126 THE DEAD HEAT 



large drab overcoat. " I'll do it to any amount 

 up to a thousand." 



" I'll take you even money for a hundred," said a 

 flashily-dressed man on a bay horse. 



" I want odds, sir," said the little man ; '' but as 

 I see there is no betting to be done here, make it 

 two hundred and I'll take you." 



" Done," said the other. And the bets were 

 booked. 



All is now excitement, for the horses are walk- 

 ing away to the starting-post. The judge had 

 locked himself up in the little box allotted to him, 

 which has been lent by the race committee, but 

 little did he think he would see such a close finish. 



" They're off ! " is the cry, as the two horses are 

 seen canterincf across a field. 



" Fortescue's leading," said Lord Plunger, with 

 his field-glasses to his eyes. 



" Oh, papa, hold me up so that I may see," said 

 the beautiful and anxious Miss Gwynne." 



The eyes of scores were on her as she stood up, 

 for all the gentry were well aware in what relation 

 she stood to Fortescue. 



" Well lepped ! " roared the multitude, as the 

 horses topped a wall. 



" Capital jumpers both," said the sly-looking little 

 man ; " the horse for my money. Will nobody 



