Bradley, riding a confident race, was on the alert; he never threw a chance away. Tommy Colley got every ounce out of Manifest; and when his brother drew alongside on Bandmaster he knew he must make the last ounce a trifle over weight to win. For a second the pair hung together, then Manifest was beaten, but struggled on. Roar upon roar came from the vast crowd as Bandmaster got to White Legs' quarters, and the excitement was tremendous. Eve Berkeley looked on anxiously. At this critical point she hoped the Baron's horse would be first past the post; she would draw a large sum, and the prospect of winning was delightful. Bradley was the stronger rider, but he had not more determination than his young rival. Bandmaster drew level, and in the next few strides got his head in front. At this Alan's feelings grew too strong for him and he shouted: "Bandmaster wins!" two or three times. It was a grand race and one to be remembered. Again White Legs held a slight advantage, but Bandmaster was not done with, and the difference in weight told its tale. Colley was riding hard; it was a very clever effort on his part, and recognized as such. As they closed on to the winning-post Bandmaster again got his head in front and this time White Legs could not wrest the advantage from him. A few more strides decided the race. Bandmaster won by half a length from White Legs, with Manifest third. Although Alan's horse started at twelve to one he was heavily backed, and his win was well received. There was much cheering as the horse came in; the brown and blue was popular; the Chesney colors were always out to win. Alan came in for a full share of congratulations, Baron Childs being one of the first to greet him. "I suppose I must join in the paeans of victory," said Eve smiling. "You can't feel very delighted under the circumstances," said Alan. "It would have suited you better had White Legs won." "Perhaps it would. Still I am very glad you have won a Hunt Cup at last; you have had several tries," she replied. "It's good of you to say so," he said. "I told you my horse had a big chance." "You did. I don't know what made me follow the Baron's tip." "I think I do." "What?" "You have more confidence in his advice than mine," he said. "I do not think that was the reason." "What other could there be?" "Obstinacy," she said. "I never thought of that--perversity would be better." "Much the same thing," she replied. "I am afraid I put you wrong," said the Baron. "If it had not been for me you would no doubt have backed Mr. Chesney's horse." "You must not blame yourself for that. I am quite satisfied," she said. "You would have been more satisfied had the Baron's horse won," said Alan. "Naturally; I backed it." "Not for that reason alone," answered Alan, as he walked away and joined Ella and her father.