226 



A Lucky Mistake 



' No. 5's won ! ' someone shouts. No. 5 is Eoque- 

 laure, but it is to be feared that the assertion is merel}^ 

 influenced by hope, for the judge has yet to make his 

 announcement. W^ill it be No. 5 ? The frame has been 

 lowered. Ashdown gazes with white face and eager eye. 

 Will it be No. 5 — the 5 that is to allay his fears and 

 make a man of him again ? Surely Eoquelaure won '? 

 It must be ' 5.' Is it ? No. 



'27.' 



' Eoquelaure Wins ! Come on, Roquelaure ! ' 



So the inexorable judge announces. Can there be a 

 mistake ? See, the frame is lowered ! No. Only to add 

 the placed horses : — 



27 



5 



18 



' The shortest of short heads,' the judge presently tells 



