"So you imagine you've got the winner of the St. Leger at Haverton, eh, Pic?" he said as they sat smoking after dinner.
"It's more than imagination. I think Tearaway is the best filly I ever saw; so does Blackett; he says she's as fast as the wind," said Picton.
"Is she? The wind blows at a pretty pace over the wolds sometimes, sixty miles an hour or more; she's not quite up to that," said Sir Robert.
"No, not quite," laughed Picton; "but she has a rare turn of speed, and can stay as long as she's wanted."
"I haven't seen her for some time," he said.
"She's improved a lot, a real beauty; I'm sure you will say so. You ought to back her to win a good stake."
"I'm told Ripon will win. They fancy him a lot at Newmarket; they also think he had bad luck to lose the Derby."
"Suppose Tearaway beats Tristram in the morning at seven pounds difference?" said Picton.
"It will be the biggest certainty for the St. Leger ever known," said Sir Robert.
Hector joined in the conversation. Sir Robert liked him, but no look or word reminded him of Hector Woodridge.