ise
have lacked. With a reluctant sensation--half curiosity, half the
alien's unaccountable attraction towards conditions of life other than
his own--he found himself straining his eyes towards the two slight
figures moving towards him across the short grass. Nearer and nearer
they came, maintaining their level positions; then, as the last ditch
came clearly into view, the grey mare seemed to gather herself together
for the short final gallop and the jump. Leaning forward, he saw
Clodagh straighten herself in the saddle as each stride increased the
advantage she had gained.

Unconsciously--with the nearer pounding of the hoofs--the excitement
of the moment touched him. But it touched him with disastrous results.
As the mare neared the ditch, he suddenly leant forward, losing the
balance he had so carefully preserved.

The action was instantaneous, and it was but the work of another
instant to grasp the sturdy weeds that topped the ditch, and regain his
position; but unwittingly the harmless incident had changed the result
of the race. As he involuntarily steadied himself, the handkerchief,
held in readiness for the victor, slipped from his hand and fluttered
down upon the grass.

It fell at the feet of the grey mare. She paused in sudden alarm, then
hunched herself together, and shied away from it as from a ghost.

No harm was done. Clodagh kept her seat without a tremor; but in that
second of lost time the cob drew level with his rival, then sailed
triumphantly over the ditch.

For Milbanke there was a moment of horrible suspense, and a succeeding
relief that drove all thought of the race and its result far from his
mind. Immediately the field was clear he scrambled from his position
and hurried to where Clodagh was soothing the still frightened Polly.

"Miss Clodagh," he began, "I am so sorry. I assure you it--it was not
my fault."

Clodagh was bending low over the mare's neck, her flushed face
partially hidden. She made no reply to his confused and stammering
speech.

"Miss Clodagh," he began afresh, "you are not angry? You don't think it
was my fault?"

Clodagh laughed a little tremulously.

"Of course not," she said. "How can you be so silly? I hadn't her
properly in hand, that was all."

As she finished young Asshlin cantered back, halting on the further
side of the ditch. His face was also flushed and his eyes looked dark.

"Look here," he said, eyeing Milbanke, "what did you mean by balking
her