Among the few who remained on the scene of the accident were Gilks and Silk, both pale and agitated.
The latter, as has been said, was painfully interested in the result of the race. To him the defeat of Parrett’s meant more than the mere disappointment of a hope or the humiliation by a rival. It meant the loss of a good deal more money than he possessed, and the miscarriage of a good deal which he had expected with absolute confidence to win. No wonder then that his face was white and his voice trembling as he rounded on his friend.
“You fool!” exclaimed he, with an oath.
It was rather hard surely on Gilks, who may have encouraged his friend to rely on the victory of the Parrett’s boat, but who certainly was as much astounded and mortified by the accident as he was.
“There must be another race,” said he, hurriedly. “They can’t take this as decisive, I tell you. They must have another.”
“You wouldn’t have said so if the right boat had won,” said Silk, with a sneer.
“I can’t make it out,” said Gilks, looking very miserable.
“Fools never can,” snarled Silk, turning on his heel.