nt Cup, a five-year-old
chestnut with four white legs, a useful horse, winner of three or four
good handicaps. He was talking to Eve Berkeley in the paddock as Alan
Chesney went across to Bandmaster. Eve did not see him; she was in
animated conversation. Alan smiled as he saw them, wondering if she
was requesting another tip, and if it would prove as good as Merry
Monarch.

"Not half a bad horse," said Bernard Hallam as he looked at Bandmaster.

"He's pretty good and he's got a very light weight. I fancy he'll just
about win," said Alan.

Harry Morby and Vincent Newport had already backed the horse and were
enthusiastic about his chances. Valentine Braund pronounced Bandmaster
too light and said he would look elsewhere for the winner.

"Better ask Miss Berkeley for the tip. She's talking to Baron
Childs--he owns White Legs," said Alan.

"Not a bad idea," replied Braund. "Do you really think your horse has
a chance?"

"Of course I do; I've backed him."

"Scraggy animal, not my sort at all."

"Sorry he does not please you," said Alan, laughing; "but your poor
opinion will not stop him."

Skane was saddling the horse. Mark Colley, Tommy Colley's youngest
brother, stood close by. He was to ride, and had already donned the
brown and blue-sleeved jacket. Mark was a clever lightweight, and had
been well coached by his brother and Fred Skane, whose apprentice he
was, but he had already forfeited the five pound allowance, having
ridden the requisite number of winners. He was a merry little fellow,
and still retained his boyish ways, although Skane said he had the
wisdom of a man in his head. His brother, Tommy, was riding Manifest,
and Ben Bradley had the mount on White Legs.

Half an hour before the horses went out there was a gay scene in the
paddock, animated conversations were going on, many tips were given,
and the interest in the race was intense.

Baron Childs was confident about White Legs; the horse had been highly
tried, and Ben Bradley was sanguine of winning.

"You gave me the Derby winner," said Eve, "and I shall back your colors
again to-day."

"Mr. Chesney's horse must have a good chance; he has a very light
weight," said the Baron.

"I believe he thinks it is a good thing; but he said Gold Star would
win the Derby and that did not come off," said Eve.

"Do you like my horse?" he asked.

"Very much. He is in splendid condition."

"Then back him. I feel sure it will bring luck t