He lagged a little behind with Bundle.

“Old Pongo’s a cautious player⁠—he takes no risks. Now, with me it’s neck or nothing. And a fine motto through life, don’t you agree, Lady Eileen?”

“Hasn’t it ever landed you in trouble?” asked Bundle, laughing.

“To be sure it has. Millions of times. But I’m still going strong. Sure, it’ll take the hangman’s noose to defeat Terence O’Rourke.”

Just then Jimmy Thesiger strolled round the corner of the house.

“Bundle, by all that’s wonderful!” he exclaimed.

“You’ve missed competing in the Autumn Meeting,” said O’Rourke.

“I’d gone for a stroll,” said Jimmy. “Where did these girls drop from?”