"She is a wicked woman, Bob; she ought to be in prison instead of poor Hector. I believed at the trial she shot Elroy, and I always shall," said his wife. "Who is that beautiful woman who was talking to Mr. Rolfe?" asked Rita. "She is Mrs. Elroy," said Picton. Rita knew nothing about Hector's troubles; she was young at the time of the trial. Something in his manner of speaking caused her to ask: "You do not like her?" "No; she is a woman with a past, a very bad past, but she faces it out, and is recognized by some people. I should not like you to know her," he said. "Men are very unmerciful to a woman who errs," she said. "If you knew as much about her as I, you would agree with me that she ought to be treated as an outcast; she is not fit to be in the company of respectable people," he said bitterly. This was so unlike Picton that she felt he must have strong grounds for what he said. Her curiosity was aroused; Mr. Rolfe might enlighten her. "Let us go and see Tearaway," she said, and at the mention of his favorite's name Picton's face cleared, the shadows flitted away, he was himself again. Brant Blackett came up hastily, a troubled look on his face. "What's the matter?" asked Picton anxiously. "Erickson's been taken suddenly ill," he said. "I'm afraid he'll not be able to ride." CHAPTER XXIII THE CROWD IN THE RING This was a serious matter indeed. Erickson knew the mare well, having ridden her in several gallops; in addition he was a clever, capable rider. It would be a great misfortune if he could not ride. Picton went with his trainer at once, leaving Rita with her brother and Hector. Fred Erickson looked pale and ill; he was not a strong man. "I'm afraid I can't do the filly justice," he said, "but I'll ride if you wish, Mr. Woodridge. I feel a trifle better now, but I'm weak." "I'd like you to ride, Fred, if you can manage it. I can't get a suitable jockey at the last minute." "Then I'll do it. Will you get me some brandy?" The trainer went for it, a small group gathered round, Erickson looked very pale, there were whispers that he would not be able to ride. These quickly spread, and when some of the people from Haverton village heard the rumor they were very much upset; all had pinned their faith to, and put their money on, Tearaway. Several came to Picton, asking him if there was any truth in it; he said unfortunately there was, but that Erickson would be able to ride, he thought. With this they had to be contented and wait. It was an hour before the St. Leger was to be decided. Fred Erickson pulled himself together, but he was afraid he would not be able to do the mare justice; he would try his best, she was so good that if he managed to stick on and guide her she would run her own race and probably win. Sir Robert Raines spoke to him; he was very anxious, he had a large sum at stake. "Feel any better, Fred? I hope so; we are all depending on you to pull through."