"They are sure to ask a stiff price if they know we want him. He's not in very good hands, and I have had my doubts about his running on more than one occasion lately. I am under the impression they have been bottling him up, and if I am correct, you might get a better race out of him than many people would anticipate. No blame would attach to us; the change of stables would account for the reversal of form; but, of course, if it is as I surmise, it will put his price up. Black Boy is honestly worth about three hundred; they will probably ask five, and you may get him for something over four hundred."
"Will you try and buy him?" asked Jack.
"I had better keep out of it. If they think I want the horse they will not sell. I am not in their good books, and have no desire to be; they are not my class, but that has nothing whatever to do with the merits of the horse."
"No, of course not," answered Jack, "but can you get anyone to approach them for us?"
"Why not let me try?" said Barry, laughing. "I generally succeed in my undertakings, and I fancy I can manage it. They'll probably take me for a greenhorn."
The trainer laughed as he replied—
"They will not do that."
"There's very little of the greenhorn look about you," said Jack, "but try if you wish, although I do not know how you will work it."
"Leave that to me," replied Barry. "I can always find out ways and means of becoming acquainted with anyone I wish to know."
It was decided that negotiations for the purchase of Black Boy should be left in Barry's hands, and he was not long in making a move in the desired direction.