Ella Hallam spent much of her time at The Forest with Eve Berkeley and they were firm friends. Ella knew of Eve's engagement to Alan and heartily congratulated her. Whatever she might have thought about Alan's attentions to herself she never for a moment doubted his inclinations were toward Eve; being a loyal-hearted woman she accepted the situation. Fred Skane came to Trent Park to see Sam Kerridge. They were cronies, had been for years. "I suppose you'll win both matches," said Sam. "Pretty sure of it. Bandmaster will beat Rainstorm anyhow whichever way the other goes," answered Fred. "Queer Bandmaster should turn out a stayer," said Sam. "He's bred to stay," replied Fred. "But he's a Hunt Cup winner and I'd hardly have expected him to be up to two miles." "Well he is--no mistake about it. I've tried him and I know," said the trainer. "And you don't often make mistakes, Fred." "I'm just as liable to be mistaken as other men, but when I've something to go upon I'm not far out," replied the trainer. "Awful job, this war," growled Sam; "upsets everything. I've lost four of my best men, and some of the others want to join up." "Can't wonder at it. We'll need every man we have to win outright." "Suppose we shall," said Sam. "All the same it's hard lines on a chap when he's used to the men and they're used to him." In the evening they walked to Little Trent and went into the Sherwood Inn for a chat with Abel Head, who gave them a cordial welcome. They were favorites, and he liked a talk about racing. While they were chatting, a motor horn was heard and Abel said: "That's Meason coming back. He's earlier than usual." The trainer and Sam had heard of Carl Meason and were aware of Abel's opinion about him. "He's making a long stay with you," said Fred. "I'm about tired of him, although I'll not deny he's a good customer and pays his way," said Abel. Carl Meason looked into the snuggery as he was passing the door. "Come in," said Sam. "You may as well join us." Carl entered, took off his coat, and sat down. "When's the great match to come off?" he asked. He was always posted up on racing; he liked a flutter and never lost an opportunity of getting a useful hint. "Hardly know yet," said Fred. "I expect we'll have to wait until Mr. Chesney gets leave. He'll want to see both races run." "And I suppose his horses will win both matches?" said Carl. "I hope so," said the trainer. "You're not certain?" "One can never be sure where racing is concerned," said Fred. Carl laughed. "Then what about these big coups that come off? They're pretty sure about them." "Of course there are real good things, but even they are bowled over," said Fred. "Clever men, you trainers," said Carl. "Some of them," said Sam, with a wink at Abel. "No doubt about Mr. Skane's being one of the clever men," said Carl. "Don't know so much about that; I've been done more than once," said Fred.