'So I see,' Sean gruffed, and waited for Dirk to show courtesy to the
men with him, but Dirk ignored them and spoke only to Ronny Pye.
'Let's hear it.'
'Well, then. A contest between Garry Courten ey's colt Grey Weather
and Sean Courtney's filly Sun Dancer. An honour match with no stake
put up by the owners. Agreed?
'Right,' said Sean.
Garry opened his mouth and then closed it firmly and nodded.
He was sweating a little. He unfolded the handkerchief in his hand and
wiped his forehead.
'The distance approximately five miles around four points.
The points being firstly the posts that have been erected on this
field, secondly the northeastern boundary marker of the farm
Theuniskraal. ' Ronny pointed at the crest of the escarpment that
stood above them, its slope golden with grass in the morning sun and
smeared with streaks of dark green bush. 'Thirdly, the No. 3 dip-tank
of Mahobo's Kloof farm, which you can't see from here as it is behind
those trees.' Ronny's arm described a long arc along the crest of the
escarpment and stopped pointing at the spires of a clump of saligna
gums. 'But both of you know it?' 'Sure,' agreed Dirk, and Michael
nodded. 'The fourth and finishing-point is the same as the
starting-point-here. ' He jerked his thumb at the two posts that
fluttered gay with flags.
Stewards have been posted at the Theuniskraal boundary and the
dip-tank-make sure You pass on the far side of them.
The judges are Messrs. Petersen, Erasmus and myself. All and any
dispute regarding the running or interpretation of the rules will be
decided by us. - . .' Ronny went on talking and Sean felt. his
excitement mounting from his stomach and beginning to tingle along his
forearms. It was taking a hold on all of them now, even Ronny's voice
had an edge to it. Though Sean did not understand that the fox like
eagerness of his face came from the knowledge that this was a contest
in which he stood to gain more than any of them. But Garrick
understood also, and his eyes watched Ronny's lips hypnotically.
'That's it, then, ' Ronny finished and then to the riders,
'Get saddled up, and bring your horses to the start. ' The judges
walked away and left the four Courtneys standing together.
'Sean Garry spoke first, his eyes were stricken. 'I think you should
know . . . ' but he did not finish.
'What?' Sean asked abruptly, and at the tone of his voice Garrick
straightened up. The thing in his eyes changed shape, and became what
Sean had never expected to see there-pride.
'It doesn't matter. ' Garry turned away and walked purposefully
towards his horse, and there was a spring in his stride and a set to
his shoulders.
'Good luck, Mike.' Sean punched his arm.
'And the same to you.' Michael started after Garrick, then stopped and
turned back to Sean. 'Whatever anyone else says, Sean, I know you
didn't plan this. ' Then he was striding away.
