"But I have no patience left; you have had lots of time, and I must insist on a settlement—here—to-night. I am short of ready money myself."
"That is unreasonable. You don't suppose I walk about with such a sum of money in my possession?"
"Have it I must. Why not get some of your friends to advance it? I have heard that great people always oblige one another."
"Out of the question. You can wait at all events till after Wincastle races. I may be able to knock off a good portion of the debt this week. I have a horse entered for the Silver Gauntlet, and he is not unlikely to win."
"What's its name?"
"Highdrift."
"Highdrift! the devil. Why that's favourite, and the horse I am so bad against. Laid eights, and now they take 2 to 1, and the worst of it is they only back another horse with any freedom—Springtrap. I have a ruinous book; it is all Highdrift."
"I am sorry you are bad against my horse, because he is very well, and knowing, as I do, every one of his opponents, I think he stands an excellent chance. You must not lose by Highdrift, Billy."
"Highdrift be poleaxed! (That word will do.) Get back my money at 2 to 1! You must think me a hedgehog." (He did not say hedgehog.) "I know a move worth a dozen of that. Me back Highdrift? Why, I am only too happy to lay against him. Do you know anyone who wants the odds to a hundred?"