His Arab was certainly
a fast one, and had won the previous year, both at Cawnpore and
Lucknow; but the Rajah's new purchase had gained so high a reputation
in the Western Presidency as fully to justify the odds of two to
one laid on it, while four to one were offered against Prothero,
and from eight to twenty to one against any other competitor.
Prothero had stopped to have a chat at the Hunters' carriage as he
walked towards the dressing tent.
"Our hopes are all centered in you, Mr. Prothero," Mr. Hunter said.
"Miss Hannay has been wagering gloves in a frightfully reckless
way."
"I should advise you to hedge if you can, Miss Hannay," he said.
"I think there is no doubt that Mameluke is a good deal faster than
Seila. I fancy he is pounds better. I only beat Vincent's horse
by a head last year, and Mameluke gave him seven pounds, and beat
him by three lengths at Poona. So I should strongly advise you to
hedge your bets if you can."
"What does he mean by hedge, uncle?"
"To hedge is to bet the other way, so that one bet cancels the
other."
"Oh, I shan't do that," she said; "I have enough money to pay my
bets if I lose."
"Do you mean to say you mean to pay your bets if you lose, Miss
Hannay?" the Doctor asked incredulously.
"Of course I do," she said indignantly. "You don't suppose I intend
to take the gloves if I win, and not to pay if I lose?"
"It is not altogether an uncommon practice among ladies," the Doctor
said, "when they bet against gentlemen.
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