It was the genuineness of the show that attracted the people, and the place was crowded every night. Money came rolling in and the promoters were in high spirits.
Ivor Hadwin, Bellshaw's trainer, had been a great rider of rough, unbroken horses on his father's station, before they fell on evil times, were ruined by drought and moneylenders, and came to Sydney. On the station he had ridden the worst of buckjumpers, and he thought with a little practice he might be able to stick on The Savage for ten minutes and win the two hundred pounds. For four nights running he succeeded in riding the horses for the lowest prizes. Then he won one of fifty pounds, and Glen Leigh complimented him.
"You'll have to try for the two hundred," he said to Ivor.
"Will you allow us to advertise it?" asked Glen.
"Certainly," answered Hadwin. "I've no objections. You've treated me well, and paid me the money I have won."
"We shall always do that, and I hope you have to draw the two hundred, but I warn you The Savage is a demon, and you'll have to keep your eyes open," said Glen.
"I believe at one time I could ride as well as you, but training has made me a bit soft," replied Hadwin.
Strange to say Glen Leigh did not know Hadwin was a trainer. No one told him, probably taking it for granted that he knew.
"Yes, at Randwick. Come and see me one day."
"With pleasure," said Glen. "Who do you train for?"
"I wonder someone has not told you about me," he said.
"I never asked. There is such a heap of things to do I've had no time, and it matters little who wins the prizes," returned Glen.
Glen started. This was strange, especially as the horses all came from Mintaro.
"So do I, too well," answered Ivor. "He's a hard man to please."
Someone called him away and he left Hadwin, saying he would call and see him next morning.
"I'll be there. Come about eleven," said Ivor.
"What night will you attempt to ride The Savage?" asked Glen, looking back.
Glen told Bill what had passed between them when he reached The Kangaroo.
Jerry Makeshift was there. "You mean to say you didn't know until to-night who Ivor Hadwin was?" he asked.
"It didn't interest me. It was part of the show."
"Well, I'm blessed. That's funny; everybody knows Hadwin. I'm told he's likely to win the Caulfield Cup, or the Melbourne Cup, or both, for Bellshaw," said Jerry.