even Tregear would speak to him, and that his pal the Duke’s son would never throw him aside again.

Lord Silverbridge had brought a drag with all its appendages.  There was a coach, the four bay horses, the harness, and the two regulation grooms.  When making this purchase he had condescended to say a word to his father on the subject.  ’Everybody belongs to the four-in-hand club now,’ said the son.

‘I never did,’ said the Duke.

‘Ah,—­if I could be like you!’