"It is so," she continued, still somewhat excited. "And from what I have heard, it is about Santorin!"
"You do surprise and astonish me!" Miss Emerson, I remarked, beginning to get warm. "But you will, I trust, tell me what you have heard? What was it? You will surely save me from ruin!"
Miss Emerson hesitated a moment, but seeing how anxious and excited I was becoming, she resumed:
"Well, Mr.——, my aunt and I have considered the matter over, and have come to the conclusion that there is a dark plot going on against this horse, and that it would be only just we should apprise you of it, and by doing so you would possibly be able to defeat the wicked designs of these men."
"How shall I convey my gratitude for such kindness, Miss Emerson?" I said, with emotion.
"There has been a very bad-looking Jewish man coming here very often latterly, and on the last occasion Mr. Marston and he had a terrible quarrel; and my aunt becoming greatly alarmed, requested me to go to the dining-room and see what was the matter. When I got close to the door I heard this strange-looking man speaking very loud and excitedly, and exclaiming, in a threatening tone of voice, 'You must give me an order to scratch the horse or be utterly ruined!'"
"Good heavens!" I exclaimed, "who would have thought of such base treachery!"
"Yes, and that from your partner!" said the young lady.
"Well, you have done me the greatest service, Miss Emerson," I gratefully observed, and, taking both her hands in mine, remarked that time would show how deeply and sincerely I would appreciate it.