"In the first place because I want to bring home to you that if Jim Benny, Bill Bigs and myself bring a charge against you of causing the death of this woman, you'll be in the hands of the police instead of witnessing the Melbourne Cup. In the second place if you scratch Barellan you will have no mercy shown you. We shall act at once," replied Glen.
Bellshaw saw the drift of it all. He was cornered. It was a clever move. He would have to run the horse. The evidence of three men who saw the woman die, and heard her charge against him, would be serious—too serious for him to face in public. Even if he escaped punishment he would be branded with infamy for life.
"You'll not scratch Barellan?" said Glen.
"I shall if I get no sweep money from you."
"I say you will not scratch the horse," Glen repeated.
"Supposing I do."
"Then you will be taken into custody at once on the charge I mentioned."
"And if I run him?"
"You shall be free to do what you will. Your conscience will punish you; it has done already. I saw that at Mintaro. You were afraid—a coward," said Glen.
"You will stand me a thousand out of the sweep?"