ach swayed and
rocked as the four browns dashed around the turn into the short
cross-street. The horn was sounded to warn the street cars of their
approach, and then, after a passing glance of horses, coach, and party,
reflected in the broad shop windows of the street, another corner was
turned, and they were rolling along the broad boulevard leading to
Washington Park. Sedger was late, and, anxious to be in time for the
first race, he sent his lash under the lead bars, and touched the off
leader a clip on the legs which made him jump into his collar in quick
order. The team all caught the inspiration of the lash, the pace was
quickened, and the great vehicle rumbled on past the small fry of the
road, quickly measuring off the two miles or more of straight avenue
stretching away toward the park. The party on the drag laughed and
talked, and occasionally glanced at the quickly changing scene. Soon the
coach was rolling past the great, green meadow of the park so English in
its aspect, and then, after passing a bit of lake where hundreds of
holiday seekers were now stretched in the cool shade of the shrubs on
its banks, rattled down the little incline which leads to the Club House
road. The strains of band-music came over the bit of level ground and
the party could see the great Grand Stand crowded with its ten thousand
spectators. By its side was the Club House, standing on a rise of ground
skirted by lawns and flower-beds, its two verandas filled with people,
and the driveway in front crowded with arriving vehicles.

Sedger urged his team to a gallop, and the horses scampered through the
lodge-gate and up the little hill to the Club House, where he brought
them up "all standing." The people on the veranda crowded forward to see
the coaching party, while Sedger and his guests descended, and the
coachman drove the steaming horses off to the stables. Scores of smart
traps followed the drag up to the club steps, and the party stopped a
moment to view the brilliant scene. Sleek horses and polished brass,
neat liveries and shining panels, bright gowns and gay parasols, moved
in seemingly endless succession to the accompanying music of champing
bits and the restless pawing of countless hoofs. After watching the
changing throng for a moment, Sedger and his party walked through the
Club House to the veranda facing the course, which they found filled
with members and their friends. On the enclosed lawn before them people
were sit