“No; he’s heard the talk, of course, but he thinks it a trick of the pool-rooms to keep his horse back.” “How are de jockeys?” “Why,” said the other, with another oath, “what do you suppose I got you in that stable for? If the owner had been in with the game, or if there’d been a jockey I could have depended on, I shouldn’t have needed you.” “Well, I don’t like it a little bit. What effect will it have on de hoss?” “It’ll just set him crazy for a minute or two, and he’ll bolt and kick and buck around just enough to lose the race. “He probably will be all right in five minutes. “You understand about keeping him away from the judges’ stand as long as possible, of course?” “I ain’t goin’ ter ride him,” said the other, sullenly. “I only hope the boy that does won’t get his neck broken.” “Oh, the boy’ll be all right. You just rush down the track when you see the break made, and fool around after the boy stops him until he has a little chance to get over the dose, so the judge won’t suspect anything. You understand now?” “Yes,” said the other; “I understand. I wish I hadn’t had anything to do with it. Have you got any money? I’m broke.” “You won’t drink any more to-night?” “Not a drop.” “Well, here’s twenty-five dollars. I may not see you again till just before the race comes off.” “I believe,” said Amos, as he took the money, “that Denver Bay would win that race if you’d let him alone.” “In that case it would cost my man just forty thousand dollars.” As Martin passed out of the stall the door was left open for an instant, and Amos stood directly in front of it with the greenbacks still in his hands. Neither he nor Martin observed the greedy look which two shabby-looking fellows who were passing at the time cast upon the money. But Nick Carter, from his position, took it all in. “I’m in great luck again,” he thought. “If those two loafers are the kind of fellows I think they are I’ll have a chance to help that man out of a scrape before long.” The next moment the two men advanced to the door of the stall occupied by Amos, and stepped inside. It was now after dark, and the part of the room in which the stalls were situated was but dimly lighted. There was still excitement enough around the cashier’s desk to attract the attention of those who still lingered in the place. So there was really very little risk in what the two men evidently intended doing. As they advanced Nick leaped to the top of his table, but remained in such a position that no part of his body could be seen from the other side. “Hello, pard,” said one of them, putting his hand familiarly upon Amos’ shoulder, “you’ve been lucky enough to-day to buy the drinks.” “Yes, an’ hurry up!” added the other. “I’m mighty dry!” “I lost every dollar I put up.” “You’re lucky then to have such a fly-lookin’ chap hand you a roll like that.” Amos sprang back and drew up his fist.