s anxious. She wanted Alan to win both matches; at the same time
she was glad Mr. Hallam's horses showed such good form. She was quite
willing to accept his excuse that they would have done better had they
been thoroughly acclimatized. There was, however, little time to think
over these things; all attention was concentrated on the race, which
was now at the most exciting part, and the tumult at its height. The
brown jacket with the blue sleeves held the lead as they came up the
rise, but the black and orange hoops were close on to them, and
Rainstorm's head was at Bandmaster's girth.

It was a punishing finish, but neither horse gave way--a splendid
display of dogged courage and endurance, it appealed to all that was
best in thousands of people witnessing it.

Bradley roused himself for a final effort; few jockeys had his strength
at the end of a severe course; he had snatched races out of the fire by
sheer power of endurance.

Tommy had beaten him yesterday; he was almost savagely determined not
to be placed second to-day. Every nerve was strained, all his
resources, and they were many, were called upon. He rode with his head
as well as his legs, and judged every little thing in favor of his
mount.

If Rainstorm had a bit of brilliant dash in him all would be well, but
had he? From the way the horse had traveled Ben doubted but
nevertheless determined to test him to the utmost. He felt the horse
roll a trifle and held him firm. What caused this? He was certain
Rainstorm was not beaten.

Then Bandmaster did the same thing, but it was more of a lurch and
Colley gasped in surprise. Both jockeys were straining to the utmost
but had not drawn their whips. Bradley was the first to raise his arm;
Colley saw it and immediately followed suit. The whips came down
simultaneously, the result was equal and the horses kept their
positions. Again the whips fell and this time it was Bandmaster made
the better response.

It was not a cruel race; these reminders were not vicious, so sensitive
were the wonderfully bred horses that they answered to the least call.

Alan's horse gained half a length and there was a terrific cheer; the
brown and blue was well in front, the black and orange hoops fell back.

A look of disappointment stole over Bernard Hallam's face. Rainstorm
was his favorite; he would have given much to see him win. Two miles
was his best distance. What a horse Bandmaster must be to beat him! A