de Valorsay's favor--his fortune, or,
at least, the fortune he was supposed to possess. "Why should
such a rich man stoop to cheat?" asked his defenders. "To put
money into one's pocket in this way is even worse than to cheat at
cards! Besides, it's impossible! Valorsay is above such
contemptible charges. He is a perfect gentleman."
"Perhaps so," replied the skeptical bystanders. "But people said
exactly the same of Croisenois, of the Duc de H., and Baron P.,
who were finally convicted of the same rascality that Valorsay is
accused of."
"It's an infamous slander! If he had been inclined to cheat, he
could have easily diverted suspicion. He would have let Domingo
come in second, not third!"
"If he were not guilty, and afraid of detection, he wouldn't pay
forfeit to-day nor sell his horses."
"He only retires from the turf because he's going to marry----"
"Nonsense! That's no reason whatever."
Like all gamblers, the frequenters of the turf are distrustful and
inclined to be quarrelsome. No one is above their suspicions when
they lose nor above their wrath when they are duped. And this
Domingo affair united all the losers against Valorsay; they formed
a little battalion of enemies who were no doubt powerless for the
time being, but who were ready to take a startling revenge
whenever a good opportunity presented itself.
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