ring and
applause as the favorite appeared before the waiting crowds in
unmistakably fine condition and mounted by a rider whose every movement
showed a perfect knowledge of the work and complete sympathy with the
beautiful animal he rode.

* * * * *

Doomed by his promise on the honor of a gentleman to Miss Alathea, to
witnessing the race from the outside, if he witnessed it at all, Colonel
Sandusky Doolittle, fully aware of the unusual interest of the moments,
some account of which has just been made, was sunk in melancholy after
he had sent Madge through the magic portals, with explicit instructions
as to exactly what to do when once she was safe inside. He was breathing
hard from the mere exertion of preventing his unruly feet from running
to the gate, of keeping his unruly hand from diving deep into his pocket
for the entrance fee. These preventions he accomplished, though, without
once really weakening, and was safe at a good distance from the tempting
gate when the crowd within began to shout as the horses were brought
out.

"There, they're bringing out the horses!" he exclaimed, unhappily. He
set his jaws as might one who, with a great effort, abstains from food
when famishing. "I didn't go in!" he muttered. "I've kept my word,
though it has nearly finished me!"

Anxiously, if hurriedly, he searched along the fence for the knot-hole
Neb had told him of. Twice, in his great eagerness, he passed it by,
but, on the third inspection he discovered it, and placed his eye to it.
In a moment he backed away, dejectedly. "I can't see worth a cent!" he
bitterly complained. "It's not hole enough for me!" Lost, in his
disappointment, even to shame for the wretched pun, he straightened up,
surveying his immediate surroundings.

Close by was the tree which Neb had also spoken of. He examined it with
an appraising eye, then looked about to see what spectators were near.
No one was in sight save a pair of piccaninnies, down the fence a
hundred yards or so, with eyes glued to other knot-holes or to cracks.

"To the deuce with dignity!" he cried. "I'll just inspect that tree."

He was doing this with care, when, breathless and eager, a lady hurried
toward him. As the tree intervened between them he did not see her
coming, nor did she note his presence. It would have been quite plain to
anyone who had observed her that she was engaged upon a quest much like
that which he had pursued, for she c