Mr. Cazenove spluttered even more furiously. "That's a dashed good
horse I'll have you know."

"I am not alluding to his morals, but to his appearance," said Albert
Edward; "I've seen better-looking hat-racks."

"I'd back him to lick the stuffing out of anything you've got in this
unit, anyway," Cazenove snorted.

"Don't be rash, Charlie," Albert Edward warned; "your lucky afternoon
has gone to your head. Why, I've got an old mule here could give that
boneshaker two stone and beat him by a furlong in five."

The gunner sprang to his feet. "Done with you!" he roared. "Done with
you here and now!"

Albert Edward appeared to be somewhat taken back. "Don't be silly,
man," he soothed. "It's pitch dark outside and cut up with trenches.
Sit down and have some more of this rare old port, specially concocted
for us by the E.F.C."

But Mr. Cazenove was thoroughly aroused. "You're hedging," he sneered;
"you're scared."

"Nonsense," said Albert Edward. "I have never known what fear is--not
since the Armistice, anyhow. I am one of the bravest men I have ever
met. What are you doing with all that money?"

"Putting it down for you to cover," said Cazenove firmly.