A khaki-clad figure, a soldier in officer's uniform, much worn and travel-stained, with no cap, came tearing out of the weighing room and across the paddock to where Bandmaster stood.
"By all that's wonderful, it's Alan!" exclaimed Duncan Fraser.
"Yes, yes!" said Eve, and felt on the verge of fainting. She could hardly believe her eyes. It was Alan sure enough, marvelous. How had he got there? She quivered with the tumult of her feelings. The surprise was too much for her, the exquisite joy of seeing him again overcame her.
Alan shook hands hurriedly with Will Kerridge.
"Sorry to take the mount from you, Will," he said with a smile.
"You're welcome, Captain; I'm right glad you came in time," was the reply.
Alan mounted and rode Bandmaster on to the course.
"Who is the rider in khaki?" asked a well-known man.
"Blest if I know. He's riding Bandmaster too." He turned to look at the board.
"Well, of all the wonderful things!" he exclaimed. "It's Captain
Chesney, the owner; he must have just arrived from the front in time."