"The one occupation is almost as risky as the other."
"But you are more likely to go under at pearling than at racing."
"There is no harm in trying the former. I can easily leave it if I
wish."
"When we reach Fremantle I'll just put in a word for you both with Barry
Tuxford. He's got a finger in a good many things, and I should not
wonder if he dabbles in racing, there's a lot more of it than there used
to be in Western Australia."
They went on to the parade and Captain Seagrave pointed out the many
alterations that had been made at Brighton since he was a boy. "All
these fine houses at Hove have been put up since my time, and the sea
had a lot more of its own way than it has now," he said. They went on to
the old pier and listened to the band, and Captain Seagrave found his
companion so much to his liking that he forgot all about the time. It
suddenly occurred to him that he must make a move if he wished to be
back in London that night.
Jack had not much difficulty in persuading him to stop, and when they
returned to his room they sat up until the early hours of the morning
talking over the forthcoming voyage.
When Captain Seagrave left Brighton, Jack set out for The Downs.
Sir Lester and Winifred were much amused at his description of Captain
Seagrave, and his conversation.
"He knew your father," said Jack. "Strange, is it not, and also my
chance meeting with Harry Marton? I am commencing to think all these
happenings mean something in my favour."
"I am very glad you do not sail until after the Lewes meeting," said Sir
Lester. "I want you to ride Topsy Turvy in the Welter. He's top weight,
and there ought to be a fair price about him. I mean to put you a
hundred on, just for luck, and if he wins it will be a small amount of
capital for you to take out with you."
"I cannot accept it, indeed I cannot," said Jack.
"You must, my boy, just to please me. Remember you have ridden for me
several times, and won races, and have always refused anything I offered
you. Tell him, Win, he must allow me to have my own way on this
occasion, he will take more notice of you."
"Of course you must, Jack, it will be very unkind of you if you do not.
Besides, you have not won the race yet, although Caleb says it is a good
thing for Topsy Turvy if you ride. Promise me you will do as my father
wishes."
Jack had to give way before this combined attack, and acknowledged the
money would be very useful, if he happened to win.
A change had come over Winifred since Jack Redland's decision to leave
England. Her father noticed it and was troubled, after all she might be
fonder of him than she cared to confess. What a pity it was Jack had to
leave the country, but it was all for the best, and no doubt in time
Winifred would grow accustomed to his absence. Had he been to blame for
leaving them so much alone together? He thought not, for he liked Jack
Redland, and knew he was an honourable, upright man, even if he had
failed so far in life.
Jack remained at The Downs; there was always a room for him, and he was
treated as one of the household. The place had been almost a home to him
since his father died, and he felt he would regret leaving Sir Lester
and Winifred more than anything else, the parting with them would be the
most severe ordeal he would have to face.
Youth, however, is the time of hope and resolve, and he was sanguine of
success. So far everything had turned out strangely in his favour, and
there was no reason why it should not continue until his return.