Evening star., 1902-08-09

pared with Cranes. His mind worked be-
hind a mask, but it worked with the clear
cut precision of clockwork. When his
thoughts had crystallized into form of
expression Crane was very apt to be exact
ly right in his deductions.
Save for the curling smoke that streamed
lazily upward from his cigar one might
have thought the banker fast asleep In
his chair, SO still he sat, while his mind Ia
bored with the quiescent velocity Of spin
ming top.
He had won big stake over Lauzanne's
victory. The race had helped beggar Por-
ter, and brought Ringwood nearer his COW
etous grasp. If Porter failed to win the
Eclipse his finances would be in a pitiable
state; he might even have to sell his good
flly Lucretia. That would be a golden op-
portunity. From desiring the farm insensi-
bly, Crane drifted into cOveting the mare.
He fell to wondering whether the Dutch
man might not beat Lucretia. question
of this sort was one of the few he discussed
with Langdon.
Crane had smoked hts cigar out, had set
| tied the trend of many things, and deVel-
oped the routine for his chessman.
"I'N give Porter rope enough, in the way
| OF funds to tangle himself, and In the
meantime I'll run up to New York and see
| what Langdon thinks about the Dutch
man." was the shorthand record Of his
| thoughts as he threw away the end of his
| cigar, took his hat and passel out Of the
/ bank.
i That evening he talked with his trainer.
| What should win the Elipse, Langdon?'
| he asked.
| well, don't know whatll start" began
| the trainer, with diplomatic caution, run
/ ming over in his mind the most likely two
| year -olds. ~
would Porter's mare have chance?"
| "I think she would. l hear somethin'
| about a trial she gave them good enough
! to win-if could find out her time-Porter
| don't talk much, an Andy Dixon's like a
| clam There's a boy in the stable, Shandy,
| that might pump
| .sDon't bother, Mr.. Langdon. I dislike
| prying Into anybody's business
! The trainer stared, but he didn't know
that Porter had told Crane all about the
trial. and so the latter could afford to take
| a virtuous pose.
HAS the Dutchman look-in! continued
Crane.
fit an got as bad ride as ever l see In my
life The race ought to be between 'em-l
| amt seen no two-year-olds out to beat thai
| pair
| I'd buy him. I like game horses, and men
too-that,ll take the gan ana try- so,, ,,,
"Do YOU remember the buying of Silve
| Foot, Langdon?
Yes"
"He was a good horse"
."The best handicap horse In the country
an he was sold for a song-seven thou
sand"
LESS than that, the first time cor
/ rected Crane.
Yes they stole him from old Walters
made him believe the horse was no good.
Just So commented Crane; I've hear
| that story" and his smooth putty-like FAC
, | remained blank and devoid Of all meaning
| as his eyes peered vacantly over tnei
| lower lids at the trainer.
7 Langdon waited for the other to continue
. | but the banker seemed wrapped up In
| retrospect Of the Silver Foot deal.
4 | II know Billy Smith that trains tn
2 | Dutchman,'' haZarded Langdon; hes
| boozer."
: I'm glad OF that-1 mean, that you kno'
L Smith," declared Crane. II happen
l.! know the owner-his name Is Baker. HI
= racing Is what might be called indiscrim
n | nate. and like men Of that class. he some
l. times blunders upon a good horse witho,
IT | knowing II; and I doubt very much bl
l. that II he knew all about the other race
how bad LauZanne really is: how the mar
II | Lucretia-well-got shut OF, and couldn
= get through her horses. say-of course h
r. own trainer. Smith. would have to tell hi
le these things, you understand. In fact,
Z | he knew the exact truth he might take
l. | reasonable offer for the Dutchman"
1T Langdon nodded approvingly. He lovt
d this subtle master: cards up his sleeves til
Is gled his nerves, and loaded dice were il
" forever.
Crane proceeded to unwind the silkt
b, cord. Naturally Smith would hate to 10
a fair horse out Of his stable and woul
perhaps attempt to thwart any deal: so,
n think you might remunerate him for h
40 loss"
ty when Silver Foot was sold. they ga