Evening star., 1898-09-10

own jockey, Richmond, for Snpkin, and
determined to ride Zigzag himself.
ii the game had been Zigzag. this would
not have mattered very much, for he
was one of the best riders in India.
That the owner was riding Iizzag con-
firmed Layton in his determination to have
a plunge en- the horse.
At the lotteries, the night before the race,
Layton bought Zigzag III the first lottery.
When the secretary asked if the owner
claimed anything, Johnson answered.
Nothing, thanks"
Hell come to me after it's all over"
thought Layton, ''ask for a half through
out. He knows I'll have to give it to him,
too. 1t wouldn't be safe to have had his
horse running with none of the owner s
money on
When Smpkin was sold Johnson bought
him through another party.
And so 1t was through every lottery, ana
there were many of them, for the handicap
was big betting race with eight horses
in it.
Layton bought Zigzag steadily every
time, and Johnsons agent took Simpkln
After it was over Layton rather wonder
ed that Zigzag's owner made no sign-did
not come and ask for his half.
He could understand JohnSon'S refusing
to take any interest in him in the lotteries
for the effect of that was to reduce his
betting price. But why did he not come
forward now when it was all over.
ne IL CSIiS aIotHl III tHS iitpti iiiIS, IL
thought. He won't let him run unbacked
after that trial"
But in the morning johnson still made no
sign. Layton was getting little uneasy
Racing was such an uncertain business at
best. What If something had gone wrong
with ZigZag. He would be utterly ruined
if he failed to win the race. Not only the
Marwarie's debt, but the present lottery
account He would be posted as De
faulter; at least it would take every rupee
he could rake together in the world 10
square up, and ne would certainly have to
send in his papers.
Fifteen minutes before the race no offer
had ccme from johnson to take a share
in Zigzags chances. The suspense was 100
great for Layton.
He went to the little dressing room, just
under the stand, where johnson was put
ting on his slim riding boots and colors.
See here. Frank" he SAID, I've got Ng"
gag in every lottery, and | stand to win
big pot over him. Do YOU want any Ct 1t:
You haven't taken bit of II Yet.
johnson was noted for two thirgS-hiS
superb riding and his exquisite cynical
humor.
Who the merry Ha1es told you to back
my horse?" he asked
I backed him be1ause thought ne could
win, and you were riding him. answered
Layton, coloring slightly.
We'll he hasn't tn" ghost of a chance,
said Johnson. tightening the strings IN his
racing cap, ''and | ,lUnt want bit of him
chance
Layton was dumfounded.
IF he doesn't wlu.' he said, Il shall
come q crOpper.
Johnson looked at him queerly for a min
ute: then he said: Now go and square
yourself on Simokia. YOU can hedge on
him, for he's sure winner
And if he's beaten, said Layton, almost
angrly, L shall be n Il worse hole than
ever. l won't do it. I'll stand or fail hy
Zigzag, and I'll lay YOU 500 rupees to
nothing against his wianing.
II won't do it that way" said Johnson.
quickly. for that isn't u bet, If l can't
lose l can't win; that's the rule in betting;
but III take 300 rupees to 10
Here, Dick he cailcd sharply. YOU
rupees to 10 against ZisatS. If the horse
wins he pays me 5000, if he doesn't l Dav
him 10. That's clear understanding, ISN'T
it?"
Yes" answ red Layton, cheerfuny.
Its the only bet I've got on my mount
added Johnson, and it's Just throwing 10
rupees in the sea"
AS they rode over t. the post, Johnson
said to Dick: IN carry them along for you
half a mile, for with your light weight it
will be better for something to make the
running. When I'm done for you can go TO
the front and clneer home. l think you'll
have easy job
I'D rather be on Zigzag, sir" replied the
Jockey. Il know what he do, and |
don't like the feel of this fellow under me;
he's shifty.'
The race was q mile and a quarter. AS
the horses made heir way over to the
starting post across the course from the
stand Gaiety came up to Layton and said:
There's tremendous rush on Smpkin.''
And so there was. The stable money be-
ing all on, Harvey haC toll ;, few of MS
friends, and the ring flooding the book
makers with money for Simpkin.
Very few Were backing Zigzag, and he
was travelling out in the betting.
tn
were bowling in van-there were no takers
At the start Johnson was playing 10 get
away in front to. make the Running and
keep nice place for Silnpkin to drop into
when his horse was Deateu.
At the third attempt tney got away, very
much as the captain desired.
They're off, went up from the grand
stand in hoarse cry, and glasses were
twisting in and ont, as the seignt horses
scrambled for places.
black jacket, with red and yaiow
sleeves, shot to the front Immediately
'ZigZag leads" someb dy exclaimed and
Layton rubbed mis- glasses with his hand
kerchief and focused them on the leader
of the rushing troop.
He could see the red and yellow quarter
ca cap leaning far over the withers of The
big bay. Yes it was Zigzag
He's got away well said Layton to
Gaiety, without lowering his glasses Hes
trying anyway, and if It comes to any
brain work at the finish Johnson can give
all the boys seven pounds at that game"
When they had Travelled quarter of a
mile the back jacket was d length in front
of everything. Layton's heart lay like
lead in his breast. That was not Johnson's
tactics when he was cut to win a mile.
and-a-quarter race With ten stone up he
wouldn't be making his own running
Layton knew then that he had lost. II
was almost a relief to know just where he
stood. He had cast the die and lost
Some fool near him was croaking: Zig
zag'll win all the way He felt pity in
fis heart for the n ans utter ignorance of
racing. Perhaps, though, after all, it We're
49,
SAf