"When am I going back to Australia?" said Mr. Hallam in answer to Alan's question. "I cannot tell you, for I don't know. It's not safe. I have no desire to see how a torpedo works at near quarters. I am much safer here, and The Forest is a delightful place. There's another thing, I want my revenge."
Alan laughed as he said:
"Another couple of races with Rainstorm and Southerly Buster?"
"That's it. They were on a level last time; you only just got home with your pair."
"Bandmaster has probably lost some of his paces," said Alan.
"Didn't look like it when you won the Steeplechase on him," answered
Mr. Hallam.
"By Jove, that must have been a race!" exclaimed Alan.
"It was. Don't you recollect much about it?"
"Can't say I do," replied Alan, with a puzzled expression.
"It's funny; you must have been in a queer state."