Sea Urchin.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXI, Issue 2776, 17 November 1931, Page 3

Sea Urchin.

BY E. C. BULEY.

CHAPTER IX.—(Continued)

Peter glanced at Gregory Despard, to see whether he was affected in any way by this display of Ann’s recklessness; but the Australian did not meet his glance. He merely devoted himself to his omelette, with the excellent appetite he never failed to display. But while Peter was smoking a pipe after breakfast and waiting for Ann, who had claimed him as her escort for a long ride over the downs, Despard came along with his usual dry grin. ‘The bleating of the kid excites the tiger, Pete,” he remarked. “If Camilla and her lord can separate Ann from that money, they will have earned it.” “Ann has no right to tempt them,” Peter said bluntly. “Perhaps she does not know what it means to be as hard-up as they are at present." “Ah, well,” Despard replied. “They shall not be left with even that excuse. This morning I mean to lay my proposals before my nephew. I’ll offer him a decent allowance, to be paid quarterly; as well as a clearance of all his present liabilities. Will he accept, do you think; and place Ihe boy and the old place unreservedly In my hands?” “He ought not to hesitate,” Peter replied. "Why should he? He never gives two thoughts either to the child or to Ledgeways.” “And, if he agrees, jjan I rely upon you?” Despard asked. “Will you act as guardian to the child, and as manager to Ledgeways? Everything hinges on that, you see.” “If the Colonel approves.” Peter said. “And Ann,” Despard said, with a smile which he intended to be ralher knowing. “Ann will approve, I think,” Peter said quietly. “1 hope so, at any rate.” “I’ve not consulted her, you know,” Despard warned him. “As far as I am concerned, this will come as a complete surprise to her. I don’t believe in mixing my business with the women of my family.” “As you say, Sir,” Peter replied. “It is purely a matter of business. I ■ know of no reason why Ann should disapprove of me, either as guardian to her second cousin, or as manager of the Ledgeways estate.” “Then I can rely upon you,” Despard persisted. “Whatever opinion Ann may choose to express? She is a young lady of very decided opinions, you know.” “You may rely upon my promise, sir,” Peter said. “I repeat that, Ido not see that Ann’s opinion can enter into such a matter, whatever that opinion may be. Nor do I understand why you should consider the .possibility of any disapproval on her part.” “Humph,” said Despard, openly disconcerted. “I hoped that you might. But I’m more than satisfied, so long as you are. I’ll tackle Ledgeways without loss, of time.” On the evening of that day, which was also the eve of the opening day. at GOodwood, Despard took Peter aside to acquaint him with the result of his negotiations. “I think Ledgeways will agree,” he said. “He was certainly tempted by the figure I named, and by the chance of settling with his creditors. I fancy some among them are getting rather importunate.” “But he did not return any decided answer?” Peter asked. “He said that he would talk it over with Camilla,” Despard replied. “Indeed, he went off to his wife forthwith, for that ostensible purpose. 1 rather expected some answer from them before now.” “They are probably considering the best way of hiding the nature of some of their liabilities,” Peter suggested. “They are both very childish, about money. If you really wish to give Ledgeways a clean sheet, you’ll have to be very firm with him, Sir.” “I expect so,” Despard agreed. “But I've made sure upon one point. No foolish sentiment will prevent him from handing over both his son and the old place. He boggled at neither of those points, which some men might have found grievous concessions to make.” “Did you inform him that I was the guardian and manager whom you had in mind?” Peter asked. “No, he displayed no curiosity; and I volunteered no information. But he mentioned you, as a person whom he desired to consult, as well as his wife.” “He is not likely to consult me, until he has made up his mind,” Peter said. “I expect he will agree. The delay is probably due to the fact that he had formed very extravagant expectations from your visit to England.” “That is my view,” Despard agreed. “Well, he is welcome to take all the time he needs, before deciding. But if he consults you, I should be obliged to you, if you could convince him that the offer is final, and the utmost he can expect.” “It is far more than they have any right to expect, sir,” Peter said. “I hope Ledgeways will be wise, for once in his life.” But, when the party set out for the racecourse on the following morning, Despard was still awaiting his answer. At the Goodwood course, and its beautiful surroundings Ann Despard was openly surprised and delighted.

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“No,” she confessed readily enough. “We have nothing like this in Australia. Racecourses there are very practical. They are ornamental and beautiful enough in their way, but it is all artificial and formal. This is like a big picnic party with racing thrown in.”

