The horses came back to their places after galloping a moment or two.

There were two more false starts.

At length the starter got the horses together and sent them away with such address as to elicit shouts of applause.
"Splendid! No, it was mere chance! Never mind--it's done it!" The outcries were smothered by the anxiety which tortured every breast.
The betting stopped now, and the game was being played on the vast course itself.

Silence reigned at the outset, as though everyone were holding his breath.

White faces and trembling forms were stretched forward in all directions.