everything. I've lost four
of my best men, and some of the others want to join up."

"Can't wonder at it. We'll need every man we have to win outright."

"Suppose we shall," said Sam. "All the same it's hard lines on a chap
when he's used to the men and they're used to him."

In the evening they walked to Little Trent and went into the Sherwood
Inn for a chat with Abel Head, who gave them a cordial welcome. They
were favorites, and he liked a talk about racing. While they were
chatting, a motor horn was heard and Abel said:

"That's Meason coming back. He's earlier than usual."

The trainer and Sam had heard of Carl Meason and were aware of Abel's
opinion about him.

"He's making a long stay with you," said Fred.

"I'm about tired of him, although I'll not deny he's a good customer
and pays his way," said Abel.

Carl Meason looked into the snuggery as he was passing the door.

"Come in," said Sam. "You may as well join us."

Carl entered, took off his coat, and sat down.

"When's the great match to come off?" he asked. He was always posted
up on racing; he liked a flutter and never lost an opportunity of
getting a useful hint.

"Hardly know yet," said Fred. "I expect we'll have to wait until Mr.
Chesney gets leave. He'll want to see both races run."

"And I suppose his horses will win both matches?" said Carl.

"I hope so," said the trainer.

"You're not certain?"

"One can never be sure where racing is concerned," said Fred.

Carl laughed.

"Then what about these big coups that come off? They're pretty sure
about them."

"Of course there are real good things, but even they are bowled over,"
said Fred.

"Clever men, you trainers," said Carl.

"Some of them," said Sam, with a wink at Abel.

"No doubt about Mr. Skane's being one of the clever men," said Carl.

"Don't know so much about that; I've been done more than once," said
Fred.

"Shouldn't have thought it," said Carl. "The man who did you must have
got up very early in the morning."

"Going out to-night again?" asked Abel.

"Yes, walking; I have a little business on hand that concerns my
happiness," said Carl.

"Sounds a bit like courting," said Sam.

"You're not far out," was Carl's reply. "I'm thinking of getting
married," he added as he left the room.

"Who's the girl?" asked Sam.

"Can't say for certain. He's been thick with Jane Thrush for a long
time; they go out together. She's been in his motor to Nottin