ree as to
how Sir George Haredale is to be handled. If I went to him boldly and
told him that he must scratch the Blenheim colt, do you think he would
consent if he saw I was in earnest? My opinion is he would kick me out
of the house. But there is another way of working it, and for the hint I
have to thank Chaffey, of all people in the world. Here is a note from
him."

"Wants more money," Foster said with his mouth full.

"Not for the moment, at any rate. He thinks his information is worth a
prospective fiver. As a matter of fact, it is invaluable. You know he
told us last night that he wasn't going away till he witnessed a trial
this morning. He has seen it, and this letter gives me the result. The
trial was that of the Blenheim colt. Chaffey says it will take them all
their time to get him fit for the Guineas, even if they can manage it.
Chaffey is probably in town by now, and has no doubt sold his
information to some smart bookmaker. By this time to-morrow the Blenheim
colt will be knocked out of the betting, and one will be able to get any
price one likes. When this becomes public property Sir George will be
justified in scratching the colt. He could say he had no hopes now of
winning the Derby, and has taken this step solely on behalf of the
public. Everybody will believe him. No questions will be asked, and his
conduct will be regarded as most sportsmanlike. Do you see what I am
driving at?"

"By Jove!" Foster exclaimed. "That is really smart of you. As Sir George
backed his colt at long prices the money loss will be small. You can
arrange as to the money Sir George owes you, and directly the pen is put
through the colt's name we shall be masters of a hundred thousand
pounds. It isn't so much as we expected, but we shall be able to draw
the money during the next few days, and then be in a position to carry
on a war against the bookmakers till we have made as much as we like.
Things are entirely in your hands. You have only to put it plainly to
Sir George and offer to cancel his mortgages, and the thing is done.
He'll fall in with your suggestion readily. He only wants the excuse to
get out. You'll want to handle him carefully, of course. But every man
has his price, and I don't believe Haredale is any exception to the
rule."

"I'll do it to-day," Copley muttered.

"That's right," Foster said approvingly, "there's nothing like striking
while the iron is hot. But if I were you I'd run up to town first and
gi