A row seemed imminent, when Dr Tom said,—
'If he wants a fight he can have it, and I'm the man to take him on.'
Abe Dalton had no desire to tackle the doctor, and he growled,—
'If you hadn't saved my life I'd throttle you.'
Dr Tom laughed as he replied,—
'Don't let that trifle stand in your way. Come and try!'
'Let him alone, doctor. He's not worth troubling about,' whispered Aaron Hyam.
'I think you are right,' was the doctor's reply. Then, turning to Abe Dalton, he said,—
'I have offered to bet you twenty pounds Neptune beats The Captain, and I'll not go back on my word; but, mind you, if I win I will not touch your money. Aaron Hyam shall send it to the Bathurst Hospital,' and the doctor stalked out of the place amidst a volley of cheers.