The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1856-03-15

rides Fred before us"
Both bent forward to look. About a dozen
rods IN advance of them, rode the subject of
their conversation. He was habted in drab
overcoat. and a sort of conical fur cap. His
horse of jet black color, and with slender
set sincwy limbs. that betokcncd speed and
endurance, seemed to draw the light, orna-
mentcd sleigh. to which he was attached,
over the smooth road almost without an
effort
"By Jove It's he sure enough: wait till
we get to the top of yon hill. and I'll give
him trial. There's clear road for mile
the very road for race"
but. Seymour said his companion,
"thcrc are two of us in this sleigh, which is
itself heavier than his: besides. we have al
ready ridden some distance. while his horse
must be quite fresh for see he draws rein as
he ascnds the hill.''
The two sleighs were now but few yards
apart. BaltIcs sccd was easily trotting up
the ascent, although he sat with arms ex-
tended, ard evidently keeping tight rein.
IL wonder he does not turn his head,
said Harry to his companion: "he must hear
our slcish-bels. we are so near him.
"Ah," said Seymour, .'let Fred alone: do
You know, my boy, there an old provcrb.
that there's none so deaf as those who won't
htar!'"
BY this time both slcighs had reached the
summit of the hill: a broad white and we'll
tro'lden road, of nearly mile and a half,
stretched out before them, the frosty parti-
clcs glistenirg in the moonlight.
"llurra hip, hurra I" cried Seymour, Civ
ing his horse smart cut with the whip, and
intending to pass his rival This he nearly
accomplished for Baltic still seemingly in
different at the cndcavor of his opponent -
But his stccd taking his cue evidently from
the efforts made to pass him, prickcd up his
cars and was off like the wind.
''Ah, ha awake at last, my fricnd-hcres
for your Chair Lightning"
The two horses fled over the frozen sur.
face as though life was depending on the
issue. Trees, fences and objects by the road
side seemed 10 fit by them as they dashed
along at that hcadlons speed.
Stop. Seymour, your horse has too much
weight; there are two cf us; we cannot pass
him." said Harry.
by Heaven, ! will" was the reply of
seyrnour-and he fran,ically applied the lash
to his horse, but in vain. Although scarce
six feet separated the two, yet he could not
lessen the distance one inch, although he
held the position.
Seymour. It's cruel for shame, we can
never pass said his companion. "Scc,
Fred has not used his whip al ALL" and he
pointed to Baltic. who sat upright in his
sleigh with his arms extended. drawing his
rcins apparently with just power enough to
keep them frnm the horses body. ''lIavc Il
care. he added, as thcv drew near what was
apparently n branch from the main road, and
where it became more narrow and unevrn-
| "a ora b,,
for Heavens sake do not drive down hill at
this fearful spccdr"
Scarce had he uttered these words. when
Baltcs horse suddenly stumbled and fell.
throwing the sleigh to which he was attach
Ell almost directly across the road. There
was shout, Il crash, and the occupants of
both slcighs were thrown into a heap and
their vehicles smashed to tntcrs; while the
horse of Seymour, forced from the sleigh.
with naught but the shafts attached to him.
carccred wildly off at an increased speed, the
sharp jingle of his bells sounding upon the
Stiffness of the night, fainter and fainter, till
lost in the distance.
"Who's hurt ?"ciaculatc1 Seymour, Olsen
eaging himself from the wreck, and rubbing
hi' shoulders.
mot |, said his friend. crawling from
deep gullry by the roadside, where he had
been thrown. '.lIow is it with Fred g. and
so saying, the two turned their attention to
the scene before them.
Stretched upon the road, lay that match
less stccd, Chain Lightning but his days
were ovcr-a broken leg prevented him from
rising, while the snow was crimsoncd by the
blood which flowed from deep wound in
ilicltd 10y the runner Of Seymour's sleigh -
But Fred, mad Fred. where was he?
''Ah. game TO the last" laughed Harry,
as he pointed out to his comnanion the figure
of Baltic, PARTIALLY imbcdtl,d in a slight
snow drift, but short distance from his
horse. He appeared to- be in sort of half
sitting posture and still held with extended
arms the reins, as when they had first over
| taken him.
''There's no danger Of his running away
now, old boy" said Seymour, giving way to
a laugh, $50 loose your rens.''
| But the subject Of his mi, til making neither
motion or reply, he stepped 10 his side, and
striking him slight blow upon the shoulder
said
| "Come, Fred. jokes joke, but it is a
| cold night, and the taverns but a rod distant
and glass OF hot punch and when sud
denly he started back with an exclamation
of horror and amazement that drew his
| friend to his side. The slight blow given
upoH tlc VI caused MN 10
roll heavily upon his side, and the cap falling
from his head, showed his CHASTITY features,
| cold, rigid and hard as adamant; his arms
ontstrctched, and hands still grasping the
reins, but stiff, unbending, and immovablc.
Seymour knelt beside the PROSTATE man, and
brushing back the long black hair from his
face, placed his hand upon his forehead; but
it was as cold as marble. He bent his ear
to the pallid lips, but not breath escaped
them. He started TO his feet, and the terri
bic truth burst upon him like a thunderbolt.
lie mad been racing niM corpse The tive
young men aroused the inmates of apublc
house near by, who rendered them every
available assistance, but it restored not mad
Fred Baltic. His racing days were ended.
The unfortunate man had evidently, i'm
PEELED by his ruling passion, left the chamber
OF convalescencc too soon; and weak from
his recent illness, persisted from the effects
OF the cold long ere he was overtakcn by
Seymour.
EGYPTIAN CuRIoslTIEs.-A DR.. Deck pos
sesses very singular specimen Of flower,
for which no place in natural history has yet
|