"It would be better if you were," was the answer.
Alan moved impatiently in his chair.
"I don't consider I spend too much."
Duncan Fraser looked at him with a kindly light in his somewhat hard eyes.
"This is a great business," he said slowly, "or it would never stand the strain. Take my advice and cut down expenses; we're in for lean years."
Alan laughed as he replied:
"What an old croaker you are!"
He got up, put on his motor coat and held out his hand.
"I am glad you sent for me," he said. "I shall just have time to get to the course before the first race."
"Would it matter if you missed it?" said Fraser quietly.