ght this about so that, when the time came, he could
force May to marry him. These painful thoughts were uppermost in his
mind as he strode back to the house. He could not shake them off, though
May rallied him on his quietness and offered him the proverbial penny
for his thoughts.

"I know what is the matter," she said gaily. "You are fretting because
you have nothing to do. But that won't be for long. Do you know that we
are dining with Mr. Copley to-night, and that you have been included in
the invitation? Mr. Copley telephoned from London this morning, and you
were especially mentioned by name. I am sure if I put in a word for you
the post will be as good as yours. Before long you will be occupying an
important place in the racing world, and the rest is in your own hands.
You have the consolation, too, of knowing that no one has recognized
you."

It was on the tip of Fielden's tongue to refuse. It was repugnant to his
instincts to take service with a man like Copley. Yet, on the other
hand, it was fair enough to fight this fellow with his own weapons.
Through him Fielden had lost the chance of his lifetime. But for him and
his rascally associates, Fielden and Phillips would have been rich men
to-day. Moreover, if something were not done speedily, a fate which was
worse than death awaited May Haredale. To turn his back upon a chance
like this would be to precipitate the very calamity which he was most
anxious to avert. Copley was the type of strong man who always gets his
way. He was not the least scrupulous as to his methods, and Sir George
Haredale was bound to him hand and foot. It would be far better to seize
this coign of vantage, especially as Copley had not the smallest idea of
the bitter enemy he was maintaining under his roof.

Meanwhile, Copley and his friend Foster had returned from town. They
reached Copley's establishment, Seton Manor, just before dark. They had
not lost any time. Apparently they had done their work fairly well, for,
according to the late evening papers, the Blenheim colt had receded
steadily in the betting. People were asking themselves what had
happened. Most of the public knew and respected Sir George Haredale. Not
the faintest shadow rested on his reputation, and this fact had had
somewhat of a steady effect on the market. But though a certain division
had rushed in at these improved prices to back their fancy, there
seemed to be an unlimited amount of money ready to be laid agains