"Well," he said, "I shoved our names down for the double punting all right. As far as I can see, we've got a jolly good chance, if you'll only take it seriously."

"I take it very seriously," I interrupted.

"Barton was there," went on George; "he is entering with his brother. It would be rather fun if we were to run up against them in the finals."

"We are certain to do that," I observed, "if we get so far."

"I went back to Barton's place to lunch," said George. "And, oh, by the way, I found out all about the bronze-haired girl at Otter's Holt. Barton knows her well."

I struck a match to light my cigarette.

"Indeed!" I remarked carelessly.

"Yes; she's married."

I suppose I must have opened my mouth, for the cigarette dropped on the table.

"She's what?" I exclaimed, after a moment's pause.