Nat Gould

“ Captain Morby did not pursue the subject further.
"You can keep a secret, Alan?" he asked.
"I'll try. You're a mysterious fellow, Harry."
"It's about the regiment," he said. "We're to hold ourselves ready at a moment's notice—don't split—I might be court-martialled."
"Whew!" whistled Alan. "This looks serious."
"Bet you there's war before long; it's a bigger cert than Bandmaster," said Harry.
"And I'm out of it."
"You needn't be. Join us again. You'll easily get your commission; they'll want all the men they can get, especially officers."
"If there is trouble I shall not be idle," said Alan. ”

“ Eve noticed the danger and gave a slight cry of alarm, followed by a sigh of relief as she saw Bandmaster safe.
"A narrow squeak," said Harry. "Nobody but a good rider would have escaped."
The pace was tremendous, considering a mile had to be covered, and not more than ten of the twenty-seven starters were within striking distance.
It was a formidable mile to the winning post, a stiff fence, then the water jump, bigger than the first, and two hurdles brushed in the straight, the last being close to the winning post.
Alan felt faint but kept hard at it. He was not so strong as he thought. ”

“ She can't be thirty, at least I should think not," said Harry.
"Is her mother dead?" asked Vincent.
"I don't know; if alive she is not likely to come into her life again," said Harry.
Alan Chesney generally had friends staying with him at Trent Park; it was a hospitable house, where everything was done well. His father was a successful man, head of a great brewery firm, a wonderful manager, a staunch sportsman, the owner of a famous stud, and a conspicuous figure on the turf; his death was a blow to racing, his colors were popular, and his outlay lavish. ”

“ They were two furlongs from the winning-post and Tommy wondered when The Duke would put on full pressure; it was high time if he were to win. He dare not hit him, not at present; a few strides from the post it was generally effective because The Duke had no time to think things over and sulk. Just as Colley was beginning to despair and becoming desperate he felt The Duke bound under him, and in a few seconds the whole aspect of the race changed. So sudden was the move that Alan gasped. Eve clutched his arm in her excitement. ”

“ Ella thought it a strange uphill and down course, very different from the flat tracks of Flemington, Caulfield, and Ranwick. She would not have been surprised to see a spill at one of the bends, and when Tattenham Corner was reached she gave a gasp as she saw two or three riders dangerously near the rails. Once in the straight the excitement broke loose, the strange, wonderful excitement a race for the Derby causes and which is like no other vast human emotion anywhere, and for any cause. The Derby thrill has a hold upon people that nothing else has, and is repeated year after year. ”

“ He had not the slightest doubt about winning; everything was in the horse's favor. Peet Craker looked through his glasses, saw his colors a couple of lengths in front, and lowered them, quite satisfied.
At the foot of the slope Bittern still led, followed by Lantern, Topsy, and Retreat; Robin Hood seemed out of it.
"Rotten luck, Alan," said Harry. "He was knocked about at the start."
"Was he? I didn't see it," he replied.
"He's coming now!" said Ella excitedly.
"So he is!" said Eve. "He has a chance yet."
Alan smiled as he said:
"It's remote. He's a greater horse than I think if he can win." ”

“ The Sherwoods were mustered in Trent Park. A noble array they made, splendid men, well mounted and equipped, eager to get at the foe. Captain Alan Chesney was with them, his house the headquarters of the regiment. They had not to wait long; they were in luck's way, one of the first cavalry regiments ordered to the front.
Alan, busy preparing for his departure, had barely a minute to spare, but he made time to call on a few friends, and Eve Berkeley was one of the last. He rode to The Forest in uniform, looking every inch a soldier. ”

“ After their first action Alan Chesney was the idol of the Sherwoods. The men followed him into the jaws of death and cheered as he led them on. Nothing could stand before them, their impetuosity overcame all obstacles; they lost many men but gained imperishable renown.
Eve Berkeley read the meager accounts of the fighting and grew impatient, longing for more, wondering why publicity was not given to the doings of the bravest of the brave. ”

“ Harry Morby saw the direction of her glance, noted the expression of her face, and thought:
"Alan's making a mess of it. Can't he see she loves him? He must be blind if he can't. She'll be taking on somebody else just to show him she doesn't care, but she does very much indeed."
It was not a late night. Evelyn said they must be fresh for Derby Day.
Ella bade Evelyn good-night as she was about to enter her room.
"I hope you have enjoyed your day," said Eve.
"Very much indeed. How well you do everything!" answered Ella. ”

“ Eve was anxious. She wanted Alan to win both matches; at the same time she was glad Mr. Hallam's horses showed such good form. She was quite willing to accept his excuse that they would have done better had they been thoroughly acclimatized. There was, however, little time to think over these things; all attention was concentrated on the race, which was now at the most exciting part, and the tumult at its height. The brown jacket with the blue sleeves held the lead as they came up the rise, but the black and orange hoops were close on to them, and Rainstorm's head was at Bandmaster's girth. ”

