THE DEAD HEAT 127 



bet ? " he roared out. But all were too eao^er to 

 attend to him. 



Fortescue is in front, and o-oinsj at a o-ood rate 

 across some grass. The first brook is now 

 approached, and the Captain in his turn, leads at a 

 strong pace. All are anxiously looking to see how 

 Mad Moll will like it, for she is twisting her head 

 from side to side, Fortescue has taken a pull at 

 Screwdriver, who is some six lengths behind. 



" Hang me if she means jumping ! " said Bradon, 

 as he saw the mare's spiral movements. 



But he was wrong : a resolute man and a good 

 one was on her back. She jumped the brook, but 

 in bad style, her hind legs dropped in, and as she 

 just righted herself, Fortescue's crimson jacket 

 flashed in the air and cleared it splendidly, amidst 

 the shouts of hundreds. 



" Splendidly jumped ! " said Lord Plunger. For- 

 tescue is a fine horseman, Bradon, and is riding 

 the horse patiently and well." 



" He is," was the quiet reply. 



All eyes are now directed to the wall, which the 

 horses are rapidly approaching. Fortescue is seen 

 to lead at it, and the old horse clears it at a bound, 

 as did the mare. 



" It's all up," said Bradon, as he closes his glasses ; 

 " Fortescue will win in a canter." 



