"Ample; it costs a lot to keep up Haverton, but half of what I have is yours."
"Too generous, Pic; you always were. I shall not want half, nothing like it. Place a few thousands to my credit in a London bank."
"That would not be safe. I will draw ten thousand pounds in notes, and you can use it as you think best," said Picton.
"Very well. That is a large sum, but I shall probably require it. The scheme I have in my mind will cost money, a lot of it, but I'd sacrifice all I have to prove my innocence," said Hector.
"And I will help you. I want to keep up Haverton, but you shall have the rest. I'll tell you what. Hector, I'm going to back Tearaway to win a fortune in the St. Leger. Already money is going on at forty to one; I may get a thousand on at that price, perhaps more," said Picton.
"I'd like to see her have a spin before I leave," said Hector.
"And you shall. Blackett has obtained permission from Sir Robert Raines to use his famous Cup horse Tristram in a trial gallop. The horse will be here to-morrow, and we can put them together with one or two more the next morning. Sir Robert is coming over to see it. He takes a great interest in her; he owns her sire King Charles."
"Sir Robert coming?" said Hector doubtfully.
"He'll never recognize you—no one would, not even——"
Picton pulled himself up short. He had spoken unthinkingly and stopped just in time; but Hector was not satisfied.