'You are quite a stranger at Barragong,' he said. 'We very seldom see you there.'
'I have so much to do here,' said the doctor, smiling; 'but I mean to trespass upon your hospitality some day before long.'
'And you may be sure of a hearty welcome,' said Dauntsey. 'Is this the young jockey who will ride Neptune?' he added, as he patted Willie on the head.
The lad shrunk from his hand, for his head was still painful.
Adye Dauntsey looked up surprised. Jim Dennis hastened to explain.
When Adye Dauntsey heard what had happened the night previously he looked severe.
'This must be inquired into,' he said; 'but you were quite right to wait until after the races. I should not be at all surprised if that scoundrel Dalton had a hand in it. I think you made a mistake, doctor, in allowing him to run horses at the meeting.'
'I could not very well prevent him, and it might have caused an unpleasant scene.'
'But he's such an out-and-out bad lot.'
'He is, I'll grant you that.'