"Go on. I am amused," answered Bellshaw, fighting hard before he gave in. He must save his face by making some show of resistance.
"Lin Soo," said Glen.
The effect of the mention of this name on Bellshaw was remarkable. He gasped and seemed on the point of choking, sank back in the chair, his hands hanging down.
Leigh opened the door and went downstairs for some brandy. This revived Bellshaw and he looked round in a frightened way.
"You will run Barellan?" asked Glen.
Bellshaw murmured a faint "Yes." He was beaten.
CHAPTER XXIV
AT FLEMINGTON
There was tremendous excitement in Melbourne on the eve of the Cup. The Victoria Club was thronged, a stream of people constantly passing up and down the stairs on to Bourke Street. On the pavement the crowd was dense, and it was difficult to push along. Many of the tobacconists' shops were tenanted by bookmakers and heavy wagers were recorded in them. Nick Gerard was busy at the Club; he had a heavy book on the race, and had laid the favourite, Roland, the winner of the Caulfield Cup, heavily. Barellan was one of his best horses; he had not laid much against him. Ivor Hadwin gave him a glowing account of his candidate. On Monday morning Glen relieved the trainer's mind by telling him he need have no doubt about Bellshaw running the horse.