Page:Waylaid by Wireless - Balmer - 1909.djvu/329

Rh last chance for any one to win a pool upon this crossing, and—if Scotland Yard does its duty—the last chance any one shall ever have to encounter Mr. Manling!

"I now offer you the best chance of all—high field! We have sold single numbers only up to four hundred and forty miles, and anything the ship runs above that, gives all to high field. You all know that the captain is trying to make record time, that the coal is the best Wales can furnish, and that the sea is smooth, and the engines running without a hitch. It is really certain that high field will win, as it has—"

Young Preston followed the fresh bidding mechanically as he and Miss Varris seated themselves upon the deck without. He had bought one of the earliest numbers offered, and had broken from the smoke and closeness and chatter within for the glory of the clear evening and—the wonderful friend he would find upon the deck.

"Eight hundred shillings!" floated out.

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