“And the better for us,” retorts James of the Beads. “Roysterer is to win.”
“But wouldn’t it be wiser to split this money and play part of it on Roysterer for a place?”
“Never!” declares James of the Beads. “Do you suppose I don’t know what I’m about? I’m worth a million for each year of my life, and I made every stiver of it by the very method I take to discover this horse. Can’t you see that I’m not guessing?—that I have reason for what I do? Roysterer for a place! Never! get down every splinter that Roysterer finishes first.”
“Let me ask one question,” observes the cautious Rand. “Do you know the horse?”
“Never heard of the animal in my life!” remarks James of the Beads, pouring himself a complacent glass. This he tastes approvingly. “You must pardon me, my friends, I’ve got to write a note or two. I’ve not too much time for a man with twenty things to do, and who must be in the street when business opens to-morrow. Take my word for it; get all you can on Roysterer. If we win, we’re partners; if we lose, I’m alone.”
Rand shakes sage, experienced head, while his face gathers a cynical look.
Reed and Rand take James of the Beads by the hand and then withdraw.
“What do you make of it?” asks Rand.
“The man’s infatuated!” replies Reed.
“And yet, you also believe in systems,” remarks Rand.