"You mustn't mind Mike, Redpath," said Allis; "he's a good friend of our
family, and is upset over the race, that's all."
"I don't blame him," answered the jockey; "he would have rode it out and
spoiled your chance with the mare--that would have done no good."
"Still, I hardly like it," answered the girl. "I know you did it for my
sake, but it doesn't seem quite right. Don't do anything like this
again. Of course, I don't want Lucretia pushed beyond her strength, nor
cut up with the whip, but she ought to get the place if she can. People
might have backed her for the place, and we've thrown away their money."
"The bettors will look after their own interests, Miss Porter, and they
wouldn't help you a little bit if you needed it; they'd be more like to
do you a bad turn. If I'd driven the mare to death, an' been beaten for
the place, as I might have, the, papers would have slated me for
cruelty. You must believe that I did it for the best, Miss."
"I do, and I suppose I must thank you, but don't do it again. I'd rather
you didn't carry your whip at all on Lucretia; she doesn't need it; but
don't ease her up if you've got a chance till you pass the winning
post."
As the two finished speaking, and moved away, a thin, freckled face
peered furtively from the door of stall number six.
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