“It’s shocking bad luck,” the Duke declared, “but there’s no earthly chance of your seeing the course, Prince. Come on the top of the stand with me, and bring your glasses. I think I can point out the way for you.”
“That will do excellently,” the Prince answered. “There is no need to go and look at every jump. Show me where we start and as near as possible the way we have to go, and tell me where we finish.”
The course was a natural one, and the stand itself on a hill. The greater part of it was clearly visible from where they stood. The Duke pointed out the water jump with some trepidation, but the Prince’s glasses rested on it only for a moment. He pointed to a clump of trees.
“Which side there?” he asked.
“To the left,” the Duke answered. “Remember to keep inside the red flags.”
The Prince nodded.
“Where do we finish?” he asked.
The Duke showed him.
“That is all right,” he said. “I need not look any more.”
In the paddock some of the horses were being led around. The Prince noted them approvingly.