Major
Tifto looked hard at him but said nothing. 'Of course you must see
your way.'
'I don't quite understand.'
'Race 'orses are expensive animals,--and races generally
expensive.'
'That's true.'
'When so much is dropped, somebody has to pick it up. That's what
I've always said to myself. I'm as honest as another man.'
'That's of course, said the Major civilly.
'But if I don't keep my mouth shut, somebody'll have my teeth out
of my head. Every one for himself and God for us all. I suppose
there's a deal of money flying about. He'll put a lot of money on
this 'orse of yours for the Leger if he's managed right. There's
more to be got out of that than calling him Silverbridge and
walking arm-in-arm. Business is business. I don't know whether I
make myself understood.'
The gentleman did not quite make himself understood; but Tifto
endeavoured to read the riddle. He must in some way make money out
of his friend Lord Silverbridge. Hitherto he had contented himself
with the brilliancy of the connection; but now his brilliant
friend had taken to snubbing him, and had on more than one
occasion made himself disagreeable.
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