The Major traveled at a great pace; it was to be a fast run race. He was a very fair horse, although not quite equal to staying the St. Leger course; as a matter of fact, he was out on a pace-making mission for Bronze. At the back of the course The Major still led, the others were creeping up. Harriet was now in second place, Ripon, and Bronze, racing together, Tearaway close behind them, level with The Monk. The race became more interesting. All the well backed horses shaped well, and their numerous backers watched every move with interest. Picton worked his way through the crowd and entered his box just before the start. Rita was all excitement; she said Torquay races were very tame after this. "I don't suppose I shall ever have a chance of riding four winners in two days here, or of winning a double," said Picton. Hector caught sight of Mrs. Elroy's glance and smiled; she was not far away. Sir Robert was fidgety. He had done what he considered a rather risky thing, backed Tearaway for several hundreds, standing to win a large sum. He considered it risky because he still doubted if the trial on Haverton Moor was quite correct; it seemed too good to be true that Tearaway had beaten Tristram at only seven pounds difference. He had on the spur of the moment said that Picton had the St. Leger in his pocket, but that was merely a figure of speech, the result of over-enthusiasm. He was now watching the race with keen interest, and thought Tearaway too far back. "Erickson's not making sufficient use of her," he said. "He'll get through presently," said Picton. "I think The Major made the pace rather hot for the first six furlongs." "Perhaps that's it," said Sir Robert. "I hope he'll ride it out, I wish that queer sort of faintness had not come over him." They were entering the straight, when rounding the bend a good deal of bumping took place. The cause of it was the sudden collapse of The Major, who almost stopped dead, and narrowly escaped knocking Bronze down. Bronze in turn collided with Harriet, and the pair interfered with Ripon, and The Monk, who had come with a fast run, Tearaway was in the center of the course and steered clear of the lot. Fred Erickson pulled her wide on the outside to avoid any possibility of a collision because he did not feel equal to it. When he saw the interference at the bend he was glad; it was the best thing he could have done. The consequences of the colliding were not serious; no one was to blame. Fairly in the straight, Harriet took command, followed by Bronze, Ripon, The Monk, and Dark Donald, with Tearaway in the middle of the course. The race grew more and more exciting. Up to this point the winner could not be picked, half a dozen horses had excellent chances. "My fellow will win," said Rupert Hansom to Mrs. Elroy. "I hope so," she answered; but her glance was on the saffron jacket, and the black mare. They looked dangerous. "He's going well," said Sir Robert.