The Blue Grass Seminary Girls' Vacation Adventures Part 23

"We must prevent their meeting," said Mabel.

"But how?" demanded s.h.i.+rley, in excited tones.

"We'll see what can be done," said Wolfe.

He arose and went quickly to the stable, where he engaged Jimmy in conversation. Jimmy should not leave his sight until Jones had taken his departure, Wolfe said to himself.

Meantime Mr. Willing and Jones were holding a friendly conversation on the front porch. s.h.i.+rley and Mabel strolled into the parlor, where, through the open window, they could hear all that was being said.

"Yes, sir," said Jones, "it is regarded as a forgone conclusion that Gabriel will win the Derby. I'm backing him myself. Jupiter is the only other entry that has a chance."

"I'm glad to hear you say that," returned Mr. Willing. "I am counting on Gabriel winning. If he loses-well, I don't mind telling you, it will hurt."

"I suppose you are backing him strong?"

"No," said Mr. Willing, "I'm not. To tell the truth, I am through betting."

"Through betting?" asked Jones, in greatest surprise.

"Yes, I have promised my daughter."

"I see," said Jones, and changed the subject. "I wonder if I could get a look at Gabriel?"

"Why, certainly. I'll have some one call Jimmy, and he will show you the horse."

"Thanks," said Jones, and sat back to wait.

In response to the message delivered to an old negro, Jimmy came to the house. He started a little at sight of Jones, but recovered quickly.

Wolfe followed him.

"Jimmy," said Mr. Willing, "Mr. Jones would like to have a look at the winner of the coming Derby. Take him to Gabriel."

"Yes, sir," said Jimmy.

He walked away, Jones following him. Wolfe would have accompanied him, but Mr. Willing hailed him.

"Young man," he said, "I wish you would walk up to the pike and see if there is any mail in the box. I am expecting an important letter."

Wolfe was at a loss what to do. To leave Jimmy and Jones alone might work mischief, but Mr. Willing was not a man who could be put off.

"There's no hope for it," said Wolfe to himself, and set off toward the pike.

s.h.i.+rley and Mabel had overheard the conversation.

"Come," said the former, "we must at least find out what Jones says to Jimmy."

They left the house silently, and as silently followed the two to the stable. They managed to crawl into the stall next to Gabriel's without being discovered.

"Well, how is everything?" asked Jones.

"All right, sir," was the reply.

"How's Gabriel, in condition?"

"Perfectly fit, sir."

"Good; and do you think you can 'pull' him without causing talk? It must be neatly done, you know, for should the judges suspect anything they will disqualify the winner."

"What do you mean?"

"Just what I say. Surely you haven't forgotten our conversation in Cincinnati?"

"Cincinnati?" and Jimmy's blank look showed surprise.

"Yes; the little talk we had about letting Jupiter win."

"I don't know what you are talking about," protested Jimmy.

Jones stepped back and looked at Jimmy sternly.

"What are you trying to do, make a fool of me?" he asked. "I suppose you'll tell me in a minute you didn't see me in Cincinnati."

"I didn't," replied Jimmy.

Jones gave a long and expressive whistle.

"I see," he said. "Your conscience has troubled you, eh? You are going back on your bargain."

"I made no bargain with you," said Jimmy angrily.

"You didn't? I suppose you didn't write me to meet you in Cincinnati?

And I suppose that while there you didn't accept an offer of $500 to pull Gabriel in the Derby?"

"I did not."

Jones took a step forward and laid an angry hand on Jimmy's shoulder.

"Don't you lie to me, you little shrimp," he snarled. "You have made the bargain, and you'll live up to it or I'll know the reason why."

Jimmy jerked away angrily.

"I don't know what you are talking about," he exclaimed. "I made no bargain with you. I never saw you but once before. Now you had better get out of this stable or I shall call Mr. Willing and tell him all I know about you."

Jones tried to temporize. He could not disbelieve the evidence of his own eyes, and he naturally concluded that Jimmy was feigning ignorance for a purpose.

"I see," he exclaimed. "You are a shrewd little chap. Holding out for more money, eh? Well, I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll make it $750.

What do you say to that, eh? See that Gabriel loses the race and I'll give you $750. Come, what do you say?"

Jimmy hesitated.