_BADLY RIDDEN_
Such a man as Barry Tuxford was quickly missed in the circles he
frequented in Sydney, and twenty-four hours had not elapsed since his
departure, when Jack Redland was bombarded with questions as to his
whereabouts. He found some difficulty in answering them, but parried
thrusts in such a clever manner as would have aroused Barry's
enthusiasm. It was with Joel Kenley he had most difficulty. Barry's
instructions were clear: "Tell no one where I have gone." This, of
course, included the trainer, although Barry had probably not meant such
to be the case. At first Jack was inclined to tell him everything, but
on second thoughts abandoned the idea.
He explained, as well as he could, that Barry had been suddenly called
away on business of importance and might not be back for some weeks,
also that he had left him in sole charge of the horses.
"It seems strange," said Joel. "He might have told me he was leaving
Sydney."
"He had no time," replied Jack, "or I am sure he would have done so. I
quite understand your thinking it a strange proceeding, but I hope you
have confidence enough in me to act as we may think best."
"Certainly I have," replied Joel. "I know more of you than Mr. Tuxford,
but naturally my curiosity is roused, and I should like to know where he
is; however, if you are not at liberty to tell me it makes little
difference."
"Do me a favour," said Jack. "Ask no more questions about him, and
whatever you think keep it to yourself."
This the trainer promised to do, and Jack said that in due time he
should be placed in possession of all the facts concerning Barry's
sudden disappearance. They then discussed the coming racing season, and
finally decided Jack should ride Lucky Boy in the Welter race at
Rosehill.
This was to be run on the following Saturday, and some very fair horses
were entered. The race was for amateur riders, approved by the Stewards,
and professionals were allowed to be put up with seven pounds extra.
Lucky Boy had done well during the short time he had been at Randwick,
and Joel Kenley commenced to think he was a much better horse than he
anticipated. The Rosehill Welter would give him a good line to go upon.
He did not expect the horse would win, and candidly said so to Jack, but
he expected him to make a creditable display.
"It will be a good mount for you at any rate," he said, "and you can
keep your eyes open and see what the others are doing."
There was a big crowd at the popular suburban course, and when the
Rosehill Handicap had been decided, the Welter was the next race on the
card.
Considerable curiosity was aroused as to how the new arrival from
Western Australia would shape, and also as lo how Jack Redland would
handle him. He had decided to ride in Barry Tuxford's colours, cherry
jacket, white sleeves, because he was anxious Sir Lester's jacket should
be on a winner the first time they were out, and Lucky Boy did not hold
a first class chance.
Where was Barry Tuxford, the owner of Lucky Boy? This was a question
freely asked, but no answer was forthcoming. During his visit to Sydney,
Barry had somewhat astonished the mining speculators by the cleverness
of his transactions, and on more than one occasion it had been a
question of the biter being bitten.
The popular opinion, amongst these men, was not very wide of the mark.
They thought he had gone away to prospect, or to examine some new land
up country, but they did not know he had sailed for Fremantle.
Had there been the slightest inkling as to Barry's destination, and the
reason for his journey, there would have been a ferment of excitement,
and probably a rush by the next boat to follow on his trail.
Abe Moss put the question straight to Jack.
"Where's Barry Tuxford?" he asked. "You may as well tell me, I am sure
to find out in time."
"Then you can wait for that time," said Jack, "for you will gain no
information from me."
"Precious clever you think yourselves, no doubt," growled Abe. "Did he
tell you before he left that I was to be 'in the know' when your horses
were having a try?"
"Our horses always try, no matter what yours may do," replied Jack.