“There’s a practical side to it, though,” Ledgeways put in. “Try it for yourself, Ann. You can win three or four thousand pounds, if you give me the word to put that money you showed us upon Upgrade, in the second race. I’ve been talking to the owner, and he tells me that I can bet with safety.” “Splendid,” Ann said enthusiastically; though Peter was certain that he caught the note of mockery in her voice. “Let me see if the money is all here." Before the fascinated eyes of her needy cousin she counted the notes, turning back now and again to make . sure that a note for fifty pounds was > not one for a hundred. When she had made sure, she looked, doubtfully from Ledgeways to Peter. | “Couldn’t you bet it for me, Peter?” she asked. “I think you are luckier than Ledgeways, somehow.” j “I don’t do much betting,” Peter said awkwardly. “I never bet onefiftieth part of that sum, in ail my life.” i “But he could if he wanted to, couldn’t he?” Ann asked, appealing to Ronnie Scaife, of all people. I “Why, of course, he could,” Ronnie said, without any hesitation. “Everybody knows you, Peter, old thing: and it’s no use your pretending they don’t. If you popped a million on with any bookie, he’d take it; if it was convenient, I mean. What I mean to say is, he’d know he’d get his money, if , you lost." “Well, then, Peter shall bet on Up- ! grade for me,” Ann decided, thrusting her notes into Peter’s reluctant hands. 1 “It is all the same to you, of course, Ledgeways?” Ledgeways was scarlet with anger and disappointment; and he'was not able, to conceal his emotion. “It’s your money,” he snarled. “But I’m sick of hearing that talk about one man being luckier than another. Why should Gaunt be luckier for you than myself?” “I think he would be, anyhow,” Ann said serenely; and her manner was so innocent that it was impossible to convict her of any double meaning. There the matter rested, until the first race had decided, and the party had gone off for lunch. But no sooner had Ann satisfied her appetite, than she began to talk about her proposed gamble. “Come along, Peter,” she said, “We’ll go down to the parade ring, and have a look at our horse. I always like to take a good look at a horse, when I’m gambling upon him.” She carried the reluctant Peter way, beaming upon her disconcerted cousins. When they were well out of earshot, her manner changed. “Do you know what I think?” she said. “Ledgeways Is just a common racecourse crook.” “That’s a bit severe, isn’t it?” Peter asked. “I think that he picked out a runner that had no chance,” Ann went on. “He meant to put my money in his pocket. Let us see whether Upgrade is being backed, for a start.” “Why go into such a matter?” Peter asked. “If you have any doubts, why not keep your money, and let it rest there?” “Because I hate to be taken for a simpleton," Ann replied furiously. “I want to show them, once and for all, that I am nothing of the kind. Listen; the bookmakers are offering eight to one against Upgrade, in a held of five runners. Now suppose we have a look at the beast.” When Peter Gaunt saw the animal which Ledgeways had recommended as certain to win this race, his own anger was kindled. The colt was the meanest in appearance of the five runners, and looked like anything except a probable winner. Ann, who was less surprised at this revelation, simply shrugged lier shoulders and turned away. No comment was exchanged between them, for the girl saw that Peter was honestly shocked. She delayed returning to their party until the horses had gone' to the starting post; and by the time they had actually rejoined their friends, the start had been made. “What price did you get?” Ledgeways asked with a pitiful attempt at unconcern. “We didn’t bet,” Ann replied, in cold merciless tones.-- “We had a look at the moke, and that was quite enough. The only place for which I would have backed him is the last place, but bookmakers do not bet that way." “You’d have won that bet, don’t you know,” remarked Ronnie Scaife, who was watching the progress of the race through his glasses. “He’s fifty yards behind the rest of them.” There was an uncomfortable silence, as the horses ran past the finishing post, with Upgrade a bad last. . “I’m going to have a few words wth the man who gave me that tip,” Ledgeways announced savagely. He walked off at a great pace, with Camilla accompanying him. Peter saw Shadloe and Mercy Myddleton

exchanging meaning smiles, and he felt a sense of helpless shame. But during the remainder of that day, and during the evening that followed, one thing was made evident. Ann was no longer regarded by the members of the party as an unsophisticated Colonial girl; and she abandoned all pretence at being anything of the sort. The sharp lesson she had administered made Camilla regard her with an aversion which she could not conceal, but mingled with the aversion was also a grudging respect. (To be continued).

One Against Father. Little Paula had been sent to bedtearly for naughtiness, having been severely chided by her father. Later on, when her mother came to hear her prayers, she said at the end: "And please, God, don’t give father any more: children. He doesn’t know how to bell ave to the one lie has got.* 7