He made the bet with the book-maker for Jeremiah, and took four hundred to twenty for himself.
"I've made yours ready money," he said. "You can give me two sovs. now, or when the race is over, if Praxis loses."
Jeremiah nodded; he was too much excited to speak; it was his first bet on a race, and his heart went thump, thump, and he could scarcely distinguish what was being said. "Horses at the post. False start. Butterfly bolted." Thus proclaimed the man at the tape.
"I told you so," said Captain Ablewhite to Jeremiah. "Cost three thou. as a yearling; not worth his keep."
The man at the tape spoke again.
"Butterfly pulled up, and at the post again. Another false start. Another. They're off!"
Jeremiah did not know whether he was glad or sorry that he had risked two sovereigns. He was animated by new sensations; the spirit of gambling was awakened within him.
Then came the result, and Jeremiah could scarcely refrain from shouting when he heard the name of the winner—Praxis.
"Here's your money," said Captain Ablewhite, after "All right!" was called out by the man at the tape. He handed Jeremiah four ten-pound notes. "Easy, isn't it? Done the trick this time. Major Rex-Schon backed it; he has a system, and has won eight thousand this year if he's won a penny."
"A system?" said Jeremiah, handling the forty pounds with delight.