Outside the Black Bull Billy Platt and his chums were early at work to earn a few more sovereigns out of the "dead 'un." Nobody could understand the determined hostility displayed against the quondam favourite, as he was known to be all right, and people began to look suspiciously at and talk in a way the reverse of complimentary about Moordown. As the town clock struck ten the betting on the Silver Gauntlet stood thus:—
6 to 4 agst Sir Hew Mainfly's Springtrap (taken).
5—2—Lord Piershore's Eye of Night (taken).
5—1—Col. Heapland's Idol (taken and offered.)
8—1—Capt. Moretown's Conqueror (t. freely).
12—1—Mr. Moordown's Highdrift (offered).
As some of the largest bookmakers from London and the provinces were present the betting was extensive, and any particular horse could easily be backed to win a few thousands.
Platt had been fortunate enough to find another creditor of Moordown's, and the two "pals" were working together. Up to eleven o'clock there was no change of any moment in the betting, but at that hour Billy and his chum were startled out of their false security by a Captain Wardlock readily accepting all the long prices proffered against Highdrift. The captain booked all the money he could get at 12, 10, and 8 to 1, and, to Billy Platt's utter amazement, he closed with his offer of six hundreds. He was also prepared was the captain to take slight odds that Highdrift beat Springtrap wherever they finished.
This unlooked-for movement was a crushing blow to Platt, and quite knocked him out of time; and he retired with his friend to the hotel, to see how he stood and discuss the altered position of affairs. They had scarcely sat down before Sir Hew Mainfly joined them, consternation visibly written on his face.