tradesmen were very
importunate. In fact, he was in a scrape, and Dot must advise him how
to extricate himself from it.

"I'll tell you the truth, Ballindine," said he; "as far as I'm
concerned myself, I never will lend money, except where I see, as a
matter of business, that it is a good speculation to do so. I wouldn't
do it for my father."

"Who asked you?" said Frank, turning very red, and looking very angry.

"You did not, certainly; but I thought you might, and you would have
been annoyed when I refused you; now, you have the power of being
indignant, instead. However, having said so much, I'll tell you what I
think you should do, and what I will do to relieve you, as far as the
horses are concerned. Do you go down to Kelly's Court, and remain there
quiet for a time. You'll be able to borrow what money you absolutely
want down there, if the Dublin fellows actually refuse; but do with as
little as you can. The horses shall run in my name for twelve months.
If they win, I will divide with you at the end of the year the amount
won, after deducting their expenses. If they lose, I will charge you
with half the amount lost, including the expenses. Should you not feel
inclined, at the end of the year, to repay me this sum, I will then
keep the horses, instead, or sell them at Dycer's, if you like it
better, and hand you the balance if there be any. What do you say to
this? You will be released from all trouble, annoyance, and expense,
and the cattle will, I trust, be in good hands."

"That is to say, that, for one year, you are to possess one half of
whatever value the horses may be?"

"Exactly: we shall be partners for one year."

"To make that fair," said Frank, "you ought to put into the concern
three horses, as good and as valuable as my three."

"Yes; and you ought to bring into the concern half the capital to be
expended in their training; and knowledge, experience, and skill in
making use of them, equal to mine. No, Frank; you're mistaken if you
think that I can afford to give up my time, merely for the purpose of
making an arrangement to save you from trouble."

"Upon my word, Dot," answered the other, "you're about the coolest hand
I ever met! Did I ask you for your precious time, or anything else?
You're always afraid that you're going to be done. Now, you might make
a distinction between me and some of your other friends, and remember
that I am not in the habit of doing anybody."

"Why, I own I don