"That," said the stranger in a hoa.r.s.e whisper, "is what I have come to see you about."

"What do you mean?" asked Jimmy.

"Well," said the stranger, "I represent a syndicate of bookmakers. You know what bookmakers are, don't you?"

"Yes: a bookmaker is a man who lives by betting on the races."

"Almost that. He is a man who lives by allowing others to bet with him.

Now, after looking over all the horses entered for the Derby, we have come to the conclusion that Gabriel is bound to win if the race is absolutely straight."

"Straight," repeated Jimmy. "What do you mean?"

"Just what I say. If Gabriel is allowed to win, we stand to lose considerable money. But if he should lose--" the stranger paused.

"But he won't lose," said Jimmy confidently.

"He will if you will help us," said the stranger.

"Why should I help you?" asked Jimmy.

"Because," said the stranger, "there will be money in it for you. What would you say to five hundred dollars?"

Both girls heard Jimmy give a slight gasp.

"Five hundred dollars," he repeated slowly.

"Yes," was the reply, "then your sister, who is so ill, may receive the proper medical attention."

"How do you know of my sick sister?" asked Jimmy in surprise.

"Oh, we know many things," was the reply. "For instance, we know that your employer is paying you very little, because he hasn't anything to pay you with. He has lost practically everything playing the races."

"Yes," said Jimmy, "that is true. He told me that everything depended upon Gabriel's winning the Derby."

"But if Gabriel did win," protested the stranger, "what would you get?

Not much; and here I am offering you five hundred dollars!"

"But you are asking me to be a traitor to my trust," said Jimmy.

"Not at all. I am simply showing you how to make the money you so badly need. Come, what do you say?"

"I don't know," said Jimmy slowly. "I don't know."

"Here," said the strange voice after a pause, "is my card. I shall give you a week to consider. Write me at this address, and I will tell you where you can meet me, and we will have another talk. You will surely do that, won't you?"

"Yes," said Jimmy. "I will do that."

"Good. Now I am going up to see your boss."

There was a sound of persons moving and, taking Mabel by the arm, Shirley quickly drew her into the nearest stall, where they stooped down to be out of sight.

Footsteps pa.s.sed along the outside, and a moment later the girls heard the voices of Jimmy and the stranger outside the stable.

"Quick," whispered Shirley, "we must get out of here without being seen."

Making sure that there was no one near, they emerged from the stall and, running the length of the stable, came out at the other end.

Hurrying to the shelter of a magnificent oak tree a hundred yards away, they sat down. For some minutes Shirley was silent, and Mabel did not interrupt her meditations. But at last Shirley spoke.

"And to think that Jimmy Smith would even consider a thing like that,"

she said slowly.

"It does seem impossible, doesn't it?" replied Mabel.

"After all Dad has done for him," continued Shirley. "Why, I remember the day Dad found him lying beside the pike. He was ragged and dirty, and had fallen from exhaustion. He had not eaten for two days, he said.

And it was true. Dad brought him home with us, and when he became stronger, offered him work, although Dad did not need him. That was two years ago, and he has been with us ever since. We have had entire confidence in him.

"I remember how pleased Dad was when he found Jimmy loved horses, and that horses loved him. He has carried our colors to victory more than once. And now to think that he would even consider selling Dad out. What shall we do?"

"I would tell your father immediately," said Mabel.

"It would seem best, wouldn't it?" said Shirley. "But he is so fond of Jimmy that I hate to do it."

She was silent for some moments.

"My gracious!" she exclaimed at length. "I have it."

"Have what?"

"A plan."

"What is it?"

"Well, I haven't had time to work it out yet, but when I do, I shall tell you. Now I want you to promise you will say nothing of what we have overheard to any one."

"I promise, of course," said Mabel, "but I wonder if I should."

CHAPTER VII.-MR. WILLING PROMISES.

The girls were still sitting there half an hour later, when Jimmy Smith ran into them.

"Miss Shirley!" he cried eagerly, and approached with outstretched hand.

"Mr. Willing told me you were back, and I have been hunting all over the place for you."

He turned to Mabel.