Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1879-06-19


he now felt deep interest in disput-
ing young Mallory's great Neptune,
and for this reason:
One year before the young Ten
nessean was on that same race-course,
when he witnessed a contest between
Neptune and another horse owned
by Judge May.
He was introduced to Agnes May
that day; he noticed her deep chagrin
at beholding the defeat of her
fathers favorite, and he also noticed
young Mallory's exultation at his
victory.
Frank Ferris met Agnes May again
at mutual friends house in New
Orleans, during the winter season. and
he then learned that Arthur Mallory
was one her most devoted admirers.
Young Ferris became infatuated
with the glorious creature; but he
did not dare to seek her love openly,
as Judge May was considered one of
the wealthiest planters on the Miss
issippi, and the Tennessean would
inherit modest farm at his father 5
death, and one little negro boy.
The young man was engaged in
trading between Memphis and New
Orleans, and he had succeeded in saw
ing over five thousand dollars by his
exertions.
When he witnessed Neptune S
second victory, and heard the judge S
impassioned expressions, sudden
impulse prompted him to address the
chagrined man and offer his services
Franks father owned a chestnut
mare that no one could approach
save the little negro boy, Jake, who
was their only slave.
Jake was diminutive daredevil
of eighteen, who had ridden the mate
since she was colt, and he had in
fused SO much of his own dcviltry
into the animal that one else could
manage her.
Frank + erris had often watched the
mare and its daring rider sweeping
across the country on errands to
Memphis, and he noticed thai the
wicked animal was very fast, and
that she never Jagged in her headlong
sweep.
Feeling assured that the old mare
could out-run the all-conquering Nep-
tune, if the rascally Jake could be in
duced to play an honest part, the
young man did not hesitate to risk
his savings in the encounter; and it
may be readily supposed that he
| hoped to gain something more pres
cious than gold by the struggle.
Frank Ferris dined with Judge
May and his fair daughter that after.
noon, and he explained to the former
his prospects of defeating the exul-
tant young Mallory.
The Judge was not favorably i'm
pressed with the proposition, as he
did not think it possible that an un-
tried animal, at an advanced age,
could cope with the powerful young
horse that never encountered defeat ;
but he had given his word, and he
would not retreat.
On that same evening, young Fer
ris was favored by Agnes with a
private interview; and her last words
at parting, as she smiled up at his
earnest face, were never forgotten.
"Win the race, Frank" she said,
land father will grant you any re-
quest you ask. Lose it, and I'm
afraid that l will have to marry Ar
thur Mallory"
One month passed away, ana all
was life anl excitement on the Me-
tarie race course again, as the fame
of the novel contest had spread
abroad, and crowds from New Orleans
and the neighboring plantations had
assembled to witness the "walk over"
by the Napoleon of the turf
Judge May and the charming Ag-
nes were on the grand stand, sur
rounded by friends and admirers, in
Guiding the jubilant Arthur Mallory,
who more than once generously offer
ed the Judge chance to withdraw
his heavy wager.
The black Neptune, in all his pride
and glory, was prancing around in
the paddock hut the sold mare''
was not visible up the hour appointed
for the start.
At lengh the bell rang out, to sum-
mon the animals to the starting-point;
and Neptune's rider, who was cum
ning-looking little white jockey, mus
cular and mischievous, sprang on his
back and cantered along, amid the
cheers of their thousands of admirers.
"Where's the old mare ?' rang out
on all sides.
In the shade offs neighboring grove,
at that moment, the diminutive negro
was mounted on Blue Bell, and two
men were holding the prancing ami
NAL by the bride.
Remember, you rascal" was the
parting injunction from the oldest,
'sI'll cut you in bits, when we get
home, if you don't win this race I'll
have to sell you afterwards, for we'll
have no place to keep YOU"
JAM, NY SOoV poyS SaLu Ihhh
Ferris, 'you win the race, and I'll
make father set you free at once"
II wins it. or dies. Massa Frank"
replied the little negro. "Let her
go"
And one minute after, the old ,
chestnut mare was prancing around
the track, her rider waiting for the
final signal.
The signal was given; and away
flew the powerful black horse, with
the chestnut at his heels.
A shout OF derision burst from the
grand stand as the animals dashed
by, and Judge May turned to his fair
whispering:
1--WE are ruined, Agnes. That
s,iy-lfokins>a pule will not make three
lilies b Neptune srsfour:
Appearances are sometimes ~ sa-
,itiul, father but I must confess
le has vicious eye." i,,
eth devil is bolting!" cried le bu
dge. "Halloo! he's got her do Yn pei
y1-rt t,H II =