ter of a mile
from the stand. They were to pass it, make the circuit, and finish
there, the race being two miles. The interest of the natives was
enlisted by the fact that Nana Sahib was running a horse, while the
hopes of the occupants of the inclosure rested principally on Seila.

The flag fell to a good start; but when the horses came along Isobel saw
with surprise that the dark blue of the Rajah and the Adjutant's scarlet
and white were both in the rear of the group. Soon afterwards the
scarlet seemed to be making its way through the horses, and was speedily
leading them.

"Prothero is making the running with a vengeance," the Major said. "That
is not like his usual tactics, Doctor."

"I fancy he knows what he is doing," the Doctor replied. "He saw that
Mameluke's rider was going to make a waiting race of it, and as the
horse has certainly the turn of speed on him, he is trying other
tactics. They are passing the mile post now, and Prothero is twelve or
fourteen lengths ahead. There, Mameluke is going through his horses; his
rider is beginning to get nervous at the lead Prothero has got, and
he can't stand it any longer. He ought to have waited for another half
mile. You will see, Prothero will win after all. Seila can stay, there
is no doubt about that."

A roar of satisfaction rose from the mass of natives on the other side
of the inclosure as Mameluke was seen to leave the group of horses and
gradually to gain upon Seila.

"Oh, he will catch him, uncle!" Isobel said, tearing her handkerchief in
her excitement.

The Major was watching the horses through his field glass.

"Never mind his catching him," he said; "Prothero is riding quietly and
steadily. Seila is doing nearly her best, but he is not hurrying her,
while the fool on Mameluke is bustling the horse as if he had only a
hundred yards further to go."

The horses were nearing the point at which they had started, when a
shout from the crowd proclaimed that the blue jacket had come up to and
passed the scarlet. Slowly it forged ahead until it was two lengths in
advance, for a few strides their relative positions remained unaltered,
then there was a shout from the carriages; scarlet was coming up again.
Mameluke's rider glanced over his shoulder, and began to use the whip.
For a few strides the horse widened the gap again, but Prothero still
sat quiet and unmoved. Just as they reached the end of the line of
carriages, Seila again began to close up.