'Your son rides, does he not? Quite a little chap?' asked Dauntsey.
'He's only twelve, but he's a rare boy on a horse. I think you'll say he is a wonder after the race,' said Jim.
Abe Dalton was hanging around, and, hearing this remark, smiled to himself as he thought, 'He's trying to hide it. He knows well enough his lad won't be able to ride. Perhaps he wants to hedge his money.'
'I have never seen so many people at Swamp Creek races before,' said Dauntsey. 'Dr Tom has worked the handicapping well; he deserves every credit for it.'
'Everything the doctor takes in hand he does well,' said Jim.
'You are right there. Where is he?'
'At his house. I am going there. Will you walk with me? My son is staying there.'
'With pleasure,' said the P.M., and they went out together.
'I say, Aaron,' said Abe Dalton when they had gone, 'how do you stand against my horse?'
'Badly, but he'll not win. I'm going for Neptune, although I have laid some wagers against him to oblige customers,' replied Hyam.