been diverted at the Road House by a large family of small
pigs in an enclosure surrounded by wire netting; and Jim's most alluring
promises and his direst threats were both unavailing against the charms
of the squealing, grunting creatures, the like of which his spellbound
chargers had never seen before.

Dan was several hundred feet ahead of George, and the latter could but
look with some misgivings at the even pace of Judge, Jimmie and Pete; a
pace that as yet showed no sign of weakening. Of course should Mego's
pups prove faster than his own team, he would loyally give all credit
due the driver and dogs; but it would be a bitter disappointment indeed
if Spot did not manifest the wonderful speed that Matt had always
predicted for him, and if there was no evidence in superior ability, of
the long hours of careful attention that George had devoted to his
education as a leader.

When Dan's team finally rounded the pole, and was headed toward him,
George realized that the work of Mego's sons evinced not only mechanical
precision, but the intelligence of their breeding, and the advantages of
their early training by "Scotty." Dan would indeed, as he had boasted,
"give them a run for their money."

"_Mush_, Spot, Queen, Baldy," and there was a slight increase in
briskness, which was checked again as they swung by the guard.

"Now then, Spot," and George gave a peculiar shrill whistle that to the
dog meant "Full Speed Ahead."

He watched the distance between himself and Dan decrease slowly at
first; then more rapidly until they were abreast of one another. True to
their compact they did not speak, and the inclination of Spot to stop
for the usual visit beside his stable mates received no encouragement.
Instead he got a stern command to "Hike, and hike _quick_!"

Beyond were the other teams, almost together, and to George it seemed as
if he barely crept toward Bob and Bill; though there was a steady gain
to the point where he could call out for the right of way to pass--a
privilege the driver of the faster team can demand.

But just behind him came Dan, whose dogs now felt the inspiration of the
stiff gait set them by their friends; and both boys knew that from now
on the race was between them alone.

George was more experienced in handling dogs, but Dan's dogs were easier
to handle. It was narrowing down to a question of the skill of the
driver on one side, pitted against the excellence of the dogs on the
other. Un