Then the fight began.
Yard by yard the speed increased, and yard by yard the black stallion drew ahead.

Now in front of them lay a furlong or more of bad ice encumbered with lumps of frozen snow that had not been cleared away, which caused the sleigh to shake and jump as it struck.

Lysbeth looked round.
"The Badger is coming up," she said.
Montalvo heard, and for the first time laid his whip upon the haunches of his horse, which answered gallantly.

But still the Badger came up.
The grey was the stronger beast, and had begun to put out his strength.
Presently his ugly head was behind them, for Lysbeth felt the breath from his nostrils blowing on her, and saw their steam.

Then it was past, for the steam blew back into her face; yes, and she could see the eager eyes of the child in the grey sledge.