Baron Childs was running White Legs in the Hunt Cup, a five-year-old chestnut with four white legs, a useful horse, winner of three or four good handicaps. He was talking to Eve Berkeley in the paddock as Alan Chesney went across to Bandmaster. Eve did not see him; she was in animated conversation. Alan smiled as he saw them, wondering if she was requesting another tip, and if it would prove as good as Merry Monarch.
"Not half a bad horse," said Bernard Hallam as he looked at Bandmaster.
"He's pretty good and he's got a very light weight. I fancy he'll just about win," said Alan.
Harry Morby and Vincent Newport had already backed the horse and were enthusiastic about his chances. Valentine Braund pronounced Bandmaster too light and said he would look elsewhere for the winner.
"Better ask Miss Berkeley for the tip. She's talking to Baron
Childs—he owns White Legs," said Alan.
"Not a bad idea," replied Braund. "Do you really think your horse has a chance?"
"Of course I do; I've backed him."
"Scraggy animal, not my sort at all."
"Sorry he does not please you," said Alan, laughing; "but your poor opinion will not stop him."
Skane was saddling the horse. Mark Colley, Tommy Colley's youngest brother, stood close by. He was to ride, and had already donned the brown and blue-sleeved jacket. Mark was a clever lightweight, and had been well coached by his brother and Fred Skane, whose apprentice he was, but he had already forfeited the five pound allowance, having ridden the requisite number of winners. He was a merry little fellow, and still retained his boyish ways, although Skane said he had the wisdom of a man in his head. His brother, Tommy, was riding Manifest, and Ben Bradley had the mount on White Legs.