The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1878-05-16

l0lCu1u1 U0&IO. AS 0OOQ - Tie 0IUcIQOOQ
services were closed. the two deacons
and some other members Of the church
accompanied the minister home, with
their horses.
at is the most fragrant piece of abom-
nation that ever came to my knowledge"
said the indignant clergyman, as they
rode on.
at is most assuredly," answered one of
"Horse-racing on the Sabbath" utter
ed the minister.
"Dreadful.' echoed the second deacon.
Aud so the conversation went on until
they reached the top of gentle emf
nence which overlooked the plain where
| the racing was carried on, and where
some dozen horsemen, with score of
lookers-on, were assembled. The sight
was one which chilled the good parson to
his soul. He remsined motionless until
he had made out the whole alarming
truth, then turning to his companions:
"Now, nv brothers," said he, ''let US
ride down and confront the wicked
wretches, an if they will down upon
thicr 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 desecrated thus"
| for it was indeed a section of his own
farm.
AS the good clergyman thus spoke, he
started on towards the scene. The horses
of the wicked men were Just drawing up
for a start as the minister approached,
a. nd rr ho ~ nvc vho Of
nized 'old Morgan" did not recognize
the reverend Individual who rode him.
"Wicked men!" commenced the par
son. as he came near enough for his voice
to be heard, "cllildren of sin and
hamc-"
"Come on, old hoss,' said one of the
jockeys turning towards the minister
If you are in for the first race, you must
stir your s'umps. Now we CO."
"Alas! 0, my wicked"
Gall ready!" shouted he who led in the
affair. cutting the minister short. "And
off it ts!!'
And the word of starting was given.
Old Morgan knew the word too we'll, for
no sooner did it fail upon his ears than he
stuck out his nose, with one wild snort
he started, and the rest of the racers,
twelve in number, kept him company.
Who Ga ! who oa-oa!" cried the par
son, at the top of his voice.
by the powers, old fellow, you're q
keen one" shouted one of the wicked
men, who had thus far managed to keep
close 10y the side of the carson. "YOu
ride WE'LL"
. hN h0C ,h0 Inl tt,<,
clergyman. tugging at the reins with all
his might.
But it was of no avail. Old Morgan
had Now reached ahead of all competi-
tors, and he came up to the judges stand
three rods ahead, where the petrified dea-
cons were standing with eyes aud mouths
wide open.
Don't stop" cried the judge, who
now recognized Parson Ridewell, and
suspected lis business, and who also saw
ut once int the secret of old Morgan's
Joining the race. Don't STOP" he shout
ed again; " It's ,wo-mile heat this tim
Keep right on, parson. You are good
tor ano,her mile. Now you go-and off
it. s!'
These las. words were of course known
10 the horse, and no sooner did Morgan
h, ar them than he stuck his nose out
again. and again started of. The poor
pais'n I'll | his utmost to stop the bewitch-
ed animal, but it could not be done. The
more he struggled and yelled, the faster
the animal went, and ere many moments
he " u, again at the starting point, where
Morgan now stopped of his own accord.
There was hurried whispering among
the wicked ones, and succession of very
curious winks and knowing mods seemed
to MITIGATE that they understood.
Upon my soul, parson," said the lead
er of the al'ominatlon, approaching the
spot where the minister still sat in his
saddle, he having not yet sufficiently re-
covered his presence OF mind to dismount,
"you ride we'll. We had not looked for
this honor"
Honor. sir!" gasped Ridewell, look
iny biankly into the speakers face.
"Ay-fnr It's an honor. You are the
first clergyman who has ever joined US in
our Sabbath evening entertainments"
"i-I. sir! | Joined vouf"
"Ha, hs, ha! Oh, you did it we'll.
Your good deacons really think you
tried 10 stop your horse; but saw
through ii; | saws how silly you put your
morse up But | don't blame YOU FIR
feeling proud of Old Morgan. for should
t. el so myself if owned HIM. But you
need not f-sr; will tell all who NAV
ask me about it, that you did your best
10 stop the b. asst: TOR / would rather
stretch the truth little than have such
god jockey as you are suffer-
This hao been spoken SO loudly that
the deac rs had heard every word, and
the poor par>ol was Toe il6ercd: but he
soon came to himself. and with flashing
eve. he cried:
williams. what mean you'll Why do We
thus"
Hold on interrupted one of the
party. and A. he spoke, tue rest of the
rAcing men had 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 beard that you had determined 10 try
If your horse would not hear Us all, We
agreed among ourselves that If you came
We would let you in. We have done 50,
and = have won the race in . two mile
hat Now let thar satisfy you By the
hockey, but you did it we'll. When you
want to try it again, just send rs word.