Wagner vs. Gray Eagle 213 



already nearly out of her distance. From the 

 stand to the first turn the ground is descending, 

 and here, almost invariably, Gray Eagle gained 

 upon Wagner, who kept up one steady stride 

 from end to end, without flinching or faltering, 

 and able always to do a little more when per- 

 suaded by the cold steel with which Cato plied 

 him ever and anon throughout the heat. We 

 said they passed the stand on the second mile 

 neck and neck; when they reached the turn. 

 Gray Eagle had got in front, but no sooner had 

 they come into straight work on the back side, 

 than Wagner made a most determined challenge 

 and locked him; the contest was splendid, and 

 was maintained with unflinching game and 

 spirit ; at the end of seven hundred yards, how- 

 ever. Gray Eagle had the best of it, for in spite 

 of Cato's most desperate efforts Wagner could 

 only reach Stephen's knee ; Gray Eagle seemed 

 able, after a brush of one hundred yards, to come 

 again with renewed vigor, if well braced, for a 

 dozen strides. Down the descent on the last 

 half mile, Gray Eagle maintained his advantage, 

 but on ascending towards the stand, Wagner's 

 strength told, and they came through under whip 

 and spur, Wagner having his head and neck in 



