f him on the subject, but they were
convinced none the less that Bud had a secret concerning the horse, and
that they would learn what it was in good time.

The race was to be held at the fair grounds, and was to be a dash of
three hundred yards.

Cap Norris would not consent to a longer race, although Bud said he
would run Hatrack any distance up to a quarter of a mile, but the
innocent old man with the long whiskers objected to running his horse a
long distance.

As the hour approached for the race, the grounds began to fill up.
Several races between Indian ponies took place to keep the crowd amused
until the big race of the day was to come off.

"They've been working us," said Ted, coming up to where Stella and the
boys were standing beside Hatrack, which looked more sad and dejected
than ever.

"In what way?" asked Bud.

"This race is a gambling game to get the money away from the innocents,"
answered Ted. "They've had men going among the people from the country
and the cow-punchers, telling them that it is a put-up job on our part,
and that we're sure to win. In that way they have got a lot of people to
bet on Hatrack. I've a good mind to draw out of it altogether and spoil
their game."

"For fear the innocents will lose their money?" asked Bud.

"Yes. I don't want to be a party to robbing those fellows."

"Don't you worry. If you want to punish Norris and his friends, don't
interfere. Let it go on, I tell you. They'll be the worst-beaten lot o'
crooks that ever robbed a town."

"All right, Bud, if you say so."

It was now time for the race of the day, and Bud and Norris marked off
the course.

Ben was appointed judge, with a large man, apparently a stranger in the
town, who was chosen by Norris, and the two selected a third.

The third man was a stranger to Ben, but he picked him out of the crowd,
and the other judge accepted him.

As Stella climbed into the saddle, Hatrack gave two or three kittenish
jumps, and the crowd yelled. It had not expected this added feature to
the race, a girl jockey.

Shout after shout went up as she rode over the course slowly, Hatrack
having settled down into his usual dejected manner. The cheers and some
of the jeers that greeted him came from the men who had been induced to
bet on him.

"Now, Stella," said Bud, as Stella rode back again, "when you start,
shout 'Vamose!' in Hatrack's ear. That's the word he has always been
sent away with. Stick tight, an' let h