The three chariots went over the chalk-line in a fairly even start, and the sharp click of running hoofs and the buzzing of the wheels told of the speed being made.
It was easy to distinguish the racers. The wide palmated horns made each runner instinctively pull apart, so that bunching was impossible. Besides this, the colors were very distinct.
Kerœcia wore yellow, with a jeweled agraffe and girdle, while on her head was still the ingenious crown of golden grains. Her chariot was of pale green, elaborate in decorations of dull gold on raised patterns. Streamers of the same color fluttered here and there, and were threaded in a net-work over the heads of the caribou.
Ildiko was in light blue, with an embroidered Zouave jacket of black. A jeweled band confined her long, crinkly white hair, while red and white cords interlaced the wide-spreading horns of her racers.
Alcyesta’s chariot was black, but rich in traceries of silver and painted flower ornaments. She wore a pink robe, with a silver agraffe and girdle, set with pearls and turquoise. Pink and white cords trimmed her whip and tied the horns of the caribou.
For an instant the chariots moved side by side, the women giving free rein, but withholding the whips. At the first quarter, Ildiko led slightly; but in attempting to round the curve of the half-goal, Alcyesta caught a wheel in the post, snapping it in two, like so much straw.
With such momentum, it was not possible to check the speed, and before either could prevent it the horns of Ildiko’s and Alcyesta’s teams were tightly interlocked. Instantly there was a terrific hubbub. Men from all sides ran to their assistance.
“Let us race it out!” cried Ildiko.
“Agreed!” answered Alcyesta; and both women laid on the lash forcibly, scorching the ground with their flying wheels.
“Keep clear! Give them leeway!” shouted the cazique, charging the crowd with his horse. The caribou had shaken themselves loose.