of foot, Mr. Montague, we should certainly have entered the best runner
we had against you."

Sylla's auditors were now thoroughly nonplussed. What could the girl
be driving at? Mr. Cottrell's curiosity was raised to the highest
pitch, whilst Jim Bloxam stared at the fair speaker with undisguised
astonishment. He most certainly deemed that he was fleeter of foot
than any one in Todborough, and, having lived there all his life, Jim
was not likely to fall into any mistake on that point.

"With the greatest deference for your opinion," rejoined Montague, "I
think, perhaps, we men are better judges on that point than you can be,
Miss Chipchase. I think, if you ask Bloxam, he will tell you that he
not only can beat everybody at Todborough, but, with the exception of
professionals, can dispose of most men that he comes across."

"That is so like you lords of the creation," replied Sylla, with a
wicked little laugh; "you never will allow that we know anything about
sporting affairs; and yet I have heard my father say that the best
judge of racing he ever knew was a woman, and I am sure some of us take
the best of you to keep with us in the hunting-field. I have no doubt
that Captain Bloxam thinks, as you do, that there is nobody that can
beat him at Todborough."

"I most undoubtedly don't know it if there is," interposed Jim.

"And yet, Mr. Montague," continued Sylla, "if you had not run such a
severe race to-day, I would challenge you to beat my champion over the
same course."

"Oh, pray don't let that be any consideration," replied Montague, now
somewhat nettled. He had felt no little elated at defeating Bloxam,
and did not relish any disparagement of his victory. "Running a
quarter-mile race," he continued, "does not place one _hors de combat_
for the afternoon."

"Ah, well," cried Sylla gaily, "I told you Todborough was stubborn to
believe itself beaten. If you dare, I'll wager my bracelet"--and she
touched a very handsome bangle on her wrist--"against the cup you have
just won that my champion beats you this afternoon."

"It shall be a match if you wish it. I can merely say I have beaten
the only man I considered dangerous, and am afraid of none other.
Don't blame me if I rob you of your bracelet; but remember, Miss
Chipchase, this match was none of my seeking. However, your champion
is on the ground, I presume; perhaps, now, you don't mind naming him."

"Not at all," she replied. "Will somebody pleas