Vronsky had hardly formed the thought that he could perhaps pass on the outer side, when Frou-Frou shifted her pace and began overtaking him on the other side.

Frou-Frou's shoulder, beginning by now to be dark with sweat, was even with Gladiator's back.

For a few lengths they moved evenly.

But before the obstacle they were approaching, Vronsky began working at the reins, anxious to avoid having to take the outer circle, and swiftly passed Mahotin just upon the declivity.