The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1873-01-23
Bob's Last Race.

Bob's Last Race.
One bright autumn day two young peo
pie. fair to look upon and we'll mated,
being none other than Mr. Robert Lowell
and Miss Edith May, who in moment of
ecstacy had promised eternal fidelity each
unto the other, We're walking on smooth
country road at an hour in the middle of
the afternoon.
There was deep subject between them,
for they talked earnestly and volubly.
She seemed to be pleading and begging,
and be explaining and arguing. They
walked on and on, mile after mile. and
the light began to fail and the shadows to
lengthen.
She had his arm and they were deeply
intercsted- therefore they did not notice
their surroundings.
They came to a huge white fence, ten
feet high and extending either way for
long distance. Opposite to them was a
grated gate which could be pushed up or
pulled down as was required. Within
the gate was to be seen vast elliptical
space and series of high seats.
The two walkers suddenly stopped.
''Here we are at the terrible race
coursew said Miss Edith
"Yes, here we are" responded the
other with a touch of suspense in his tone.
81 did not mean to come hither am sure.
1t was pure accidents that is unless you
meant to bring me here,n he added, look
ing at his companion with smile.
''No, no, Bob" replied she sadly, Il
am doing my very best to lead you away
from it, and | could not consistently wish
you to look at it again"
"Do you really hate and fear it so
much ." asked he.
She clasped her hands upon his arm and
raised her face to his. He looked at her.
In the dim light he beheld her paleness,
her tears, and her trembling lips.
He reflected He considered He could
not give it up as he would have relin
quished any evil habits, for there were
other interests than his bound up in the
act. Still he loved the girl too deeply
| not to promise something. He rapidly
ran over in his mind what he might sac
ritce.
q cannot leave it off all at once,
Edith --"
"Oh, Bob"
mo. Listen There are six horses
entered for the race, and my Eclipse is
one of them. She is the favorite, and all
the betting men in all the cities in the
| country have made bets upon her, or
against her, and if should withdraw her
| my life would be in danger, and my repu-
tation would suffer even with the most
upright men, love my horse devotedly,
but | would leave them if YOU only
| breathed :. wish that should True, you
do not You wish me to give up racing
for money Edith, I'll do it. But must
run my horse tomorrow; and if l win
will quit the turf after the race and sell
| every horse but those we want for oul
own use"
IF You win? Suppose you do not ?"
Tell me, Bob-suppose you don't win
suppose Eclipse comes in third or last ?"
81 cannot bare to dream of such 8
| thing" responded he, in such a hollow
voice that she started little, Il fear il
would ruin me-"
''Bob," said she, earnestly and distinct
ly, "have you risked your fortune upon
this one raca-upon this venture, in which
the smallest accident may destroy youl
chances and you ?"
"Yes," said Fob.
He hung his head.
She said no more. Her slender figure
shivered with agitation, but she wheeled
about and walked her lover straigh
toward home again. Never word cross.
ed his lips about horses and racing unit
they were about to part
She spoke of other things, and talked
even pleasantly and cheerfully; but wher
they came to her door she put her arm
about his neck
s.Rob sold oho ssvo,, COW ;f 1,o,, WI,
tomorrow you will leave horse-racing for
ever, and you also say if you do not viii
you will be ruined man Is that so ?''
Yes" said Bob, 81 fear that is the
case"
Every WE'LL" replied she: "now l un
derstand. Good night, Bob"
| They said good night as lovers hav'
from time immemorlal, and were a lons
time about it, as all lovers are.
But no sooner had the young man dis
appeared from sight than the young lad,
developed from an elegant girl into
creature of energy and decision.
She astonished her maid-a pretty min1
by asking her very suddenly if the groom
of the race course stables was not a love
of hers.
eyes, Miss Edith
| "Well, now II he would Obhge M
would you feel greatly gratiied ?"
"Of course, miss"
eff he should dsoblige me?"
"Why, if he dared do that, miss" SAT-
the pert beauty, Cpd give him such
wiggin that he'd never get over it, Dis
oblige my mistress I'd like to see him !!
She shut up both her fists and looke'
dreadful.
Miss Edith laughed.
"Now, Polly, want you to put on you
hat, 60 directly to him and tell him wis
to see him instantly, and when you are OF
your way back you may tell him wha
. you just told me-"
Polly disappeared while the resolut
} Miss Edith partook of superior eve1
the most spiritual and delightful of he
, sex must eat.
By the time she had completed her re
past the pretty maid had returned. Sh
was directed to bring her lover into
small sewing room adjoining the sittin
r room.
The girl started, but obeyed.
J : The groom, not an i'll looking fellow
t came in. He bowed and turned almos
, scarlet.
? Miss Edith proceeded to business clever