Litchfield enquirer., 1833-04-04

We now thought we had fairly got rid of
the fellow but he returned to the charge,
and asked if fifty dollars would not do,
then seventy-6ye, then hundred and
finding he could not make bargain for
less than the regular sum, he engaged to
give it, provided he could find any one to
loan him the money, for which he offered
to pawn bis Wagon, load of notions, and
Sleepy David TO boot. He asked one,
then another, to accommodate him with
Manufacturing that as soon as ever he
took the purse, the money should be re-
turned, and he would give dozen of tin
whistles into the bargain. He, however,
got more curses than coppers, until some
wag, who had plenty of cash, and liked to
see the sport go on, lent him the hundred
dollars out Of sheer malice-though as it
afterwards appeared, the Yankee had mo-
ney enough about him, and was merely
playing tho postum all the while.
His next object was to borrow saddle.
Here also ne was accommodated and
taking Sleepy David from the tin cart, he
scrambled upon his back, and took his sta
ton on the course. You never saw fell
low sit on horse so awkwardly in all your
life. Every body said he would fall before
he had gone hundred yards; and some
out of compassion, urged him to withdraw.
mot by darn'd sight!' exclaimed he
why do you think am such tarnal fool
as to pay two hundred dollars, and then
not run arter all
Others, who wanted to see the sport,
though it should cost some broken bones,
encouraged him to proceed-saylng, as
they laughed aloud, that they had no doubt
but he would carry off the purse.
THAT'S what mean to do said he-'l
haint come here for nothing l can tell you.
Wake up, Sleepy David, and look about
you; you must have your eyes open to-
day; it's no time to be snoozin when
there's money at stake
The horse, as if he understood what bis
master was saying, opened his eyes, prick
ed up his ears, and actually showed some
signs of life.
The signal was now given to START
Away sprang Southron, with the speed OF
| lightning, and awaysprang the other South
ern horses, leaving Sleepy David far in the
rear, and the pedlar verging from side to
side, as if he was just ready to fall off,
The horse went paving along with his tail
clinging close to his launches, and his nose
stuck out straight before him; and you
never beheld so queer figure cut by any
man and horse as this singular pair made.
But they improved as they proceeded
the pedlar set more jockey-like, and the
horse evidently gained upon the others
But it would not do. He came in half
mile behind Southron, and little less be-
hind the others.
1t was now thought that the Yankee hat
got enough OF the race, and would with
draw before the next heat. Contrary tc
all expectation, however, he persevered
! and even offered to bet a thousand dollars
on the issue ofthe race.
THE fellows fool said one.
He don't know which side his bread is
buttered, or else he wouldn't risk any
more money on so desperate stake
He's safe enough there said third,
for he has no more TO risk
Here. however, evory body was mistak-
en- again, forthe pedlar hauled out an old
greasy pocket book and planked the thou
sand dollars. 1t was covered Of COURSE
But confess now began TO be staggered ;
and to suspect that the Yankee was after
all more knave than fool. had no fears
however, for the purse. Southron was not
a horse to be distanced in one day, and es-
peciaIly by such miserable looking beas
as Sleepy David.
The second heat was now commenced
and, If had before felt confident in the
entire superiority Of my noble horse
Southron, that confidence was strengthen
&c, as i again saw him coming in ahead o
the rest. i considered the purse as nov
my own property. In Imagination hat
grasped it, and was about putting it safely
in my pocket, when-lo and behold thu
pedlar's horse, which was behind all tho
rest, suddenly shot forward; and stretch
ing his neck like crane, won the heat BY
a throat latche.
Every body was astonished.
The Yankee in the mean time, Offered
to plank another thousand dollars but no
body would take the bet. And it was wei
they didn't, for at the third heat Sleepy
David not only distanced every horse. bu
even came in full quarter Of a mile aheat
of Southron himself.
There, by gauly' said the Yankee. a
he dismounted, I'm take that are leetl
purse if YOU please, and the tother coo