The Rider in Khaki. Nat Gould

blushed slightly as she replied:

      "I didn't notice it. Do you think he was satisfied with the scrutiny?"

      "It's hard to tell when he's pleased, he takes everything as it comes, but I think he has decided in your favor."

      "Do you? That's rather good of him, most condescending," said Ella.

      Next day they went to Epsom. There was a party of ten, a merry lot; there was no mistaking they were on pleasure bent and on good terms with themselves.

      Eve had a box. She always did things well, and took care when she went racing she was comfortable and had plenty of elbow-room. Alan came into the box after the first race; he was cordially greeted.

      "I expect Miss Berkeley has told you Robin Hood is likely to win the

       Epsom Plate," he said.

      "Yes, we've got the straight tip," said one of the party.

      "I can confirm it, you can put a bit extra on him, it's a real good thing," he said with a laugh.

      He stood close to Ella, his arm touched hers, she felt a thrill; turning to him she said:

      "What a strange place Epsom is! Such a crowd, and there's no comfort; we're all right here, thanks to Eve, but over there it's horrible," and she pointed to the hill.

      "There will be twice as many people to-morrow," he said. "Perhaps three or four times as many; Derby Day is one of the sights of the world, it is never equalled anywhere."

      "We can beat you at Flemington," she replied, "and Randwick. Not so many people, but as for comfort, well, you simply don't know what it is here. Where's the paddock?" she asked, looking round.

      "Over there," said Alan, pointing in that direction. "Would you like to go? There's more room to-day, it will be crowded to-morrow. It's rather a good paddock, when you get to it, picturesque."

      "I should like to see it very much."

      "Then I'll take you there," he said, and turning to Eve asked:

      "Are you going to the paddock?"

      "It's hardly worth while. We'll go to-morrow and see the Derby horses," she said.

      "Miss Hallam wishes to see it. I'll just take her and bring her back safely; we shan't be long. Come along," he said to Ella.

      "You don't mind?" said Ella to Eve as they passed.

      "Not at all; why should I?" was the sharp reply, and from her tone Ella gathered she did mind, and felt mischievous.

      "I'll take good care of her," said Alan.

      "No doubt," said Eve quietly.

      "What a trouble it is to get there!" said Ella as Alan led her through the crowd.

      "Yes, a bit bumpy, but they're a good-natured lot, although a trifle rough."

      There were not many people in the paddock. Alan pointed out The

       Duddans and other points of interest.

      "Come and see Robin Hood and tell me what you think of him," he said.

      "Where is he?"

      "Over there."

      "Surrounded by his merry men," she said, laughing, as she saw a dozen or more people looking at the horse.

CHAPTER V

       Table of Contents

      ROBIN HOOD'S SPEED

      Among the group looking at Robin Hood was Harry Morby. Alan introduced him to Ella, he thought her very attractive.

      "He's a beauty," said Ella, as she patted the horse's neck.

      "And he'll win the Plate," said the trainer.

      "Your team looks like playing a strong part this week," said Harry.

      "I hope so," replied Alan, who took the trainer on one side.

      "So you're an Australian?" said Harry.

      "Yes, I hail from Sydney. I was educated here, at the same school as

       Miss Berkeley. She has invited me to stay with her at The Forest."

      "That's jolly for you, she's one of the right sort, everybody likes her."

      "Including Mr. Chesney?"

      Harry laughed as he replied:

      "We, that is Alan's male friends, think it will be a match in time.

       They are great friends and much together."

      "It is not to be wondered at, she is a beautiful woman," said Ella.

      "Very; it is strange she has not married."

      "Perhaps she is waiting until Mr. Chesney asks her."

      "Pity he can't make up his mind," said Harry, smiling.

      "You think he'll win, Fred?" said Alan to his trainer.

      "Haven't much doubt about it; here's Tommy, ask him," was the reply.

      Tommy Colley was Alan's jockey. He came up wearing the brown jacket, with blue sleeves and cap—the Chesney colors. He was one of the old school, rode with longer stirrups than the modern jockeys, although he had in a measure conformed to the crouching seat. Alan's friends wondered why he stuck to Tommy, some of them considered he was getting past it, but Alan had a knack of keeping to old hands who had done him good service. In business this caused many a split with the manager, Duncan Fraser.

      "Like his chance, Tommy?" asked Alan, looking at Robin.

      "Very much. I rode him in his gallop, he ought to win; and that filly of yours is a hummer," said the jockey enthusiastically.

      "And The Duke?"

      "Good, but Evelyn and Robin Hood are better."

      "Is this your jockey?" asked Ella.

      "Yes; Tommy, this is Miss Hallam, an Australian, a friend of Miss

       Berkeley's."

      "They bring some good horses from Australia," said Tommy.

      "And probably my father will have two or three of the best when he arrives," she said.

      There was little time to spare and they returned to the stand, Harry

       Morby with them.

      Having seen Ella to the box Alan went with Harry to the ring. The second race was over and the numbers had been called out for the Epsom Plate; the bookmakers were already shouting the odds.

      "Craker's horse is a hot pot," said Harry, "there'll be danger in that quarter. When Peet puts his money down he generally has good reason for it."

      Peet Craker was a big bookmaker, owner of horses, a heavy bettor on his own animals; he had an enormous business on the course and off.

      The horse in question was Bittern, a champion over seven furlongs, he could not quite stay the mile, and he was conceding ten pounds to Robin Hood.

      Alan knew Craker well, the bookmaker often did business with him and for him. Sometimes he went to Trent Park. He was a man of good education, there was no coarseness about him.

      "Your horse is favorite, Peet," said Alan.

      "He has a big chance if he can beat yours," was the reply.

      "Ten pounds is a lot to give Robin Hood over seven furlongs," said Alan.

      "My fellow's very well."

      "So is mine."

      "I'll save a monkey with you," said the