n the
cheering grew louder and the hats swayed more furiously as the horses
dashed on to the finish.

"Look at Orion now," said Duncan, "he's a good second. By Jove, he
wins!" he shouted, as the purple and white rushed to the front and won
hands down by a neck. "I congratulate you, Mrs. Sanderson."

"Who would have thought the brute could beat 'The Wizard' who sold at
two to one on" said Sedger, and then he suggested that the men should go
to the betting ring and play the Derby.

Duncan turned to Marion and asked if she would not choose him a horse to
play. "You are so lucky that I feel sure of winning," he added.

"But I know nothing about the horses," remonstrated Marion.

"Neither do I, so we have a fair chance."

"Well, I choose Belle of Newport."

"You think she ought to be fast, I suppose."

"No, but the Marquis, who, Mr. Sedger says, is a favorite, will be sure
to follow her."

"Don't you play the Belle, Grahame," said Sedger, as he and Duncan left
the ladies and wandered toward the Grand Stand. "Her owner told me last
night that he is afraid she isn't fit."

"Perhaps he intends playing her himself," laughed Duncan.

Sedger and Duncan passed over the bridge connecting the Club House lawn
with the Grand Stand, and were soon in the midst of the great crowd
moving toward the betting-rooms. The sun beat down upon the heads of
this army of enthusiasts, but, despite the heat, thousands of men
crowded into the low room where scores of keen book-makers, with their
coats off, were ranged in little booths, calling off the odds on the
next race, and taking the money of the eager crowd of gamblers. By the
time Sedger and Duncan had worked their way through this throng up to a
book-maker, and had purchased two tickets on Marquis and Belle of
Newport respectively, they were thankful to hurry out of the stifling
place into the open air.

"I took your advice, Mrs. Sanderson," said Duncan, after he had returned
to the club lawn. "Belle of Newport is my horse."

"I hope my choice won't bring you ill luck."

"We shall soon know, for there go the horses to the post."

Five of the starters trotted past the Club House, and there was a
perceptible movement among the people on the veranda and lawn as the
contestants for the great event passed before them. The Marquis was the
favorite and he was greeted by a round of applause, as Jockey Gannon
urged him into a brisk hand gallop. The sleek sides of the chestnut
gelding