To be addressed by this clod of a boatman as "my good man" quite upset Rose's dignity. He put on a severe look, which did not abash Brack in the least, and said: "I am from Haverton in Yorkshire. I represent Mr. Picton Woodridge. He desired me to see you and deliver this letter," and he handed it to him. Brack took it, opened the envelope, and handed it back. "I've lost my glasses," he said; "must have left them in 'The Sailor's Rest' last night. Me an' a mate had a few pints more than we oughter. Why the deuce didn't he post the letter and save _you_ the trouble of comin' to see _me_?" "It suited Mr. Woodridge's purpose better that I should personally deliver it. I will read it to you if you wish." "That's what I gave it to you for," said Brack. Rose read the letter. It was written in a kind and friendly way; Robert thought it too familiar. Brack listened attentively; at first he hardly grasped the full meaning. "Would you mind reading it again?" he asked. Rose did so with ill-concealed impatience; then said: "Now do you understand its import, or shall I explain more fully?" "Don't trouble yourself. I wouldn't trouble such an almighty high personage as yourself for the world," said Brack. "No trouble at all, I assure you," said Rose. "As far as I understand," said Brack, "I'm to put myself in your charge and you are to convey me safely to Doncaster to see the Leger run for." "That's it; we will leave to-morrow," said Rose. "Will we? Who said I was goin'?" asked Brack. "Of course you'll go; Mr. Picton wishes it." "He ain't my master, just you remember. Brack's got no master. I'm my own boss, and a pretty stiff job I have with myself at times. Last night, for instance. As boss I ordered myself home at ten; as Brack I went on strike and declined to move--see?" "But he will be very much disappointed if you don't go to Doncaster with me. All your expenses will be paid. You'll have ten pounds to invest on the course, and you'll back Tearaway, say at twenty to one to a fiver," said Rose. "Shall I indeed? And pray who says Tearaway will win the Leger?" "I do," said Rose confidently. "And I suppose that settles it. If you say so, she must win." "Mr. Picton says she will; so does Sir Robert Raines." "Do they now? And I'm to take all this for gospel?" "It's quite correct. They have all backed Tearaway to win large sums, thousands of pounds," said Rose. "Well, it's worth considering," said Brack. He wondered if Hector Woodridge were at Haverton. It was not mentioned in the letter. Perhaps this man did not know him; he would keep quiet about it. "You'll have to make up your mind quick because we must leave early in the morning. I was instructed to buy you a new coat, or any other thing you wanted."