Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-02-01
Dreadful P echoed the second deacon.

nence which overlooked the plain, where
the racing was carried on, and where
some dozen horsemen, with score of
lockers on had assembled. The sight was
one that chilled the good parson to his
soul. He remained motionless till he had
made out the whole alarming truth, then
turning to his companions, said: Now,
my brothers, let us ride down and con-
front the wicked wretches, and if they
will down on their knees and implore
Gods mercy, and promise to do SO no
more, we will not take legal action against
them. o, that my own land should be des-
ecrated thusp for it was indeed portion
of his farm. .
As the good clergyman thus spoke he
started toward the scene. The horses of
the wicked men were drawing up for the
start as the minister approached. Some
of the riders at once recognized old Nor
gan, but did recognize the reverend indi-
vidual who rode him.
Wicked menp commenced the par
son, as. he came near enough for his
voice to be heard, children of sin and
shame
Come on old hoss,' cried one of the
jockies, turning towards the minister, if
you are in for the first race, you must stir
your stumps. Now we CO.
Alas 0, my wicked
All readyp shouted he who led the
affair, cutting the minister short, and off
it isp ....
And the word for starting was given.
Old Morgan knew that word too well, for
no sooner did it fall upon his ears than
he stuck out his nose, and with one wild
snort he started, and the rest of the ra-
GERS, twelve in number kept him COM
pany. t-
Who-ho-ho-op yelled the clergy
man, tugging at the reins with all his
might.
But it was of no avail. Old Morgan
ahead of all his competitors, and he came
up to the judges stand three rods ahead,
where the petrifed deacons were standing
with eyes and mouth wide open.
Don't stop shouted one of the wicked
judges, who now recognized parson Ride
well, and suspected his business, who al
SO saw into the secret of old Morgan's
joining the race. Don't stop he shout
ed again; it's two-mile heat this time.
Keep right on, parson You are good
for another mile. Now you go-and off
is
Those last words were of course known
to the horse, and no sooner did Morgan
hear them than he stuck out his nose
again, and again started off. The poor
parson did his utmost to stop the be-
witched animal, but it could not be done.
The more he struggled and yelled, the
faster the animal went, and ere many
moments he was again at the starting
point, where Morgan stopped of his own
accord. There was hurried whispering
among the wicked ones, and succession
Of very curious winks and knowing mods
seemed to indicate that they understood
the matter. #.
Upon my soul, parson,' said the lead
er of the abomination, approaching the
spot where the minister still sat in his
saddle, he having not yet sufficiently re-
covered his presence of mind to dismount,
Eyou ride well. We had not looked for
this honor
Honor, sirp gasped Ridewell, looking
blankly into the speakers face.
'Aye-for It's an honor. You are the
first clergyman that aas ever joined us
in our Sabbath evening entertainments.
IL, sir! joined you?'
Ha, ha, ha !! you did it well! Your
good deacons really think you were try
ing very hard to hold your horse but
saw through it; saw how slyly you
put your horse up. But don't blame
you for feeling proud of Morgan, for
should feel SO myself if owned him.
But you need not fear; i will tell all
who may ask me about it, that yon did
your best to stop the beast; for would
rather stretch the truth a little than have
such a jockey as you suffer-
This had been spoken so loudly that
the deacons had heard every word, and
the poor parson was bewildered; but he
came to himself, and with flashing eye,
he cried:
Williams! what mean you? Why
do
Hold on interrupted one of the party,
as the rest of the racing men had all
, mounted their horses hold on moment.
parson; we are willing to allow you to
carry off the palm, but we won't stand
your abuse. When we heard that you