"I hope to win a good race with Lucky Boy, and I know Jack will be
delighted to have a winning mount."
The boys who had ridden with Jack were not long in telling their stable
companions that the new chum was "no slouch," and that he could ride
"above a bit." As to Lucky Boy, they were not much impressed with his
merits, as the horses they had ridden against him were not first class.
"The next thing we have to do is to purchase the second string," said
Jack smiling.
"And I think I have hit upon the very horse for you if he can be
bought," replied the trainer. "You see that dark brown over there
cantering alongside Bowery?"
They looked in the direction pointed out, and saw the horses he alluded
to.
"That's Black Boy. He's very useful; five years old, thoroughly
reliable, no vice, and an excellent schoolmaster. If they'll sell him he
is just the horse for you. He can win a welter race and you can ride him
yourself."
They watched the horse as he went past, and Jack was favourably
impressed. There was a "cut and come again" look about him that argued
well for his courage.
"What is he worth?" he asked.
"They are sure to ask a stiff price if they know we want him. He's not
in very good hands, and I have had my doubts about his running on more
than one occasion lately. I am under the impression they have been
bottling him up, and if I am correct, you might get a better race out of
him than many people would anticipate. No blame would attach to us; the
change of stables would account for the reversal of form; but, of
course, if it is as I surmise, it will put his price up. Black Boy is
honestly worth about three hundred; they will probably ask five, and you
may get him for something over four hundred."
"Will you try and buy him?" asked Jack.
"I had better keep out of it. If they think I want the horse they will
not sell. I am not in their good books, and have no desire to be; they
are not my class, but that has nothing whatever to do with the merits of
the horse."
"No, of course not," answered Jack, "but can you get anyone to approach
them for us?"
"Why not let me try?" said Barry, laughing. "I generally succeed in my
undertakings, and I fancy I can manage it. They'll probably take me for
a greenhorn."