n named Chaffey whom I expect to
see in a few minutes not very far from the Post Club on the other side
of the street. You remember telling me how Chaffey turned up at Seton
Manor, and what he said when he was drunk. I am glad you overheard that,
because it solved a point that has been puzzling me for some time. I
couldn't for the life of me make out how it was that Jolly & Co. managed
to signal the result of the three o'clock race at Mirst Park into the
smoking-room of the Post Club. I doubt if I ever should have found out
had not Chaffey gone down to Seton Manor and hinted that if he couldn't
get what he wanted somebody else might have his job of playing with the
fruit baskets in Covent Garden. I saw at once that this was connected
with the swindle, but for the life of me I couldn't place it. After
thinking over it for the best part of a week, I took a stroll through
Covent Garden market and finally stood in front of the Post Club trying
to piece the puzzle together in my mind. There were a good many men
about loading and unloading baskets, and I saw that most of them carried
them on their heads. Why, some of these porters can carry as many as
eight or nine bushel baskets on their heads. While I stood watching
them an idea flashed into my mind. Look at this copy of to-day's
_Sportsman_. Turn to the probable starters in the three o'clock race,
and you will see for yourself that there is a number by the side of
every horse. Now most racing men carry a _Sportsman_. There would be
nothing suspicious in a backer pulling the _Sportsman_ out of his pocket
and consulting it at any moment. He might do it in a railway carriage,
or on the course, or in a smoking-room, and it wouldn't attract any
attention. Unless I am greatly mistaken, I have found the clue to the
means by which Copley & Co.'s confederate has the result of a race at
Mirst Park conveyed to him into the smoking-room of the Post Club
practically before the horses are past the post. Then, of course, he can
make what bets he likes. He is perfectly safe, because he can't lose.
But, come along, it is past three and I don't want to lose this chance
of verifying my conclusions. Only we must be careful. We must not rouse
Chaffey's suspicions. He must not know that we are even watching him.
Close to the Post Club there is a shop where we can procure some cigars
and cigarettes and keep our eye upon what is going on. Are you ready?"

Fielden was ready and willing, for his cur