The girls cried out in dismay.
“He is still unconscious,” Dick continued. “I found him on the floor. I tried to revive him, but it was no use. I laid him on the bed.”
“What are we to do?” said Mabel. “Gabriel will not be able to run.”
“Never mind the race now,” said Shirley. “Let’s call a doctor for Jimmy. His life is more important than the race.”
She stepped quickly to the telephone and summoned the hotel physician. Then all went into Jimmy.
The lad had not had time to change into his jockey costume. Apparently he had been struck down the moment he entered the room.
As Shirley bent over him, he moved restlessly and opened his eyes. He saw Shirley, and smiled slightly.
“What’s the matter, Jimmy?” asked the girl gently. “How did it happen?”
“I don’t know,” came the weak reply. “Something hit me as I stepped in the door.”
Dick came up to the bed at this point. In his hand he held a short cudgel.