And, by the Lord, I'll fix you to it! In ten days or a fortnight from this I'm going into training for the Foot-Race at Fulham.

Do you say I shall break down ?" "You will probably get through your training." "Shall I get through the race ?" "You may _possibly_ get through the race.

But if you do--" "If I do ?" "You will never run another." "And never row in another match ?" "Never." "I have been asked to row in the Race, next spring; and I have said I will.

Do you tell me, in so many words, that I sha'n't be able to do it ?" "Yes--in so many words." "Positively ?" "Positively." "Back your opinion!" cried Geoffrey, tearing his betting-book out of his pocket.

"I lay you an even hundred I'm in fit condition to row in the University Match next spring." "I don't bet, Mr.Delamayn." With that final reply the surgeon walked away to the other end of the library.