The Race

How exciting! I’ve never been to a race course before. I’m going to place a bet on the next race.

You can’t.

Of course I can. Everyone else is.

Yes, but they aren’t actually racing.

What do you mean?

If you’re racing you can’t bet on the race. This is your name isn’t it? Charles ‘Lightning’ Lewis?

What? Yes. Lightning? I don’t understand.

It’s very simple. If your name’s down you have to race.

B-But, I don’t want to race.

You have to.

But I’m not a horse!

Semantics. You have to race.

I feel sick. I have to lie down.

There isn’t time. You need to make your way to the stalls.

They wouldn’t make a sick horse race!

Your jockey should be along in a minute.

I refuse to carry a diminutive man on my back. That is too humiliating.

You won’t be able to race otherwise.

Oh. Well...I suppose I must then.

You must.

Will he whip me?

He will if you’re slow.

I won’t like that.

You need to hurry.

Oh. Okay. Wish me luck. Maybe even place a bet on
me. Are my odds good?

No.

Will you place a bet on me? Please.

Maybe.

Thank you.