The Rocking Horse Winner Page #4

Paul, I've got an idea.

Goodwood is only 40 minutes away.

How'd you like to go racing and see

the real thing?

Really?

I've never been racing before.

Come on then. Let's see what you

think of it.

What exactly does this mean?

- What do you want?

- 40 pounds, lady.

You've had a judgment entered

against you for this.

- Pretty, isn't it?

- Don't be impertinent.

- Leave this house at once!

- I'm in possession.

I don't understand.

How dare you!

Don't get tough. It only makes it more

difficult.

Leave or I'll get the police.

Don't be silly. It's a waste of time.

We all know I'm a bailiff.

Here's the order for possession.

How about the 40 pounds?

Bailiff?

You know, the funny man in the plays.

But we aren't so funny.

Will you go away?

No, I won't.

Not without 40 pounds.

- I'll write you a check.

- No good. Cash only.

You don't expect me to keep 40 pounds

in the house?

I don't expect anything. I just stay

until I get the money.

- You stay here?

- That's right.

- All the time?

- Day and night.

Night and day.

Reminds you of Cole Porter,

doesn't it?

It's absurd! I can't get to the bank

before it closes.

- Can't your husband bring the money?

- No, he can't.

People are coming to dinner here this

evening! Important people!

Alright, I'll keep out of the way.

I won't disgrace you.

If you don't mind my asking -

you can't get this money, can you?

Not right away, I mean.

I only asked.

I wanted to know how long I might

be staying.

How long?

Couple of days? A week?

Ten days?

- You'll be out by this evening.

- Not without the money.

You'll have every filthy penny!

Bassett, get me a taxi. Tell cook I

have to borrow her housekeeping money.

Look at the taxi! Let's have a ride!

- Wait please.

- Don't be too long, ma'am.

Mr. Tsaldouris...

Let's see what you've got here.

- I was given your name...

- Never mind that.

How much do you want?

- I'd hope you would...

- Make an offer?

An offer?

20 pounds for all.

20 pounds?

But Mr. Tsaldouris,

do you realize this dress alone cost

100 pounds?

I do.

20 pounds.

Ridiculous.

These shoes cost 20.

These things are worth more than that.

They are...to me.

I'm going to put 20 on that one myself,

and I'll put something on for you on

whatever you like.

- Daffodil, Uncle.

- Not Daffodil!

But that's the winner!

Alright, Daffodil it shall be!

For both of us.

Come along.

You asked for an offer. I have.

What do you think?

I thought 50 pounds.

You're joking.

Thirty pounds. That's the best I can do.

They're worth far more than that.

You're trying to cheat me.

Naturally.

How much you got to have?

I know you need the money quick.

And you want cash, don't you?

No check.

Cash - today.

How much?

40 pounds.

Throw in the case and I'll give you 40.

No! The case is worth far more than that!

Besides, it was given to me.

- I'm fond of it.

- Good day, lady.

Alright, Mr. Tsaldouris.

40 pounds for the lot.

Okay, I'll get the money.

"Daffodil staying up there on the

far side..."

"It's anybody's race."

"Looks like Mercer, then Daffodil..."

"No, it's Daffodil!"

Here you are. 40 pounds.

Won't you count it?

No, Mr. Tsaldouris.

I trust you.

Thank you.

Get out of here!

Where to now?

I've changed my mind, driver.

I'm going to walk.

You're going to what?

I'm going to walk.

Thank you.

Ain't you forgotten something?

You're too generous. I couldn't

take all this money from you.

What should I do with these?

Basset and I collect them for Mother.

You're not really serious about betting

all this money are you?

Yes, I am. It's between you and me,

isn't it?

- I mean, on the bright.

- It's on the bright.

I must speak with Bassett.

What's all this nonsense about you

and Paul betting on the horses?

I'm not clear about what Master Paul

has been telling you.

He says your pardners. That's you've

made a lot of money. Is it true?

Is it true?

It's like this...

Master Paul would get me talking

about racing.

He always wanted to know if I'd

won of lost.

It's been about 18 months ago that

I place the first bet for him and he lost.

Then the luck changed. With that

10 shillings he got from you.

We put that on Sengalese.

Since then, it's been pretty steady.

- How steady?

- Pretty steady.

It's alright when we're sure.

It's when we're not sure we lose.

Yes, that's all very fine.

But when are you sure?

Ask Master Paul.

It's as if he had it from Heaven.

Like Daffodil today at Goodwood.

That was as sure as eggs.

Did you bet on Daffodil?

- Yes, sir.

- How much?

- I did alright.

- Paul too?

I did alright for him too.

Yes. How much, Bassett?

1200 pounds, sir.

1200 pounds?

That's right. 1200 pounds.

Paul!

Come here a minute.

Alright, Bassett - where's the money?

It's safe. I keep it locked up.

Master Paul can have it anytime

he wants it.

I don't believe it!

If it's alright with Master Paul,

you can see it.

I'll show it to you.

Amazing.

I still don't understand. When

exactly are you sure?

Sometimes I'm absolutely sure.

Like about Daffodil.

When you are absolutely sure,

what makes you so sure?

I don't exactly know.

I'm just sure!

- Just like he had it from Heaven, sir.

- I should think so.

- Do you still want me for a pardner?

- Oh yes, don't we Bassett?

You will bring us lots more luck.

I seem to be getting the best of

the bargain.

Shouldn't that money be in a bank?

I suggested that to Master Paul, but

we're a bit superstitious.

We'd rather not break the luck.

You know best, but still...

Good night. I must go. I'm late.

We will talk later in the week.

Good night and thanks for a great day!

Please don't tell anyone about

our partnership.

It's our secret.

We're pardners, aren't we?

We must shake hands on it.

I won't tell a soul.

The next time you're "sure" don't

forget to tell me.

- Good night, Bassett.

- Good night, sir.

Oscar darling, I thought I'd

missed you.

Did you have a lovely day?

A curious thing has happened to me.

Have you ever been told something

fantastic, impossible

something that just couldn't happen?

And yet, you've seen the evidence

of it and held it in your hand...

Like if Nannie told the children

a fairytale,

and suddenly produced a leprechaun

and put it in front of them.

What are you talking about?

Oh, nothing.

Nothing of importance.

- Must you go?

- Yes, I'm late.

Did Paul enjoy himself?

Paul?

Yes, we had a splendid day together.

- Here's your money.

- Thanks, lady.

I've been asleep. Hope you don't mind.

40 pounds collected.

Hurry and go.

You want your discharge don't you?

There's just one other matter...

nothing to worry about.

There's an extra 7 and 6.

7 and sixpence? What for?

My services. I don't do this for nothing.

Do you mean...

- Do you have the nerve to tell me...

- Yes, I do.

7 and 6 a day we get.

No 7 and 6, no discharge paper.

I haven't any more money.

That's a pity.

I only want to tell her about Goodwood.

- Nannie, have you any money?

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