The tumblers
who had started for the ring stopped in their tracks to gaze in open-
mouthed wonder at the straight, grotesque figure that faced Braddock.
The proprietor blinked unbelievingly. Then he gave vent to a short,
derisive laugh.
"You will, will you?"
David felt a hot wave of blood rush to his head. His offer had met
with the rebuke it deserved!
"I thought that if it was only the money, I could let you have it. I
didn't mean to try to buy you off," he explained hastily.
"Are you in earnest?" demanded Braddock, depositing the stake on the
ground, a curious glitter swimming across his eyes.
"About the money?"
"Certainly. Where are you going to get it?"
"I've got it with me," said David, feeling at his side. A look of
dismay spread over his face. It was quickly dispelled by the
recollection that his own clothes were lying in the men's dressing-
room. "It's in my vest."
No one thought to oppose him as he passed hastily under the flap. He
was back in a moment, carrying his rain-soaked waistcoat. With nervous
fingers he drew a heavy pin from the mouth of the inside pocket, and
extracted a long leather purse therefrom.
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