“The deuce! I say, Allis, that won't do. Don't you know there's something wrong about this race? I just saved myself. I backed the little mare for a V—then I heard something. This Langdon's a deuce of a queer fish, I can tell you. I wonder Crane has anything to do with him, for the Boss is straight as they make them.”
“Did you back Lauzanne then, Alan?”
“You bet I did; quick, too; and was hunting all over for the gov'nor to tell him. You see, I know Langdon—he comes to the bank sometimes. He's that slick he'll hardly say 'Good-day,' for fear of giving something away.”
“Then how did you—how did people know there was something wrong?”
“Oh, a woman, of course—she blabbed. I think she's Dick Langdon's sister, and—”
“Hush-hh!” and Allis laid her hand on the boy's arm, indicating with her eyes the woman in the seat behind.
“I'd better go and tell father—”
“You needn't bother; he knows. It's a question of honor. Father said he'd buy the horse, and he's gone to make good.”
“I wouldn't; that sort of thing will break a man.”
“It's a good way to go broke, Alan. Perhaps we'd all be richer if it wasn't so strong in the Porter blood; but all the same, brother, you do just as father is doing to-day—always keep your word. I tell you what it is, boy”—and her face lighted up as she spoke—“father is a hero—that's what he is; he's just the biggest, bravest man ever lived. He couldn't do a mean act. How did you get away from the bank, Alan?” she said, changing the subject; “I didn't know you were coming to-day.”