said Lupton.

"Just so, Mr. Lupton. What I mean is, the Minister has got a
bit of temper. But if he likes to do his best I don't think any
three-year-old in England can get his nose past him."

"For half a mile he'd be nowhere with the Provence filly," said
Glasslough.

"I'm speaking of a Derby distance, my Lord."

"That's a kind of thing nobody really knows," said Lupton.

"I've seen him 'ave his gallops," said the little man, who in his
moments of excitement would sometimes fall away from that exact
pronunciation which had been one of the studies of his life, "and
have measured his stride. I think I know what pace means. Of course
I'm not going to answer for the 'orse. He's a temper, but if things
go favourably, no animal that ever showed on the Downs was more
likely to do the trick. Is there any gentleman here who would like to
bet me fifteen to one in hundreds against the two events,--the Derby
and the Leger?" The desired odds were at once offered by Mr. Lupton,
and the bet was booked.

This gave rise to other betting, and before the evening was over Lord
Silverbridge had taken three-and-a-half to one against his horse
to such an extent that he stood to lose twelve hundred pounds. The
champagne which he had drunk, and the news that Quousque, the first
favourite, had so gone to pieces that now there was a question which
was the first favourite, had so inflated him that, had he been left
alone, he would almost have wagered even money on his horse. In the
midst of his excitement there came to him a feeling that he was
allowing himself to do just that which he had intended to avoid. But
then the occasion was so peculiar! How often can it happen to a man
in his life that he shall own a favourite for the Derby? The affair
was one in which it was almost necessary that he should risk a little
money.

Tifto, when he got into his bed, was altogether happy. He had added
whisky-and-water to his champagne, and feared nothing. If Prime
Minister should win the Derby he would be able to pay all that he
owed, and to make a start with money in his pocket. And then there
would be attached to him all the infinite glory of being the owner of
a winner of the Derby. The horse was run in his name. Thoughts as to
great successes crowded themselves upon his heated brain. What might
not be open to him? Parliament! The Jockey Club! The mastership of
one of the crack shire packs! Might it not come to pass that he
should some day becom