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The next two obstacles, the water course and the barrier, were

easily crossed, but Vronsky began to hear the snorting and thud

of Gladiator closer upon hiht felt that she easily quickened her pace, and the thud of

Gladiator's hoofs was again heard at the same distance away

Vronsky was at the head of the race, just as he wanted to be and

as Cord had advised, and now he felt sure of being the winner

His exciteht, and his tenderness for Frou-Frou

grew keener and keener He longed to look round again, but he

did not dare do this, and tried to be cool and not to urge on his

mare so to keep the same reserve of force in her as he felt that

Gladiator still kept There remained only one obstacle, the most

difficult; if he could cross it ahead of the others he would co towards the Irish barricade, Frou-Frou

and he both together saw the barricade in the distance, and both

the man and the mare had a moment's hesitation He saw the

uncertainty in the mare's ears and lifted the whip, but at the

saroundless; the mare knehat

anted She quickened her pace and rose smoothly, just as he

had fancied she would, and as she left the ground gave herself up

to the force of her rush, which carried her far beyond the ditch;

and with the sa

forward, Frou-Frou fell back into her pace again

"Bravo, Vronsky!" he heard shouts froi at the

obstacle He could not fail to recognize Yashvin's voice though

he did not see him

"O my sweet!" he said inwardly to Frou-Frou, as he listened for

as happening behind "He's cleared it!" he thought,

catching the thud of Gladiator's hoofs behind him There