“ Although he had plenty on hand Carl Meason found time to meet Jane Thrush. After much persuasion he induced her to go in his car to Nottingham to see the sights, and strange to say Tom raised no objections. Thrush seemed favorably impressed with Meason; no doubt an occasional fiver helped in this direction, for Tom was fond of money.
"Where's the harm?" he said to himself. "Jane's a clever girl, knows more than the ordinary, and she's good enough for any man. He seems sweet on her. No reason why he should not marry her. ”

“ As they began the ascent, the stiff pull to the winning-post, the field lengthened out, horse after horse fell back, and a dozen only possessed chances. The rise finds out the weak spots, and the lack of a final gallop makes a lot of difference. It takes a good horse to win a Hunt Cup; no matter if he does little after, he must be brilliant on the day.
Alan stood with Captain Morby and Captain Newport high on the grand-stand. They knew where to command the best view of the race; it was a climb, a scramble to get there, but worth it.
"Bandmaster's in the center," said Harry. ”

“ How handsome he looked on his horse, and how well he sat the animal!
"I am going to Little Trent to buy a few things for the house. I generally go through the wood," she said.
"You and your father live quiet lives here. Wouldn't you like to be in the village?" he asked.
"Oh no. I love the old ruin, and the cottage is so sweet I couldn't bear to leave it, and I'm sure Father would sooner be here than anywhere," said Jane eagerly.
Alan laughed as he replied:
"Don't be alarmed, you shall live in the cottage as long as you like.
Do you ever feel afraid when you are alone at night?" ”

“ CHAPTER XXI THE RAID "We shall have to make another match to settle the question," said Mr.
Hallam.
"I'm willing," laughed Alan, "but give me time. I must go back at once; there's some tough work to be done before long."
"When you like," replied Mr. Hallam. "I am not going back to Australia at present. I have no wish to be sent to the bottom of the sea."
Alan said good-bye to Eve at The Forest. Before leaving for London he saw Duncan Fraser. Everything was going well, no cause for anxiety, and the manager spoke hopefully of the future. ”

“ He laughed.
"Most of your friends are on Bandmaster."
"Then I shall be able to chaff them when White Legs has won," she answered.
"I say, old man, your horse is coming with a rattle in the betting; there's a pot of money going on," said Harry Morby.
"Mine, no doubt," answered Alan. "I have sent out a late commission. I am anxious to win; it will take Miss Berkeley down a peg; she always pins her faith to the Baron's colors." ”

“ He got every ounce out of his mount and Merry Monarch beat Gold Star by half a length. The usual scene followed as the winner was turned round and came back to the enclosure through a living lane, the Baron proudly leading his horse, raising his hat in answer to the deafening cheers. It was the great moment of his life, as it is to every man who has experienced the sensation of leading in a Derby winner.
Eve was delighted, she had a good win. She chaffed Alan unmercifully; he took it in good part. Ella looked at him sympathetically, she had lost her money. ”

“ It is rude of me."
"Alan Chesney is an old friend," said Eve. "Allow me to introduce you."
They shook hands, their eyes met, and Ella Hallam felt something in her life was changed from that moment; as for Alan, he seemed quite unconscious he had created any interest out of the common.
"Yes, I come from Sydney," replied Ella, in answer to his question about Australia.
"And your father owns racers?" he asked.
"Yes; racing is his chief amusement. He's always saying it is a very expensive hobby, and exhorts me to economize in order that he may keep things going," she replied, laughing. ”

“ Bandmaster will beat Rainstorm anyhow whichever way the other goes," answered Fred.
"Queer Bandmaster should turn out a stayer," said Sam.
"He's bred to stay," replied Fred.
"But he's a Hunt Cup winner and I'd hardly have expected him to be up to two miles."
"Well he is—no mistake about it. I've tried him and I know," said the trainer.
"And you don't often make mistakes, Fred."
"I'm just as liable to be mistaken as other men, but when I've something to go upon I'm not far out," replied the trainer.
"Awful job, this war," growled Sam; "upsets everything. ”

“ Skane said to him before he mounted:
"Don't bustle him, let the other fellow make the pace; come as fast as you like at the end of the first mile, he'll think it's another Hunt Cup gallop. He's got the speed, we all know that, and I want to prove he's a stayer as well."
Rainstorm reveled in the going, which was fairly hard. He loved to hear his feet rattle; this was the sort of ground he was used to. Bandmaster seemed indifferent to the going, he galloped just as well when the ground was heavy; his temper was of the best, an easy horse to ride, always ready to run a genuine race. ”

