ift
horses; about the rivalry and speculation and betting; and lastly about
the races to be run in a few weeks--races so wonderful in prospect that
even the horse-thief, Cordts, had begged to be allowed to attend.

"I'm going to see the King beat Creech's roan," shouted the rider, with
red in his cheeks and a flash in his eye.

His enthusiasm warmed Lucy's interest, yet it made her thoughtful.
Ideas flashed into her mind. If the rider attended the races he would
have that fleet stallion with him. He could not be separated from the
horse that had cost him so dearly. What would Bostil and Holley and
Farlane say at sight of Wildfire? Suppose Wildfire was to enter the
races! It was probable that he could run away from the whole
field--even beat the King. Lucy thrilled and thrilled. What a surprise
it would be! She had the rider's true love of seeing the unheralded
horse win over the favorite. She had for years wanted to see a
horse--and ride a horse--out in front of Sage King. Then suddenly all
these flashing ideas coruscated seemingly into a gleam--a leaping,
radiant, wonderful thought. Irresistibly it burst from her.

"Let ME ride your Wildfire in the great race?" she cried, breathlessly.

His response was instantaneous--a smile that was keen and sweet and
strong, and a proffered hand. Impulsively Lucy clasped that hand with
both hers.

"You don't mean it," she said. "Oh, it's what Auntie would call one of
my wild dreams! ... And I'm growing up--they say.... But-- Oh, if I
could ride Wildfire against the field in that race.... If I ONLY COULD!"

She was on fire with the hope, flushing, tingling. She was unconscious
of her effect upon the rider, who gazed at her with a new-born light in
his eyes.

"You can ride him. I reckon I'd like to see that race just as much as
Bostil or Cordts or any man.... An' see here, girl, Wildfire can beat
this gray racer of your father's."

"Oh!" cried Lucy.

"Wildfire can beat the King," repeated the rider, intensely. "The tame
horse doesn't step on this earth that can run with Wildfire. He's a
stallion. He has been a killer of horses. It's in him to KILL. If he
ran a race it would be that instinct in him."

"How can we plan it?" went on Lucy, impulsively. She had forgotten to
withdraw her hands from his. "It must be a surprise--a complete
surprise. If you came to the Ford we couldn't keep it secret. And Dad
or Farlane would prevent me, somehow."

"It's easy. Ride out here as of