2 1 8 In Scarlet and Silk 



stinct, which of your opponents you will 

 ultimately have to reckon with just before 

 the judge's little white-painted box is reached. 

 There is no question of " nerves " now ! All 

 your energies are concentrated into the one 

 desire to beat your opponents — no matter how, 

 no matter at what personal risk. You feel like 

 a gambler, only more reckless than he — you 

 play not with paltry sovereigns ; your stake 

 is life and limb. There is an opening be- 

 tween the horses racing in front of you ; a 

 very small one, 'tis true. But you hesitate 

 not a moment, and catching your horse by 

 the head, set your teeth, and ram him through. 

 All but one drop back beaten, and then you 

 set to, head, hands, and heels, to beat the 

 survivor. Amid the most intense excitement, 

 shouting, flying of dust, and cracking of 

 whips, the two of you shoot past the post 

 locked together. A dead heat ? No, as you 

 turn, after pulling up your horse, you catch 

 sight of the numbers being hoisted, and your 

 heart gives a great leap when you see your 

 owm — the mystic 7 — at the top ! 



