In so doing, and just as the start was given, a bonnet became visible to Richard.

Young Ralph was heels in air before he moved, and then he dropped like lead.

He was beaten by several lengths.
The result of the match was unaccountable to all present, and Richard's friends unanimously pressed him to plead a false start.

But though the youth, with full confidence in his better style and equal strength, had backed himself heavily against his rival, and had lost his little river-yacht to Ralph, he would do nothing of the sort.

It was the Bonnet had beaten him, not Ralph.