"It is just what he has done. He might have paid his debt first, don't you think?"
"Certainly. I never was so surprised. Did you explain things properly? Would he not listen to reason?"
"I at last told him plainly enough, and the moment he understood it he knocked me down."
"We did not reckon on this difficulty. Moordown's obstinacy will upset all our plans. It is provoking, for with Highdrift out of the way the race would have been a good thing for my horse. I did think, as he owed you such a lot of money, you would be sure to bring him to terms."
"I did my best, Sir Hew; but nothing is lost as yet."
"Everything is very uncertain. What will you do now?"
"I will send him a letter demanding payment of my money before twelve o'clock to-morrow, and in the meantime I will lay all I can against Highdrift."
"And to-morrow. How will you proceed?"
"Never mind, I have arranged it. Highdrift won't trouble you."
"Suppose he finds the money. Is it much?"