All this time Shirley had contrived to keep her back to her father, for she was well aware that if he should recognize her he would not permit her to ride.
At that moment Leonard approached.
He looked sharply at the supposed jockey, and then stepped back suddenly and opened his mouth to speak.
Shirley laid a finger to her lips in a quick gesture, and Leonard closed his mouth without a word. Nevertheless he continued to stare at her in amazement.
Mr. Willing, not suspecting anything of this nature, did not glance closely at the jockey, which was fortunate. Shirley kept her cap pulled well down, and thus avoided detection.
“The Derby will be called a few minutes after three,” said Mr. Willing. “Are you ready, Jimmy?”
“Yes, sir,” replied Shirley, imitating Jimmy’s voice as nearly as she could.
“Are you feeling perfectly fit?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good.”