"The scoundrel; he deserves all he got and more," said the Squire.
Warren was relieved at this change of front, and said—
"He once gave me a winner at Hurst Park, and he has pestered me for money ever since. He was asking me to lend him ten pounds just before you came up. It was because I refused he trumped up this story about Mrs. Warren. It is all a fabrication."
"I am glad to hear it," answered the Squire, not quite satisfied.
Warren went into the ring, and when the Squire entered the box Ulick left Irene in his charge.
"We have had rather an unpleasant scene in the paddock," said the Squire; "that fellow Hoffman, who wrote to you, insulted Warren, and he knocked him down. It served him right."
Irene turned pale and said, in an agitated voice—
"What did he say?"
"Told a pack of lies about Warren and some woman living at his house. I don't believe a word of it," said the Squire. "He gave me his address and told me to go and find out for myself. Here it is," and he handed her the card.
Irene was in desperate straits. He must be prevented from visiting Mrs. Hoffman's house at any cost.