In a few moments all the riders, booted and spurred, came hurrying out from their quarters in response to the sharp clang of a bell, and in a trice had mounted their horses, and were waiting the signal to start.
The interest of the great crowd was at its height. They were discussing their favorites freely.
The buzz of voices was deafening for a moment.
No one noticed Sally, not even Louise or her mother, as she leaned over breathlessly, and said:
"Which horse do you think is going to win, Mr. Gardiner?"
"I have no hesitancy in saying Robin Adair," he declared. "He has everything in his favor."
"I have an idea that the little brown horse with the white stockings will win."
He laughed, and a look indicative of superior judgment broke over his face.
"I feel very sure that your favorite, Queen Bess, will lose, Miss Sally," he said.
"I feel very confident that she will win," she said.