The owner of Bibury, a clever amateur, was riding his horse, and he advised Sir Lester to back it. "Topsy Turvy is a good horse," he said, "but I do not think he has much chance of giving the weight away to my fellow. I hear Jack Redland is going out to Australia. I'm sorry, he is a real good fellow." "This will be his last mount in England for some years, I expect," replied Sir Lester, "but I hope to see him carry my colours again when he returns. You seem confident about Bibury; I may tell you my horse was never so well as he is at present, and he will give you a good race." Winifred was talking to Jack as he prepared to mount. She was very anxious for him to win, as she knew the five hundred pounds would be very useful to him. "You must win, Jack," she said. "It will be the last time I shall see you carry the old colours." "I hope not," he replied cheerfully. "I do not mean to remain away for ever." "But we cannot tell what may happen in the meantime," she said, rather sadly. He got into the saddle, and bending down to her, said-- "You need have no fear of anything untoward happening. I shall always think of you wherever I am, and come back to you as soon as I can." She watched him ride away, and said to herself-- "Poor Jack, I wish he would remain here. How I shall miss him." Topsy Turvy dashed down the course, pulling double, and there was no mistaking the resolute style in which he galloped. "He's a beauty," muttered Captain Seagrave, "they are a well matched pair, how well he rides; bound to win I should say. I have another fiver, I may as well go the whole hog and risk it. Job Seagrave, you are a fool." This time he had to be contented with four to one, and he grumbled at the price. The bookmaker informed him the odds were good, and that if he did not like four's he could go without. It was a pretty race, and the horses were all well together for the first mile, The Duke leading the field. Jack knew the course well, the run in has a curious dip, not far from the winning post, and as Topsy Turvy possessed any amount of stamina it was here he would show to advantage. They had half a mile to go and the rider of the favourite went up level with The Duke, Jack keeping close behind on Sir Lester's horse. Captain Seagrave enjoyed racing, but he was not a good judge of horses in running, and he fancied Topsy Turvy ought to be nearer the leaders. He had fifteen pounds on the race, and all he had left in his pocket was an odd sovereign and a few silver coins. He commenced to lecture himself on the follies of speculating and said he would have been much better off had he locked himself in his cabin, and did the same with his money in his locker. "It will teach me a lesson," he said. "I'll never make another wager. I wish I had not come near the blessed course. It's not his fault, he thought the horse would win right enough, but----"