They shook hands all around and left Gabriel and Leonard alone.

Immediately the car door was closed, and a few moments later a switch engine hooked onto the car and soon it was coupled to a long train. Half an hour later the train began to move.

In the meantime the others had made their way to the hospital where Jimmy lay. The boy was much better than they had expected to find him, and the doctor, who was at the bedside, a.s.sured them that he was well on the road to recovery.

"Just be careful with him," he told them.

Jimmy was carried to the depot on a stretcher and made comfortable in a Pullman car; and soon the party were on their way.

At Lexington there was a long delay, and it was nearly midnight before the train pulled out. Shirley and Mabel took turns watching over Jimmy during the night, but their vigilance was unnecessary. For the lad, once he had closed his eyes, did not open them again until the train was nearing Louisville the following morning.

"Where shall we stop, Dad?" asked Shirley, as they prepared to leave the train.

"Guess we may as well go to the St. Charles," was the reply.

On the platform he summoned a porter, who picked Jimmy up and carried him to a taxi. Mr. Willing climbed in alongside him, and Mr. Ashton and the two girls occupied another.

At the hotel Mr. Willing engaged a suite of six rooms, where all could be comfortable.

"I'll stay here until Sat.u.r.day," he told the others. "Then I shall stay at the track."

This was Tuesday morning, and the Derby would not be run till the next Monday. In the days that followed, the two girls, when they were not caring for Jimmy, spent their time sight-seeing around town.

Leonard and Gabriel arrived Wednesday afternoon, and Mr. Willing immediately quartered them in his stable at the track, Leonard announcing that he had determined to maintain his watch until the last moment. Shirley and Mabel made several trips to see the horse, and, of course, so did Mr. Willing. There was no doubt in the minds of any that the animal was in perfect condition for the race.

"If Jimmy only gets well in time," said Mr. Willing.

The youngster was improving steadily and there seemed little doubt that he would be well enough to ride by Monday.

As Shirley and Mabel were walking along Market Street Thursday afternoon, the former suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure in the crowd. She took Mabel by the hand and hurried forward.

"What's the matter?" demanded her friend.

"I see some one I want to talk to," was the reply, and the girl quickened her steps.

And then Mabel saw the reason for her chum's haste. At the same moment Shirley called:

"d.i.c.k!"

A young man, a few yards ahead of them, turned. As his gaze rested upon the two girls he stopped, and lifted his cap.

Shirley approached quickly and extended her hand, which d.i.c.k grasped warmly. Then he shook hands with Mabel.

"It's good to see you again," he said warmly.

"And I'm glad to see you again," said Shirley. "What are you doing in Louisville?"

"I'm working here," was the reply. "I'm office boy in one of the large newspaper offices. Some day," he added, "I hope to be a reporter."

"And I am sure it will not be long before you are," declared Shirley.

"How is it that you are not working this afternoon?"

"I work all night," was the reply. "I go to work at six o'clock."

"Have you seen anything of Jones?" demanded the girl, after some further talk.

"I thought I saw him on the street the other day," was the reply, "but I am not sure. However, I suppose he is here. Have you had any more trouble with him?"

"Yes," replied Shirley, and told him everything that had happened since d.i.c.k had left them.

"Well," said d.i.c.k, "I should advise that Gabriel be carefully guarded.

Jones is a desperate man. There is no telling what he may attempt."

"I do not believe he will be able to do much damage now," declared Shirley. "Leonard is with Gabriel all the time."

"I wouldn't take any chances."

"We won't."

"And you say Jimmy will be in condition to ride?"

"Yes."

"Good; but I must be leaving you now. I hope I shall see you again before you return home," and lifting his hat, d.i.c.k turned away.

"Will you go to the Derby with us?" Shirley called after him.

d.i.c.k hesitated a moment before replying.

"I shall be glad to," he said at length.

"Then come to the hotel at 10 o'clock Monday morning," said Shirley.

"I'll be there," said the boy, and with another bow he was gone.

Shirley and Mabel returned to the hotel.

"How is everything at the track, Dad?" asked Shirley when her father came in a few moments later.

"First rate."

"Have there been any attempts to injure Gabriel?"

"No. Leonard thought he caught sight of Jones out there yesterday, but he is not sure. I think he must be mistaken. I reckon we are through with Jones."

"I hope so," replied both girls.

"I'll take you all out to-morrow and let you have a look at Gabriel,"

said Mr. Willing.