“You don’t mean it?” cried the doctor, turning pale.
“Fact, sir. I never plays tricks with gents I knows. Honesty’s the best policy, sir; and you know as you can trust Sam Simpkins.”
“But—but—Good heavens! What does it mean? Lady Tilborough never said a word. Then that’s why I couldn’t see any sign of her people down by the paddock.”
“That’s it, sir.”
“But why? What’s the reason?”
“No jock, sir. Ladyship’s man’s down—acciden’, killed, or ill, or some’at. Anyhow, he can’t ride the mare, and as you well know, nobody else can.”
“Oh!” groaned the doctor.
“Why, you hain’t put anything on her, have you, sir?”
“I have, Sam, heavily, and for a friend as well.”
“Then you’re in the wrong box, sir, and no mistake. That comes o’ gents going on their own hook instead o’ taking a honest agent’s advice.”