"He's at a good price."
"A hundred to eight."
"I'll risk a trifle on him," said Abel.
"Don't back him because I've told you," she said; "he may lose."
"He belongs to Baron Childs; he's a straight 'un."
"He's as straight as they make them," said Eve. "How's Richard? Have you heard from him?"
"Not lately, thank you for asking. I wish he'd not joined the army; he'd have done better to stay here and help me," said Abel.
"Why did he join?" she asked.
"Got restless, I suppose and——" he hesitated.
"And what else?"