The Missouri horse took the lead for the first quarter of a mile; at the half-mile, however, he began to weaken.

The Missourians shouted themselves hoarse in urging their horse, but all to no avail.

The Little Gray passed him and continued to leave him farther and farther behind, easily winning the race.
The affair created a great deal of enthusiasm; but the race was conducted with honor and fairness, which was quite an agreeable surprise to my father, who soon found the Missourians to be at heart very clever men--thus showing that outside appearances are sometimes very deceptive; they nearly all came up and congratulated him on his success, asked him why he had not bet more money on the race, and wanted to buy Little Gray.
"Gentlemen," said he, "when I drove up here and arranged for this race, I felt confident that my horse would win it.

I was among entire strangers, and therefore I only bet a small amount.

I was afraid that you would cheat me in some way or other.