"I thought it was a certainty; there was only one thing I forgot," he said in a strained voice.
Markham leaned forward heavily.
"Fellows who play like you can't afford to forget, my boy. Know better next time; let it be a lesson."
Carlyon glanced at a notebook and took out a wad of bills which he tried to count.
"Sorry, but I seem to be five dollars short; don't know when you'll get it, but I'll send the horses to the next Brandon sales. I dare say somebody will help me with my plowing."
"Don't be an ass!" said Gerald. "Throwing in the team was a piece of silly bluff. We're not going to take advantage of it."
Emslie nodded agreement; and Markham drawled:
"Don't want his splay-footed beasts, and won't lend him my good Clydesdales to spoil. Count out the bills, Gerald; his hand is shaking."
Carlyon protested that he was a sportsman and paid his debts, but they overruled him.
"Silly thing to do, unless you're made," Markham declared. Then he turned to Gerald. "What's become of the younger brother? Never see him now."