n on the flat. By degrees he overhauled Milkmaid, who had fallen
back, and passing her went in pursuit of Handy Man.

The race became desperately exciting. Alan appeared to have had a
relapse after his momentary rousing, and gave Bandmaster no help. It
was painful for Eve to watch him. As she looked she saw a red splash
on the khaki breeches and exclaimed:

"He's hurt! There's blood on him!" then sank backward. The Baron
steadied her in time. It was hardly a faint; she felt dizzy, and
quickly recovering thanked him.

Bandmaster ran his own race. He seemed to know what was required, it
was exciting to watch him.

Nearer and nearer he drew to Handy Man and Rowton had to ride hard.
The odds were in favor of the Baron's horse but Bandmaster, despite all
disadvantages, stuck to his guns and at last reached his girth.

The cheering was loud, it gave encouragement to Alan, he sat up in the
saddle and urged his mount to make a final effort.

It was just in time; another moment and Handy Man, driven hard by Dan,
would have won.

Bandmaster drew level. The pair were head and head for a couple of
strides. The crowd watched breathlessly, too excited to cheer for the
moment.

The winning post was only a few yards ahead. Alan saw it dimly and
held on to his work with grim determination.

Bandmaster's head was in front, then his neck, in another stride he was
half a length to the good. As he passed the post in front of Handy Man
cheering broke out wildly.

CHAPTER XXVIII

JANE'S DISCLOSURES

It was a sensational finish. As Alan rode in he hardly knew where he
was or what had happened. He managed to get out of the saddle,
unbuckle the girths and carry it into the weighing room. He sank into
the scale; when "all right" was declared he staggered to his feet,
outside they were waiting for him.

The crowd stood back, making way for Eve Berkeley and her friends. She
went quickly to Alan, took his arm firmly, Duncan Fraser the other side
helped him to limp along. The cheering was deafening, but Alan did not
notice it. When Eve spoke he made no reply.

It was evident he was not in a condition to remain on the course. Eve
insisted upon taking him to The Forest in her motor; she said there
would be more comfort than at Trent Park because he was not expected
home.

Alan was helped into the motor in a dazed condition. Eve and Duncan
Fraser went with him, She had her arm in his, pressing it
sympatheti