"Ride or die!" thought Jack, "and by Jove I'll do it."
Whip and spur were not spared, and Warrior, now mastered and tamed, overhauled the black horse about half a mile from home.
Now ensued the most interesting and exciting part of the race.
The Kentucky thoroughbred, ridden by its owner, struggled gamely; and he and Warrior went along neck and neck.
Louder and louder grew the roar of the assembled multitude.
Jack knew he was drawing near the goal, but a mist came over his eyes.
How near it was he could not tell.
The black horse at last seemed to fall back, Warrior went on ahead. There was a shout of acclamation.
"Black cap wins! Van Hoosen! Van Hoosen!"
Jack reined in his horse; the trainer seized the bridle, and he dismounted at the stable-door; though how he got there, he could not tell.