"And if Mr.Prothero doesn't win, my debts will all be honorably discharged." There was a hush of expectation in the crowd when the ten horses whose numbers were up went down to the starting point, a quarter of a mile from the stand.

They were to pass it, make the circuit, and finish there, the race being two miles.

The interest of the natives was enlisted by the fact that Nana Sahib was running a horse, while the hopes of the occupants of the inclosure rested principally on Seila.
The flag fell to a good start; but when the horses came along Isobel saw with surprise that the dark blue of the Rajah and the Adjutant's scarlet and white were both in the rear of the group.

Soon afterwards the scarlet seemed to be making its way through the horses, and was speedily leading them.
"Prothero is making the running with a vengeance," the Major said.

"That is not like his usual tactics, Doctor." "I fancy he knows what he is doing," the Doctor replied.