. Hallam's comment when he met Alan in the
paddock.

"They are," he replied; "there is nothing between them."

"Only half a head," answered Mr. Hallam, smiling, "but it makes all the
difference."

"I thought I'd just done it," said Bradley.

"So did I," said Colley. "It was the last stride; they were dead level
next moment."

"It was worth coming home for," said Alan enthusiastically. "There'll
be some fun at the front to-night. There were several wagers on. They
are all great sports."

"Will they hear the result?" asked Eve.

"Oh, yes; you've no idea how news gets round; it's remarkable where it
comes from--Lord only knows," said Alan.

There was much speculation in Newmarket during the evening as to the
next day's match. Southerly Buster had run such a race that it was
considered Rainstorm, who was the better horse, had a splendid chance
of beating Bandmaster. Many people doubted the Hunt Cup winner's
capability to stay two miles. Mr. Hallam was so impressed with
Southerly Buster's performance that he laid several big wagers
Rainstorm would win. Alan was not oversanguine, although Fred Skane
declared Bandmaster's task was easier than The Duke's.

Baron Childs invited Alan, Evelyn Berkeley, and the Hallams to stay
with him for the night; he also had other friends there. During the
evening there was some wagering on the next day's match and opinions
were about equally divided.

The Baron was particularly attentive to Eve. Alan smiled as he said to
himself:

"He does not know we are engaged. Eve is mine; there's no chance for
anybody else."

Alan walked to Skane's after dinner and had a long talk with him over
the running of his horses.

"Think we'd better put Robin Hood over the sticks," he said. "I've
found out he's a good fencer; there'll be some meetings under National
Hunt rules during the winter and next spring."

Alan was pleased at the suggestion; he loved a ride over the sticks or
steeple-chase course, and Robin Hood was just the mount for him.

CHAPTER XX

TWO STAYERS

When Rainstorm and Bandmaster cantered down the course they were
greeted with cheers; the second match was regarded with even more
interest than the first.

The element of doubt about the staying powers of Bandmaster caused odds
to be laid on the Australian, who had the reputation of a long distance
winner. Alan was rather surprised at this, and supported his horse
freely in order to make him favorite.