"
"What is it?" said Bunny.
"Just this." Jake leaned forward; there was speculation in his look. "I
want you to chuck racing--altogether--for a year. There!"
"Chuck racing!" Bunny sat up very straight. "Jake! Why on earth should
I?"
Jake's hand closed upon him. He was smiling a little but there was
something relentless behind his smile. "Oh, just to please me," he said.
"That's all."
Bunny stared at him. "Chuck racing!" he said again. "Jake, you're mad!"
"No, I guess not," said Jake imperturbably. "I'm not arguing any against
racing. Played straight, it's the best game in the world. I'm just asking
a personal favour of you. There's nothing to be hurt about in that."
There was an ominous gleam in Bunny's eyes. He looked as if he were on
the verge of open rebellion, but with his last words Jake's steady arm
suddenly went round his shoulders and gave him a hard, brotherly squeeze.
"Don't do it if you're going to hate me for it!" he said. "Reckon I can't
afford that. I knew it was a gamble when I started. If I can't win, I'll
back out right now."
"Jake!" Quick feeling sounded in Bunny's voice. He turned sharply, and
for an instant his cheek was against the kindly hand with the old boyish
gesture of affection.
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