Part 43 (1/2)

The horses were at the post as he cantered down. The starter wondered why the favorite was late. He could not let them go without him.

The riders looked at the khaki-clad horseman and some of them recognizing him cheered wildly.

”It's Captain Chesney,” said Dan Rowton, rider of Handy Man.

When he came up there was a general cheer and many of them expressed pleasure that he was riding. There was no time to talk. Alan smiled his thanks and took his place in the center. In a minute or two they were off, Frosty going away with the lead.

Alan's feelings can be imagined. He was excited, small wonder at it.

He thought how wonderful that he was there in Trent Park, riding in the steeplechase.

The tension of the motor ride against time strung him to the highest possible pitch and he had not quite recovered from his wounds.

How glorious it was to be on Bandmaster! How much had happened since the horse won the Hunt Cup! Many startling events had crowded one another in rapid succession.

Bandmaster moved well. Alan was already on good terms with his mount.

The first fence was reached, not a formidable obstacle. All the horses got over but three or four jumped wildly. Bandmaster flew it like a bird.

There were three spills before the stand was reached. As they swept past there was much cheering. Bandmaster's rider was singled out for a tremendous reception as the horse cleared the stiff fence in grand style.

The rider in khaki looked conspicuous among the bright-colored racing jackets--hatless, his uniform well worn.

They swung round the bend, then entered some ploughed land which found out the weak spots. Two fields were crossed and the first water jump reached. There was a wide ditch in front of the high fence; the water gleamed in the bright light.

Frosty refused and whipped round, causing three more to swerve out.

True Blue stopped short, then sprang into the water, where he remained, much to the annoyance of many riders, but they managed to steer clear.

Alan let Bandmaster go. The horse made a grand leap, landing safely.

He was delighted at the performance and his hopes of winning were high.

The pace was strong, testing the power of the horses and already a dozen were hopelessly out of it.

From the stand there was a good view of the race and when Eve saw Bandmaster clear the water jump in gallant style she cheered.

”Beautifully done,” said the Baron. ”Captain Chesney has a real good horse under him.”

He noticed Eve's heightened color and how excited she was. Her eyes flashed and sparkled; there was more than ordinary interest in them.

He wondered if Captain Chesney were first favorite.

”He is a splendid rider,” said Eve.

”None better,” said Captain Morby.

”He's handicapped heavily,” said Mr. Hallam. ”It will be extraordinary if he can last out such a severe race after all he has gone through.”

”Wonderful pluck,” said Duncan Fraser. ”Always had.”

”I want to hear how he arrived in time. It will be interesting. He must have had a race for it,” said Ella.

”And won on the post. I hope he'll win this race,” said Duncan.