CHAPTER XX
DANGER AT HAND
After the races, Swamp Creek settled down into its usual quiet ways, and the excitement quickly subsided.
Most of the inhabitants won a trifle over Neptune's victory and were therefore gratified at the result of the cup.
Willie Dennis was none the worse for the blow he had received, but his father was desperately angry, and no steps appeared to have been taken by the police to ascertain who committed the outrage.
'They are a dunderheaded, sleepy lot,' he said to Sal; 'and Doonan appears to be no better than the others.'
'It is not his fault,' she replied. 'I know who did it, and so do you. It was Abe Dalton. I could see it in his face when I tackled him at the races. The coward shrank from me.'
'I think he is the man,' said Jim; 'but we have no proof. I am going over to Barragong with Dr Tom. We shall not be away more than two or three days. You can look after things here. Willie will be able to attend to the hands, and see Neptune and the other horses are properly exercised. I will tell Silas Dixon to keep a watchful eye on everything, but I do not think there is anything to fear, and you will not be molested.'
'I am not afraid,' she said; 'and I can use a revolver as well as most men.'
'Yes, you are a good shot,' he answered her. 'I hope there will be no occasion for shooting.'