glistened in the sunshine, and he certainly looked a winner.
Close at his heels was the bay Kentucky filly, Belle of Newport, ridden
by the veteran Forest, and the knowing ones could see that the Southern
mare was in prime condition. The first horses were followed by three
stragglers who had been late in saddling, and then the starter's
carriage rolled across the green turf of the field toward the half-mile
post at the opposite side of the course. Hundreds of glasses were
leveled at the bunch of racers over by the stables, restlessly tugging
at their bits. Then there was a scramble and a rush of horses past the
red flag, but one horse was slow in getting away and the flag still
fluttered in the breeze. The jockeys pulled up their mounts and turned
them back to the starting-post. After much manoeuvring for positions,
they scrambled away again, scattering the dust behind them. They were
well bunched, the red flag dropped, and away they went on the mile and
a half gallop for the American Derby. The crowd surged wildly and eager
eyes were strained toward the mass of horses scampering over the first
half-mile of the course.

Down they came to the Grand Stand, a cloud of dust enveloping them and
almost concealing the bright colors of the riders. Men rushed to the
railings and strained their eyes down the course; a faint murmur broke
from the crowd and grew louder and louder. "Marquis! Marquis wins!" was
shouted by the favorite's friends, as they saw the long stride of the
chestnut gelding in front. Then the racers clattered past the Grand
Stand, urged on by cheers and applause.

It was nobody's race yet, but Marquis still led, with Belle of Newport a
good second. They passed the Club House with Marquis close to the inside
railing for the turn, when he swerved against the railing and stumbled.
There was a shout of horror, and the women at the Club House turned
their heads away. The racers rushed on to the finish, but the favorite
lay there in the dust, with the blood gushing from a broken knee, and
Jockey Gannon motionless at his side. Some men ran on to the course and
carried Gannon away. The poor Marquis tried to rise and looked
pleadingly at his owner who had rushed to his side. From the distance
came a cheer. It was for the Belle of Newport, the winner of the great
race. Jockey Forest had seen the Marquis go down before him, and
pressing his knees to the sides of the Belle, had raised the filly and
carried her over the fa