"Mr. Paca says that Figaro has raced in England, at Carlisle and Preston three years ago, and won everything," said Miss Stirling. "Did you know it?"
"Great Heavens!" exclaimed Parkington. "This is not that Figaro?"
"The same," said Mr. Paca.
"I would never have wagered against him, had I known it. However, there is always a chance of the horse falling dead in the stretch, or of something else happening; and past records never win the next race."
"I will lay you another five pistoles, if you wish," offered Mr. Worthington.
"And I!—And I!" came from around him.
"Such unanimity of opinion breeds caution," said Parkington, with a laugh; "and I will profit by it. No more, gentlemen, no more."
"Captain Herford," said Miss Stirling, "I will have another little bet on Figaro. Will you place these two pistoles for me?"
"At what odds?" said Herford.
"Whatever you can get; they ought to be about even, now."