Jim Dennis hurried across to lead his horse in, followed by Dr Tom and an excited crowd of people.
'Well done, Willie,' said Jim, and then, catching sight of his son's face, he trembled all over. Willie was pale as death and looked straight before him with wide, staring eyes.
Dr Tom came up, and, seeing the lad's state, said,—
'He'll hardly be able to weigh in, Jim. Hold on fast, Willie,' he said. 'You must not fail us now; that will never do. You have won the race. Do you hear me? Neptune's won!'
The lad smiled faintly and nodded.
'I'm all right now, Dr Tom,' he said in a dull voice.
CHAPTER XIX
SAL AT WORK
He staggered as he got out of the saddle, and in a mechanical way unbuckled the straps. Then he walked into the weighing-room with his father and Dr Tom, one on each side.
He scaled all right, and there was another deafening cheer.