'How would you like to ride Neptune in the cup? Do you think you could manage him?'
The lad clapped his hands.
'Manage him!' he cried. 'Why, I can do anything with Neptune. Will you let me ride him?'
'Yes, my lad, you shall ride him, win or lose. I'll risk it, although you are only a youngster.'
Willie capered with delight and ran outside, followed by the doctor's dog.
'Come along, Baalim,' shouted Willie. 'We'll have a rare romp over this.'
Away they went towards Neptune's box, the dog scampering after him in his usual clumsy fashion.
'Bless the lad, how full of life he is!' said Dr Tom. 'I take quite a fatherly interest in him. I guess he's half mine, because I saved his life.'
'Do you think I shall ever forget it?' asked Jim.
'No, old pal, I don't think you will; but there are people who regard a doctor as a mere instrument, a thing to play upon and tune to their own fancy. If he cures, well and good, and he doesn't get any credit for it, and sometimes no pay. If he fails—well, if it hadn't been for that clumsy, blundering fool of a doctor—you know the rest, Jim.'