248 The Life of Fred Archer 
Kingwood, and Paradox. Archer was content that Melton 
should Ue nearly last. 
After going half a mile Paradox became third. Descending 
the hill Royal Hampton was passed by Sheraton, Red Ruin, 
and Xaintrailles, and at this stage Melton began to draw 
nearer to the leaders. After reaching the straight, Xaintrailles 
took the lead from Red Ruin, Paradox, Luminary, Royal 
Hampton, and Melton, but the order quickly underwent a 
change, for Paradox assumed the command three furlongs 
from home, and drew out with a big advantage. 
Presently Melton became second. Matters had worked 
out exactly as Archer hoped they would. He had ridden 
Paradox and knew his eccentricities. He was aware that the 
Kingsclere horse was better than his own mount, but he knew 
that the thing above all others which the son of Sterling hated 
was to be called upon to make his own running, and so, in 
mapping out his plan of operations. Archer had resolved to 
keep as far away from Paradox so long as possible. Here he 
was, then, carrying out this deep scheme. 
As they neared the distance he noticed that Paradox 
was beginning to show signs of restiveness, the outcome of his 
sense of loneliness. The time for action had arrived. Melton 
had gradually been getting within striking distance. 
The challenge was now made. Melton drew up to Paradox 
a hundred and fifty yards from home, and thenceforward to 
the winning-post the two horses were engaged in a terrific 
struggle for the mastery. 
The Kingsclere colt had a shade the better of the argument 
when fifty yards from home ; three strides from the post he 
still looked Uke winning by a head. Up went Archer's whip, 
once, twice ! They were mighty swipes, and they achieved 
their object. Melton bounded forward, and in the very last 
moment got his head in front. 
Never, perhaps has a greater feat of jockeyship been wit- 
nessed than in Melton's victory in the Derby of 1885. The 
