Past the long line of vehicles and the crowds of people they galloped, all well together, and the thud of their hoofs echoed amongst the throng.
How the people shouted, first the name of this horse, then that, as they caught sight of the colours.
Jim Dennis, who was standing near the judge's box with Adye Dauntsey, saw how splendidly his horse was going, and that Willie had him well in hand, and said to the magistrate,—
'If Neptune is as full of running next time he passes here we shall win, I think.'
'By Jove! how well your lad rides! He is a plucky little fellow,' said Adye.
'Yes, there's not much fear in him, and he is a rare judge of pace; I have proved that when we have ridden together on the station; he has often come with a sudden rush and beaten me,' said Jim.
Round the turn they swept again, and this time Willie held his horse well in hand and secured a good position.
Seaweed had shot his bolt and fallen back, and The Captain now held the lead, Jackson steadying him and keeping a wary eye on the others.
Ben Madsley felt confident of success, for Distant Shore was going well, and pulling him out of the saddle. Still, it was too far from the winning-post, he thought, to take up the running. He glanced to the right, but could not see Neptune, and thought to himself,—
'Dennis has not much chance. He'll be sorry he did not put me up.'