"
"That'll do," said William. "... No, he don't want the coat. We likes to
know where our things comes from."
Bill Evans finished his glass. "Good-night, guv'nor; no ill-feeling."
The flower-girls laughed; one offered him a flower. "Take it for love,"
she said. He was kind enough to do so, and the three went out together.
"I don't like the looks of that chap," said William, and he let go the
champagne cork. "Yer health, sir." They raised their glasses, and the
conversation turned on next week's racing.
"I dun know about next week's events," said old John, "but I've heard of
something for the Leger--an outsider will win."
"Have you backed it?"
"I would if I had the money, but things have been going very unlucky with
me lately. But I'd advise you, sir, to have a trifle on. It's the best tip
I 'ave had in my life."
"Really!" said Ginger, beginning to feel interested, "so I will, and so
shall you. I'm damned if you shan't have your bit on. Come, what is it?
William will lay the odds. What is it?"
"Briar Rose, the White House stable, sir."
"Why, I thought that--"
"No such thing, sir; Briar Rose's the one."
Ginger took up the paper. "Twenty-five to one Briar Rose taken."
"You see, sir, it was taken."
"Will you lay the price, William--twenty-five half-sovereigns to one?"
"Yes, I'll lay it.
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