“The Bay don’t count much of a figure on my books. The race ain’t on yet, you know, and you can’t tell yet what horses will start. But I’ll make a bet of two to one.” “You can’t do business with me at that figger,” said Nick, turning away. “Hold on!” said the sharper, pretending to look over the leaves of a note-book in his hand. “I’ll give you five to one if you want to back your favorite.” “Ten to one would be nearer right.” “You can’t have much confidence in your horse.” “’Tain’t my horse. I thought I’d drop fifty or a hundred just for luck.” “A thousand to a hundred is a pretty wild bet.” “You don’t have ter make it. Tell you what I’ll do. If you’ll make it fifteen to one I’ll go you a hundred.” Nick Carter watched the face of the bookmaker as he made this proposition, and saw at once that he was pleased to get a bet even at such odds. “All right,” said the bookmaker. “Put up your dust. Here’s your ticket.” “If the horse don’t start, now,” said Nick, counting out the money, “I get this back, I suppose.” “That’ll be all right,” said the other, in a non-committal sort of way. “When I sell my cattle,” said Nick, resolved to learn still more regarding the pool-room idea of the horse, “I may want to bet some more.” “I’ll take all the bets you want to make at that rate.” “Will they let me see the horse?” “You’ll have to settle that with the trainer.” “Where is he?” “In one of the stables near the track, I suppose.” “Well, I guess I’ll go over to-morrow and see him. I’ll bet the hoss’ll know me like a book. Why, podner, I’ve rode behind him many a time.” “W’at’s dat ye’re givin’ us?” asked one of the plug-uglies who infest that part of the city, crowding up against the detective. In paying over the money Nick had purposely exhibited a large roll of bills. He was positive that such a course would attract the attention of some of the sharpers about the place and would lead to some sort of conversation. “I was jest a-sayin’,” he said, turning to the bully with a benevolent look, “that I’ve rode behind Denver Bay many a time.” “Good little horse,” said the other, “but I think I can give yer a pointer or two on him.” “Don’t give it away here,” said Nick, in a whisper. “I don’t give nuthin’ away. I gets money fer pointers--I does.” As he spoke he took the detective by the arm and led him to the meanly furnished bar-room in the rear of the place. “I’ll jest tell you,” he said, as they stood at the bar with liberal glasses of whisky before them, “that yer want ter play dat hoss fer second place.” “I’ve been playin’ him fer winner.” “Well, you jest take my tip, an’ go ahead on it. It’s all right.” The detective paid for the drinks, and turned away, but the other caught him fiercely by the arm. “Hold on here!” he said, with an ugly look. “That tip’ll cost you just ten dollars.” “I didn’t ask you for no tip,” said the assumed countryman, with a stare.