"One o' the Putnam lads. Carries his prayer-book in his pocket. Mar makes 'em—for luck!"
"He can foot it."
"I'd like to see a walkin'-race between that mare and the big un. What's his price?" He leaned over to the ring below and asked.
"Twenties," came the answer.
Jaggers heard and nudged Ikey.
The Putnam horse marched by, blowing his nose, and in front of the Grand Stand gave a playful little buck as much as to say: "I would if I could, but I won't."
Then Chukkers swung round and led the horses back to the starting-point.
"Only one thing I wish," muttered Old Mat in his companion's ear. "I wish there'd been rain in the night. Twelve-stun-three'd steady Miss Mustang through the dirt."
"Our horse has got a little bit in hand," replied the young man.
"You're right, sir," answered the other.