The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1874-12-24

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tons, combining all the qualities of the
first class jockey with the shrewdness OF
a confidence man. He was supposed to
be a native of England, where he had
probably in his early boyhood learned
his profe sion on the Derby and at Ascot;
but like the thousands of others llured
by golden dreams of untold wealth had
wande ed across ocean and continent 10
the little camp OF Peruvan-bar, where
he led a life of unalloyed enjoyment,
performing no manual labor, unless shut
fling a pack of cards may be called such.
He had not given up horse-ridng or
acing, and was always on handat cock
fights, bull. fights or horse-races, enter
ing as the principal or betting on the
winning animal.
On the Fourth of July, upon which he
was to ride Martels Fan he had been
busily advising his friends to bet their
money on the mare that Jumped like
rabbit and ran like a deer" assuring
them that she was sure to win atthe same
time taking all outstanding wagerS that
were to be obtained himself.
The day wore on, with its usual pa
triotic celebration. "Misrule carnival"
instituted, in which every license was
given to the playful masqueraders, who
rode through the town on every descrip-
tion of animal they could beg, borrow or
steal for miles around from the half
bred mustang to the diminutve jackass
throwing handfuls of -four and egg
shells in every direction upon the crowd
that lined the streets, as the Mexicans
are in the habit of celebrating St. Johns
day, or the festival the French called
Aqy GraS. An unusual lot of fights
took place, and two men were killed in
an affray at the Long Tom" another
was badly cut up by drunken compan-
ions at the Magnolia" while every mir
ror in the Rife was shattered by pistol
balls fired across roulette table at
heavy winner, who his assailent fired to
hit, and who escaped through side win
dow, after emptying every barrel Of his
revolver at the man who sought his life.
About noon Mickey O'Dougherty gave
chicken soiree" at his Castle saloon,
which was attended by halfthe residents
of Peruvian-bar, and as the price of ad-
mission was placed at two dollars per
head Mr.. O'Dougherty realized very
handsome profit from his exhibition.
During the afternoon the Mexican por-
ton ofthe population witnessed bull
fight, followed by bloody struggle be-
tween Spanish steer and alwnhof gr
grizzly bear in which the bear was gored
to death in the "ring," and the steer so
mangled and torn that he died soon after
the fight. But the feature of the day 5
pleasures" was the race; and the entire
white portion of tine bar, accompanied
by few greasers, and large number of
Chinese, assembled upon the track,
which was in a westerly direction from
the camp, upon a sort Of plateau, out of
sight Of any inhabitants whatever. 1t
was half-mile track, having more Of
the qualities of turf course than a shell
track, the nature of the soil being more
favorable to the former than to the lat
ter one.
On one side, the track for a short dis
tance had been fe ced in, but the major
portion was open to the Aeldbeyond and
horses were not barred from going out
side, although prohibited from running
inside the embankment.
AS the time for the races to commence
approached, the space in the vicinity of
the judges stand became crowded with
excited and loud-talking men, growing
more excited as the bad whisky worked
! upon them. Two scrub races" were
run between the rival rancheros, and
then the two horses, Fan and Flyer were
brought upon the track for inspection.
Fan was light-limed animal, restve and
full Of spirit, while the Flyer showed
great strength and endurance in her
limbs and chest. But odds were in favor
Of Fan on account Of that quality which
Jack, the marquis, expressed in the
words, "She jumps like rabbit and runs
like deer"
The call to mount had been given,
when Martel stout, puffy, crafty look
ing Frenchman, called Jack the marquis
aside, and in whisper said
Jack, you may as well give up this
race"
| Jack looked at him in astonshment
Why, Martel, what the devils the
matter with you?" he asked.
Never mind, Jack, my orders are
lose the race. have taken the heav,
odds on my horse, and want to WIN.
Seer"
mo, | don't see. Now, look here,
Martel, have jockeyed on nearly every
track in America, and have seen the
biggest Derbys run, but never went
back on myself, and amt going to go
back on this race I'll win # break my
neck, answered the jockey.
81 will mount some one else then,
said Martel.
Mount them if you can. The call is
made, and you can't break out" was
Jacks reply.
Where is the boy2" asked Martel,
looking around.
Here, my charmer," and the speaker
with whip in hand, sprang from the
crowd around the horses, to where the
two we're standing, handsome, slight, and
very graceful; with wavy tresses flowing
far down the shoulders. The boy there
stood. glancing with dark flashing eye
at Martel.
Fannie, want you to ride the mare,
She was named after you, and will win
the race with you on her back" said
Martel.
lack rides the mare, Martel, was the
boys reply, sweet toned, yet fresh and
full as thrush note.
mo he don't, he is going back on me,
and he can't ride" was Martel's angry
retort.
well, then, must disappoint you,
fair and square. | ride the Flyer" and
can't very well ride your horse too, SO
that little game is spotted" and the boy
laughed prolonged, silver laugh, which
was followed by loud guffaw from
the assembled crowd, who gazed at the
beautiful little figure that stood before
| than, Nth unconcealed admiration