Montague had won that race without damage
to himself, and was evidently perfectly fit to take part in the fray.
There is some slight delay at the start, owing to the praiseworthy but
mistaken attempts of a gentleman in a dark blue jersey to get off
somewhat in advance of his companions--an undue eagerness which, having
resulted in his twice jumping off before the word, terminates in his
getting two or three yards the worst of the start when the word "go" is
finally given. A green and white jersey dashes to the front, and
assuming a longish lead, brings them along at a great pace. Next come
the all white of Jim Bloxam and the pink of Montague running side by
side and eyeing each other closely. They take but little heed of their
leader, as they know very well that he can never last the quarter of a
mile at the pace that he is going. As they anticipated, the green and
white champion is in difficulties before they have travelled half-way,
and the two favourites come on side by side. They are as nearly level
as possible, but, if anything, the pink jersey has a slight advantage.
The conviction is gradually stealing over Jim that his opponent has a
little the speed of him; his only chance, he thinks, is that his
adversary may not quite "stay" home. The marquee of the --th regiment,
of which the Todborough party are the guests, is close to the
winning-post, and as the competitors near it the excitement becomes
intense. Just opposite it, and not thirty yards from the winning-post,
Montague makes his effort, and for a second shows a good yard in
advance; but Jim instantly replies to the challenge and partially
closes the gap. But it is all of no use:--though he struggles with
unflinching pluck he can never quite get up, and the judge's fiat is in
favour of the pink jersey by half a yard.

"A terrible result that, Mrs. Sartoris," said Conyers, when the judge's
decision was made known: "not only have we lost our money, but there
will be no holding Montague at all now he has lowered the colours of
the Aldershot champion."

"Well," replied the lady, "I don't think Mr. Montague can crow much
over his victory."

"No, indeed!" chimed in Sylla Chipchase; "Captain Bloxam struggled
splendidly, and Mr. Montague had nothing in hand if I know anything
about it."

"Ah, you don't know the man," replied Conyers. "The closeness of the
contest will not prevent his talking very big about his victory."

"Now that reminds me of a seri