It had got about that there was some hitch about _Menelaus_, and the odds were rising rapidly against him; and when the large and somewhat ungainly animal took his preparatory canter in front of the stand under the guidance of the uncelebrated Hicks, they rose still higher. If any of his ancient confidence had remained to Captain Lisgard, he could scarcely have resisted the tempting offers that were being roared out in harsh and nasal tones from every quarter of the Ring. “I'll lay 7 to 1 against _Many Laws_” (for most of the racing fraternity favoured Mr Derrick's pronunciation of that name); “I'll lay 8 to 1.” “I'll take 4 to 1. I name the Winner” (for the relation between _The King_ and the French horse in the betting was that of buckets in a well). “I take odds that _Menelaus_ is not placed,” exclaimed a shrill and sneering voice close beside where the two men most interested in that depreciated animal were standing. “What odds will you take, my Lord?” inquired Captain Lisgard, biting his lip in wrath, for it was Lord Stonart who was offering them, the man whose confidential agent had been talking with Blanquette, and to whose machinations it was almost certainly owing that _Menelaus_ had lost his rider. “Ah, Lisgard, how are you?” returned he coolly. “How came it that I missed you just now in the Paddock? Haven't seen you since that morning on Mirk Down. So we're going to try that race over again, eh?” “I think you were asking for odds, my Lord, about the black horse being _placed?_” rejoined the captain, pale with passion at the sarcasm that lurked in the other's tone. “Yes, so I was. There has something gone amiss, they say, with him. I'll take 4 to 1 in fifties--hundreds, if you like.” “Don't do it,” whispered Derrick eagerly. “Don't you see what the scoundrel reckons upon? If the horse runs straight, he will win the race, but if he jibs, he will be nowhere. He is therefore taking odds where he ought to give them.” “You don't take me, eh?” continued his Lordship. “Well, I think your friend advises you wisely. See, the horses are moving towards the hill Like myself, you have no stall, I conclude. Where are you going to place yourself? I think I shall remain below here on the green.” “Then I shall see the race from the roof my Lord,” answered the captain savagely, and thither he and his companion betook themselves accordingly.