The excitement was intense; all eyes were fixed on the splendid pair, the mare and the horse, owned by two good sportsmen, hailing from Yorkshire, both well known in the county. Captain Ben Bruce was with Brack, who had been persuaded to stop until the meeting was over; he was very fond of the old boatman, and knew he deserved well of them all. Brack was to have a look round Haverton before he returned home. He had backed Tearaway again, and was shouting her name frantically, much to the Captain's amusement. She looked like a winner, she was going so well, but there was no mistaking the way in which Tristram galloped. "He's catching her!" said Sir Robert excitedly. Picton smiled confidently; he did not think he would do it. A great shout went up when Tristram got to Tearaway's girth; May rode a brilliant finish. Banks handled the filly well, but had not the same powers as Fred Erickson at his best; they were wanted now just to help her home. Neck and neck they raced, head and head, not an inch between them, outstretched nostrils; it was a tremendous race, one of the best ever seen for the Cup. Sir Robert and Picton looked on, thrilling with excitement. It was a desperate finish. Both were game, the filly and the horse, and fought to the bitter end. As they passed the judge's box no one could tell which had won. "Dead heat," said the judge. Sir Robert and Picton shook hands heartily. "By jove, what a race!" the baronet said. "I'm glad it was a dead heat," said Picton. "We've both won." CHAPTER XXVII THE RESERVED COMPARTMENT Lenise Elroy arrived at the station and looked around for Mr. Rolfe. He was not there; at least she did not see him. As the time drew near for the departure of the train she became anxious; she hoped much from this railway journey in a reserved compartment: they would be able to talk without interruption. Hector had seen Brack, who explained how Mrs. Elroy had questioned him at Torquay, and also Carl Hackler. "You'd best be careful," said Brack; "I saw you talking with her on the course." "She has no idea who I am. I thank you all the same," he answered. "Mr. Woodridge has given me a hundred pounds and a new boat," said Brack. "And you richly deserve it! Here's a twenty-pound note to add to it," said Hector. "I'll be a rich man before I get back to Torquay," said Brack. "Here you are; I thought you were not coming," said Mrs. Elroy, as Hector came up. "There's plenty of time," he said; "ten minutes." "You can't think how anxious I felt." "Why? You could have gone on alone." "That would not have suited me; I want your company," she said. They were shown to a reserved compartment, the guard locking the door until the train started; it was crowded, and some of the race-goers are not particular where they get in. "It's a non-stop train; we are alone until we arrive at King's Cross," said Hector.