“I’ll stay here until Saturday,” he told the others. “Then I shall stay at the track.”
This was Tuesday morning, and the Derby would not be run till the next Monday. In the days that followed, the two girls, when they were not caring for Jimmy, spent their time sight-seeing around town.
Leonard and Gabriel arrived Wednesday afternoon, and Mr. Willing immediately quartered them in his stable at the track, Leonard announcing that he had determined to maintain his watch until the last moment. Shirley and Mabel made several trips to see the horse, and, of course, so did Mr. Willing. There was no doubt in the minds of any that the animal was in perfect condition for the race.
“If Jimmy only gets well in time,” said Mr. Willing.
The youngster was improving steadily and there seemed little doubt that he would be well enough to ride by Monday.
As Shirley and Mabel were walking along Market Street Thursday afternoon, the former suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure in the crowd. She took Mabel by the hand and hurried forward.
“What’s the matter?” demanded her friend.
“I see some one I want to talk to,” was the reply, and the girl quickened her steps.
And then Mabel saw the reason for her chum’s haste. At the same moment Shirley called:
“Dick!”