River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1877-12-20
Race that was not SOld.i

A Race that was not SOld.i
From the Chicago Field.
Bet YOU cool hundred that l can
name the winner" and the speaker tapped
his long riding boot complacently With his
whip, and expectorated the juice of the
weed with precision, that could only have
been the result of many years of practice.
Done Done was answered upon every
side, and the crowd Immediately gathered
around and produced well-flled "calf-
SKINS
"I'll take all the bets. Here's the
money; Colonel Randolph, you will hold
the stakes
The various wagers were soon arranged
half an hundred bales" (cotton) add
ed, and then the name of the horse upon
whose speed and bottom so much had
been risked. was demanded. "My mare,
Lizzie Clay" was responded.
By some the selection was sneered at !;
Others shook their heads doubtfully (;
others appeared to favor the choice But
upon one thing all agreed. 1t was that
talking produced thirst, and they adj
journed for the inevitable mint julep"
and peach and honey"
II was during the ''fiush times" in the
blue grass region. Cotton was undisputed
king through all the Southern States, and
disputed the scepter with king coal in
the North; money was plenty, and horse
racing passion. To own winner was
about as much glory as to be President,
and the fortunate possessor of "BOston
or "Pey tona' an equally enyied indi-
yidual
With the crowd always gathered upon
court week. it was not difficult to get
up a scrub race and a "shake purse" at
any time. The sheds were filled, and
fences lined with horses of every descrip-
ton. from the very best blood of Virainia
and kentucky to the brOken-dOwn hack,
that had not sufficient ambition remaining
to wag his ears. with enough energy to
incOmmode the flies. And upon ordinary
occasions no time would have been lost in
arriving at a decision the straight, we'll
beaten road Offering convenient track,
and the various distances of "quarter,"
shalt and 'mile," having been so often
measured and marked that there could be
no questioning.
This affair. however, had assumed far
more than usual proportions. A dozen
well-known cracks among the aristoc
racy of horse flesh had been named, and
the money invested an hundred fold
more than was common. So (by agree
ment of parties the trial was postponed
until the following week, in order to have
the nags in condition, and possibly that
more funds might be raised
Yet though the test was delayed the
discussion waxed hot, the consumption of
the favorite beverage threatened a mint
| famine, and many a man rode home upon
a horse that would not belong to him, and
gave orders to servants who would have
another master before another change of
moon. In fact, a "hOrse convention" had
never before produced such intense ex-
citement in that locality, or one that
would impoverish so many. Everything
tangible was wagered, and that failing,
/ INV word Of honor took the place ofcot-
ton and horses and gold and negroes.
9TH burst half the county" said one
of the irrepressibles, as he and the owner
of the favorite mare were jogging home
ward together.
"You are right, Colonel, and we have
acted like FOOLS" replied Marion Simms.
"Moren likely, and if my cotton and
horses and mules and niggers 60 I'll
have to pack up for Red River, sure, Kur-
nal"
And l shall not be much better circum.
stanced."
"Yet something might happen ter make
US lose"
"Happen, WHAT" was questioned in
alarm.
30. thar's thousand things, Kurnal
Their mar might be taken sick with the
collie or something, or she might be piz'
ened or lamed"
Il do not think any one would be SC
| dishonorable."
Don't yerl Wal, yer don't know the
scaiawegs about hcah. Thar's plenty
would do anything ter win, and yer'd bet
Ter keep yer eyes open sharp, onless yer
want to De cleaned out. No; | can't come
in. Good night"
Simms was left to ponder over That he
had heard, An honorable and unsus-
picious man, he would never have dream
ed of any other cause of action without
prompting. Now he must take meas ures
for the safety of his horse. He rode di-
rectly to the stables, and said in the most
careless manner he could assume to the
old gray headed groom: II have made 8
match with this beauty. and laid heavy
wagers. 1t is to be run next Monday ,and
l want you TO be very careful that moth.
ing happens to her"
"Hab her fit to run fer your life, Mas'r,
replied the negro, patting the sleek side:
of the beauty. "DaT hain't nuthin' in dal
country kin hold er candle to her
s.Naa, think sn Tenn o.
''Sartain, sue, ATasr. She kin jis
show er clean par ob heels ter dar hui
ob 'em Dey talk of hossesm
Then we must be doubly careful O
her; keep watch of her night and day,my
boy. and II she wins, you shall have ;
new suit of broadcloth.a
ode bi gollyi Ne sleep and eat vic
her bot, dats so, Mas'r,~ and the pleased
old negro began making extra prepare
rions for the comfort Of the beautiful anC
bloOded animal.
Satisfied in this respect his maste
turned TO the house to be lovingly vel
coined by his young wife.
- You have stayed late, she said
. What could have kept youl Tea ha
I been ready for an hour, and you know
how Jealous old Marin Venus Il OF he
cooking
YES, and am prepared i % lusiicI
toit.7