At length the course was reached, and Jack took a walk to the starting-place to have a look at the horses.
He was an excellent cross-country rider himself, and he loved a horse dearly.
All at once he saw a gentleman drive up to one of the stables, and alight hurriedly from his buggy. In doing which he slipped from the step and fell heavily to the ground.
A cry of pain escaped him.
"Confound it," he exclaimed. "I've sprained my ankle."
It was Alfred Van Hoosen.
Leaning on the arm of his trainer, who hurried up to offer his support, he entered the stable.
Jack lingered around the spot to see what the result of the accident would be, for it appeared as if Mr. Van Hoosen would be unable to ride his horse that day.
While he was waiting, Harvey met him and said excitedly:
"I have been looking for you."