l do it!" exclaimed Harry excitedly.

"Looks cheerful," said Vincent.

Alan made no remark. He was not quite certain his horse would catch
White Legs and Manifest; he had given Spur the go by.

There was considerable doubt as to which horse would win, although the
odds were in favor of White Legs.

Bradley, riding a confident race, was on the alert; he never threw a
chance away. Tommy Colley got every ounce out of Manifest; and when
his brother drew alongside on Bandmaster he knew he must make the last
ounce a trifle over weight to win.

For a second the pair hung together, then Manifest was beaten, but
struggled on. Roar upon roar came from the vast crowd as Bandmaster
got to White Legs' quarters, and the excitement was tremendous.

Eve Berkeley looked on anxiously. At this critical point she hoped the
Baron's horse would be first past the post; she would draw a large sum,
and the prospect of winning was delightful.

Bradley was the stronger rider, but he had not more determination than
his young rival. Bandmaster drew level, and in the next few strides
got his head in front. At this Alan's feelings grew too strong for him
and he shouted:

"Bandmaster wins!" two or three times.

It was a grand race and one to be remembered.

Again White Legs held a slight advantage, but Bandmaster was not done
with, and the difference in weight told its tale. Colley was riding
hard; it was a very clever effort on his part, and recognized as such.
As they closed on to the winning-post Bandmaster again got his head in
front and this time White Legs could not wrest the advantage from him.

A few more strides decided the race. Bandmaster won by half a length
from White Legs, with Manifest third.

Although Alan's horse started at twelve to one he was heavily backed,
and his win was well received. There was much cheering as the horse
came in; the brown and blue was popular; the Chesney colors were always
out to win.

Alan came in for a full share of congratulations, Baron Childs being
one of the first to greet him.

"I suppose I must join in the paeans of victory," said Eve smiling.

"You can't feel very delighted under the circumstances," said Alan.
"It would have suited you better had White Legs won."

"Perhaps it would. Still I am very glad you have won a Hunt Cup at
last; you have had several tries," she replied.

"It's good of you to say so," he said. "I told you my horse had a big
chance."

"You did.