"May the best horse win!" "Whoopee!" came unexpectedly from Sid Todd, and, grabbing his pistol from the holster, he sent three shots into the air, just to add to the excitement.
As the pistol went off, both horses gave an extra bound forward.

The two young riders were almost unseated, but each quickly recovered.

Then they bent low over their steeds' necks and went forward for the finish.
It was a thrilling moment, Dave and Roger side by side, Phil at their heels, and Sid Todd further back, firing another shot or two, "just for fun," in true cowboy fashion.
But Roger had urged his horse to the limit and could do no better.

As Dave clucked again, Hero shot ahead, a foot, a yard, and soon several yards.

Then Phil came up abreast of the senator's son, and thus they kept until the edge of the woods was gained.
"Dave wins!" cried Sid Todd.