The distance was two miles and a half. The Rascal held a big lead at the end of a mile and a half. Leek on Sandy thought it was about time he came back to him, but The Rascal showed no sign of this; on the contrary, he gained ground. To go after him was the best thing and Leek tried. Much to his astonishment, he discovered the pace was much faster than he thought; Sandy made very little headway. At first Picton's policy of making the running was considered a mistaken one; this opinion changed as the race progressed; and when they saw Leek hard at work on Sandy in second place and making hardly any headway, The Rascal's numerous backers were jubilant. The cheering commenced, it became deafening as Picton drew near to the winning post. It was an extraordinary race. The Rascal, the top weight, made all the running and won by twenty lengths; more than that, he was not in the least distressed. Picton was congratulated on all sides. Turning to Dick and Rita he said: "He's one of the best horses I have ever ridden over fences; there's a National in him." Dick shook his head. "You're too enthusiastic. Wait until you've cooled down," he said. "I shall not alter my opinion," said Picton. "Where's Planet?" "Over there," said Dick, and they walked across. The next race was the Marychurch Hurdle Plate, and Picton rode Planet. The race needs little description; there were three runners, and Dick's horse won comfortably. At Torwood that evening there were great rejoicings; but as Picton wished to sleep on the _Sea-mew_ he and Ben were driven to Torquay. * * * * * Before he left, Picton said to Rita: "Next time I am here I have a very important question to ask you." "Have you?" she said. "I wonder what it is." "Cannot you guess?" "I'll try," she answered, smiling happily. "It's too important to put in a hurry," laughed Picton, "and I haven't the courage to do it now." "Not after four victories," she answered, laughing. He shook his head, as he got up beside her brother in the trap. "If you won't sell The Rascal, send him to Haverton," said Picton as they bade Dick good-night. "All right, I will, and you can do what you like with him," said Dick cheerily. "Brack's not here; that's strange. We shall have to get some one else," said Ben. They hired a younger man. He happened to be the boatmen's bookie. "Where's Brack?" asked Ben. "He backed the double with me for half a sov.," said the man. "He's about broke me, sir, but I don't begrudge it him; he's a real good sort. I expect he's celebrating it in town." Brack was not celebrating it; he was biding his time, and opportunity. CHAPTER VI IN BRACK'S COTTAGE Brack's was a humble abode not far from the inner harbor. He lived there with his mother. The old woman idolized him; he was a very good son. She attended to their small wants and kept the house scrupulously clean. "I've brought a mate, mother," said Brack as he entered with his companion.