“I don’t know anything about betting,” groaned Loman. “Are you quite sure I’d win?”
“Certain. If you lose I’ll only ask 10 pounds of you, there! that’s as good as giving you 10 pounds myself on the horse, eh?”
“Well,” said Loman, “I suppose I must. Where is he?”
“Wait here a minute, and I’ll bring him round.”
Loman waited, racked by a sense of ignominy and terror. Yet this seemed his only hope. Could he but get this 20 pounds and pay off Cripps he would be happy. Oh, how he repented listening to that first temptation to deceive!
In due time Mr Cripps returned with his friend, who was very civil on hearing Loman’s desire to bet against Sir Patrick.
“Make it a 50 pounds note while you are about it,” said he.
“No, 20 pounds is all I want to go for,” replied Loman.
“Twenty then, all serene, sir,” said the gentleman, booking the bet. “What’ll you take to drink?”
“Nothing, thank you,” said Loman, hurriedly rising to leave.