“ There were deer in the Park, and white cattle, almost wild, sometimes dangerous, they were confined in a strong ring fence.
One part of the Park was laid out in paddocks for the blood stock, and here the young thoroughbreds from the Trent Stud galloped about and played their games until it was time for them to be broken in and sent to the trainer.
Well-kept roads ran in various directions through the Park, there was plenty of water, a minor river running through on its way to join the Trent. It was indeed a glorious place and Alan Chesney might well be counted a lucky man to own it. ”

“ Vincent Newport said, "Does anybody know what he will do?" in answer to
Harry Morby's question.
Alan Chesney came into the billiard room.
"Did you beat him, Harry?" he asked.
"Just pipped him on the post," was the answer.
"I'm just going to have a look at the horses; will you come?" he said.
"Only too pleased," said Vincent, and Harry acquiesced eagerly.
"Think we'll drive; horses are more enjoyable than motors—that's if you haven't to go any distance." ”

“ Alan waited about an hour—it seemed much longer. He knew exactly where the men were: one on either side, the other still on the ground.
Without a moment's warning he sprang to his feet, let out right and left, and by sheer good luck hit his men hard. He scrambled out of the hole, reached his horse, broke the rope by which it was tied to a stake, cutting his hands as he did so, sprang into the saddle and was galloping away at a great pace before his guard recovered from the shock. They dare not fire for fear of being discovered in the act of letting the prisoner go. ”

“ On Hunt Cup Day there was a tremendous crowd, and thirty runners were saddled for the big race. Spur was favorite, and even in such a big field he touched four to one an hour before the race. Another well backed was Manifest, while Hooker, Bird, and half a dozen more had plenty of friends. Bandmaster stood at a hundred to five in the betting, and at this price Alan and his friends secured some good wagers.
Bernard Hallam was impressed by the horses, and his remarks in the paddock proved he was a good judge. The Australian had a free and easy way that soon won him friends. ”

“ Truly the sport of racing is the sport of kings, and no less of a huge majority of the people.
Bernard Hallam and Valentine Braund acknowledged its charm. There was nothing quite like it anywhere, one of the racing sights of the world, different from Epsom on Derby Day, Doncaster on Leger Day, or glorious Goodwood, unique in its way; no such gathering can be seen in any other country.
The attention of thousands of people was riveted on the horses ”

“ There were plenty of Australians in khaki, eager to show their faith in Southerly Buster. Many of them were wounded, some known to Bernard Hallam and Ella.
The course was the straight mile, and there is no better galloping ground. Southerly Buster cantered down with Bradley in the saddle; the Baron's jockey fancied his mount, he had ridden him in several gallops. Tommy Colley was, as usual, on Alan's horse. It seemed an equal match both as regards the riders and horses. Naturally there was prejudice in favor of The Duke, odds of five to four being laid on him, then six to four was freely laid. ”

“ Fred Skane had not scratched Bandmaster. He would not believe Alan Chesney had been shot, and this firm conviction cheered Eve Berkeley wonderfully. Then came the news that Captain Chesney had returned to headquarters after many hairbreadth escapes and that he was severely wounded.
The reaction set in at Trent Park, The Forest, and Little Trent. Gloom turned to joy; everybody was gay and festive. Captain Chesney was safe, he would soon recover from a few wounds, these were trifles to a brave strong man. ”

“ 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. ”

“ As he did so, Harry Morby awoke.
"Better, old chap?" he asked with a smile. Then he noticed Alan looking round and went on:
"Don't know where you are, eh? I'll enlighten you. You're at The Forest, the home of that most beautiful lady, Evelyn Berkeley. You're a fortunate man to have won her sympathy so completely. By Jove, old man, you rode a great race yesterday! But you were clean done up at the finish and no wonder."
"What the deuce are you doing here?" asked Alan.
"I'm home for a few days, made up my mind to see Bandmaster win the steeplechase." ”

“ There are men who have seen many Derbies decided and for thirty years or more in succession have experienced the thrill of the race.
A Derby transplanted from Epsom is a mere ordinary race. It is the famous surroundings cause the fascination, and Epsom Downs shares the fame of Derby Day.
Gold Star picked his way through to the front, and as he took the lead there was a tremendous shout for the favorite. It made Ella start, and Eve said:
"Something worth seeing and hearing, is it not?"
"Wonderful!" exclaimed Ella, her face eager with excitement. ”

“ Baron Childs was running White Legs in the Hunt Cup, a five-year-old chestnut with four white legs, a useful horse, winner of three or four good handicaps. He was talking to Eve Berkeley in the paddock as Alan Chesney went across to Bandmaster. Eve did not see him; she was in animated conversation. Alan smiled as he saw them, wondering if she was requesting another tip, and if it would prove as good as Merry Monarch.
"Not half a bad horse," said Bernard Hallam as he looked at Bandmaster.
"He's pretty good and he's got a very light weight. I fancy he'll just about win," said Alan. ”