"All against me," laughed Sir Robert. "My hundred or two goes on Tristram."
"Robert, I don't think you ought to bet. Remember the trial," said his wife.
"You against me!" he exclaimed. "I am in a terrible plight indeed."
The horses were out, seven in number, a real good lot.
Sir Robert's face glowed with pride as he heard the roar of cheers which greeted the red jacket and black cap, and his good horse Tristram. Another roar was given for Tearaway; the others were all cheered lustily. They were soon on their journey, Sir Charles making the running, followed by Fair Dame, Bronze, and Harriet, with Ripon, and Tearaway next, and Tristram last. Sir Robert's horse never went to the front in the earlier stages of a race.
Rupert Hansom gave Crosby instructions to keep in touch with Tristram and Tearaway.
"You've nothing else to fear," he said; "and remember there's a hundred for you if you win."
Sir Charles soon dropped out of it and Harriet took his place. At the back of the close the lot closed up, half a dozen lengths separated first and last.
In the straight they swept; then a change took place. Ripon made the first move forward, followed by Tearaway and Tristram.
Up the straight they came at a terrific pace, for Tearaway had gone to the front, and Banks was making every use of her great speed and staying powers.