Round, as before, to the quarter-stretch; then, the black drops far behind.
Only the two came thundering and panting on, and, when the string is reached, neck and neck are bay and stallion. On! together, on! How the dust flies and the sun pours down!
When opposite the stand, a hundred glasses are leveled at the horses, but not a shade of difference is seen in the speed of the two. Now they have reached the quarter-stretch. Bay Thomas’ rider uses his whip fast and quick. Cliquot’s carries no lash, but, with his slender knees pressed hard against his horse’s sides, with lips drawn tight above the clenched teeth, the red jockey swings around the curve, and, as he does so, leans over and, in a clear voice, cries:
“Up! up! there!”
Like an arrow from a bow, swifter than a flying cloud, with heaving sides and quivering nostrils, the beautiful stallion rushes in to victory! He has cleared the string, leaving the other far behind, and, still galloping on, stops at length beyond the gate!
With difficulty his rider turns him towards the stand. Cliquot knows he has won. Rearing slightly and fretting a little, he is almost beyond the control of the exhausted jockey.
Near the fence, inside the field, Clovis had drawn her team, and one of the mares threw up her head at the approach of the stallion. He caught the restless movement, and, with a long, low, quivering neigh, reared high in air, cleared the fence with a bound, and dashed towards the mare, while his rider slid from his seat into the dust.
In a moment twenty hands caught the horses attached to the carriage; but Cliquot tore away, snorting and wheeling to look back as he ran.
Emory, who had witnessed all, hastened forward, and was about to lift the fallen jockey when the boy sprang to his feet, apparently unhurt. The blacksmith, who seemed always at hand, reached him; but, just as they were about to walk away, the boy sank upon his knees and covered his face with his hands.
“He is injured!” said Emory, who lingered by. “Where are you hurt?” he asked, putting his hand on the boy’s shoulder.