Carter frowned mysteriously. "I can tell you better in the
morning," he said. "It looks like Beldame, with Proper and First
Mason within call."

The white-haired man showed his surprise and also that his
ignorance was not as profound as he suggested.

"I thought the Keene entry----" he ventured.

"I know," said Carter doubtfully. "If it were for a mile, I would
say Delhi, but I don't think he can last the distance. In the
morning I'll wire you."

As they settled back in their car, Carter took both of Dolly's
hands in his. "So far as money goes," he said, "we are independent
of your mother--independent of my books; and I want to make you a
promise. I want to promise you that, no matter what I dream in the
future, I'll never back another horse." Dolly gave a gasp of
satisfaction.

"And what's more," added Carter hastily, "not another dollar can
you risk in backing my books. After this, they've got to stand or
fall on their legs!"

"Agreed!" cried Dolly. "Our plunging days are over."

When they reached the flat they found waiting for Carter the junior
partner of a real publishing house. He had a blank contract, and he
wanted to secure the right to publish Carter's next book.