Another strong point in the mind of the detective was to teach Johnson and his gang of criminal pool sellers a salutary lesson. “What they aimed at in their dealings with Wheeler,” he mused, “was robbery, pure and simple. They thought to take his twenty thousand dollars without even as much as giving him a show for it.” “Well,” said Morris, at length, “how much are you going to put up on Daisy?” “Weally, now, I’d be betting against myself, doncher see?” “Didn’t I tell you you’d get the money staked on Denver Bay back again?” “Why don’t Denver Bay run?” “Now, look here, if you’re goin’ ’round tellin’ that Denver Bay isn’t goin’ ter start you won’t be doin’ yerself enny good, and will get me into trouble. You don’t want to do that, I suppose?” “My deah boy, of course I wouldn’t cause you any trouble.” “If you do,” began Morris, pounding his fist upon the table, “I’ll----” Just then the scene in the pool-room came to his mind, and glancing at the muscular form of the pretended dude he finished the sentence in a different way from that at first intended. “I’ll lose my place.” “Deah boy,” said the dude, who appeared to be struggling with a very deep thought, “couldn’t you make Denver Bay win the race?” “Denver Bay,” said Morris, solemnly, “is by long odds the best horse entered for the race. He could win de purse wid half a show.” “Weally now?” “It’s de surest thing in the world.” “Then,” said the dude, rising to his feet, “I’ll go and book some more money on him.” “You’re a chump if you do.” “But I weally must, you know.” Morris had as yet given no intimation as to what means would be resorted to to keep the horse off the track. This was a point upon which the detective desired further information. For this reason he continued the talk about the horse still being a possibility. “But, deah boy, the ownah tells me that the horse will be run, and will do his best.” “Damn the owner! He’s de biggest sucker in de whole deal.” “But, chappie, he’s a friend of mine.” “Well, it’s a purty pair you are, then, that’s all I’ve got to say.” Nick rose to his feet as if about to leave the room. “Hold on! Are you goin’ out to bet more money on Denver Bay?” “Aw--aw--I thought I would.” “Well, it won’t do you no good. The money will only lay in de pool-room till after de race, and den you’ll get it back.” “Has the horse got hurt, deah boy?” “He’s liable to get hurt before to-morrow morning.” “Quite shocking!” said the dude, innocently. “The ownah ought to know it.” “Damn the owner. If he wants to set around here and let his horse be used up right before his eyes let him do it. It’s no affair of mine or yours.” “The secret is out,” thought Nick. “The brutes intend to steal into the stable to-night and cripple the beast in some way.” “Come, young fellow,” said Morris, “I’ve talked myself dry again. Fill up de glasses once more, and we’ll get out.”