8o THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER 



the T.Y.C., a mile from home, challenged by turns 

 or by twos. First, Marion, reaching his boots. Then 

 Mr. Gascoigne's colt and filly, right and left, passing 

 his boots and nearly reaching the neck of Theodore. 

 Then the Mundane fill}", with Marion. Then Gas- 

 coigne's two again ; and here the skill, judgment, 

 nerve, and resolution of Jackson were powerfully 

 evinced. Theodore, perhaps partly frightened by the 

 tremendous thunder at his heels — certainly sharing 

 in the excitement of the struggle — still wanted to go 

 farther ahead ; but his rider contrived so to use his 

 powers as not to waste them. Challenge after chal- 

 lenge was given, and challenge after challenge as 

 often defeated. Jackson never permitted his horse 

 to go much in advance of his formidable competitors. 

 Holding him with a firm and judicious hand — but 

 still going very fast — he only slackened rein when 

 he was attempted to be coupled. " I could see," 

 said the veteran jockey, "head after head advance 

 as far as my boots on each side ; and when I en- 

 couraged Theodore forwards, I could see head after 

 head glide beautifully backwards out of my sight ;" 

 observing to himself (said he after the last bold 

 attempt), " 'Now I think you are all done ! ' I felt 

 that the race was my own, and my heart beat merrily 

 at the thought." Away they sailed ; many changes 

 taking place with the horses immediately behind 

 Theodore, while Jackson had his eye on Violet. 

 Nevertheless, he felt that the victory was his ; and 



