"Mr. Carne," cried Bent, in what were plainly agitated tones, "if you could make it convenient I should be glad to speak to you as soon as possible."
In something under twenty minutes he was dressed and downstairs. He found the trainer awaiting him in the hall, wearing a very serious face.
"If you will stroll with me as far as the yard, I should like to show you something," he said.
Carne accordingly took up his hat and followed him out.
"You look unusually serious," said the latter as they crossed the garden.
"An attempt has been made to get possession of your horse."
Carne stopped short in his walk and faced the other.
"What did I tell you yesterday?" he remarked. "I was certain that that letter was more than an idle warning. But how do you know that an attempt has been made?"
"Come, sir, and see for yourself," said Bent. "I am sorry to say there is no gainsaying the fact."
A moment later they had reached the entrance to the stable-yard.