  Using a single channel active Raman gain medium we show a $(220\pm 20)$ns
advance time for an optical pulse of $\tau_{FWHM}=15.4 \mu$s propagating
through a 10 cm medium, a lead time that is comparable to what was reported
previously. In addition, we have verified experimentally all the features
associated with this single channel Raman gain system. Our results show that
the reported gain-assisted superluminal propagation should not be attributed to
the interference between the two frequencies of the pump field.
