"Just wait till my horse gets his muscles limbered up a bit!" And then he urged his animal to a better gait, and slowly but surely crawled up closer to Roger.
Dave said but little, for he was paying all his attention to Hero.

He had studied horses from childhood, and he thought he saw in the steed he rode better staying qualities than in either of the other animals.

He kept on directly behind his chums, but made no effort for the first half mile to pass them.
"How far do we race ?" cried the senator's son, presently.
"To the patch of woods," answered Dave, indicating a growth about a mile distant.
"All right--and--good-by to you!" returned Roger, merrily.
"Dave, you aren't in it a little bit!" added Phil.

And he sped after the senator's son, leaving Dave a full fifty yards in the rear.
Dave saw that Hero was gradually warming up to his task.

He clucked softly, and the little black horse pricked up his ears and increased his gait.