The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1879-10-24

women of sufficient nerve and physical
trength can be found to driYe, and
when they are they command high
wages. When, then, this young girl,
who was known in the ring as Mdlle.
Louise, offered her services, it was with
surprise that they saw the courage and
skin with which she handled the crib
bons.'
Night after night she went through
her part triumphantly, and grew to be
a great favorite with the public, especi-
ally as she frequently came out ahead,
the horses understanding her so perfectly
that they obeyed every infection OF her
voice.
On certain memorable evening there
was present among the spectators a
prominent young lawyer of this city, a
man of good looks, bearing, and means,
and who at that time was conducting
lawsuit of the company, which led
him frequently to the Office of the bust
ness manager, which was in the build
ing. On this occasion the two were
chatting together when Mdlle. Louise
entered. The lawyer remarked upon
her good looks. IS Yes," said the mana
ger, "but she is more than good-lOok-
ing. She is thoroughly good, and lives
like a nun. There has never been one
word OF scandal connected with her
name. She gets more flowers and love
letters than any other woman in the
company; but she never takes any no.
tice of either and won't even take them
home with her."
"Where does she come frOm?" asked
the lawyer.
That is more than any one has found
cut vet. She is lady, of that am sure,
and l have heard her speak in both
French and German; but don't cast
your eye in that direction, my young
friend, or you will get shipped like the
rest"
Nevertheless the man of legal lore be-
came anxious to know what manner of
woman this was, and finally got in the
habit of dropping in nearly every even
ing to take a look at her. For long
time she seemed oblivious to his pres
ence, though she could not help noticing
him, as he always stood in the same place;
but one evening as she drove into the
green room and jumped out of her char
lot her dress caught in the wheel; he
released it. She thanked him, and SO
the acquaintance began. For time she
was only coldly polite, but, gradually
acquiring confidence in him, became
more talkative and cordial, though she
refused his repeated request to call.
One evening Mr.. Barnum offered a
laurel wreath to the winner of the race,
and Mdlle. Louise declared she would
win it, but, nevertheless, through some
tritle, she came in second. Seeing her
disappointment the gallant young lawyer
told her she should have another chance,
and forthwith he had made at Tiffany's
an elegant gold-mounted riding-whip.
When the evening came the prize was
announced by the manager, and quite
flutter of excitement ensued.
As Mdlle. Louise mounted her chariot,
her admirer noticed that she was very
pale, and he said (haf laughing and
half in earnest), "Now, take care. I
don't want any body killed in riding for
that whip At this she shrugged her
shoulders disdainfully, and replied: !" Do
you suppose am afraid? No, it is not
that; but 1 hope 1 shall never leave that
track alive"
"That is a dreadful speech to make"
els it? Well, it needn't make any
difference to any one that know Of. :"
Before he could reply the signal was
given, and the eight glittering chariots
drawn by thirty-two magnificent horses,
adorned with golden harness and flying
ribbons, started. Every driver wore her
own color, and Mdlle. Louise had chosen
flaring garments of pale blue, and a he'll
met Of silver. Down the track flew the
chariOts and riders, the steeds seeming
to have human understanding of the
struggle; the band burst into loud mar
tial strains; the people cheered, and
now red passed blue; then came yellow
to the front; but cleaning blue and sill
yer shot by; with tense faces and erect
figures the three women urged on their
horses, and the young lawyer watched
with chill at his heart this desperate
race.
The goal was almost reached, and
with her fair hair flying over her blue
mantle, burning flush on either cheek,
and clenched teeth, Louise cheered on
her horses, only length more, when
the woman in red pulled her steeds
slightly to the right-a fearful crash fol-
lowed, the wild neigh of horse in ago
ny-a woman's groans, and crowd of
Mortified attendants rushed to the res
cue, separated the horses, and drew
from under their feet the form of Louise,
for she had been thrown over the front
of the chariot under their very hoOfs.
A litter was brought. She was laid
upon it, and, midst the murmurs and
EXPLANATIONS of the bystanders, was car
ried out. Almost the first at her side
was the young lawyer, who gazed with
terror on her cold, rigid form, with its
white, agonized face, upon which the
imprint of a hoof, and the staring eyes
which saw nothing. Selling her hand
to feel her pulse, her fingers closed like
a wise on his, and with convulsive eff
fort she murmured, "That was terri
bic wish," and relapsed into uncon-
seriousness. Doctors were sent for, and,
on examination, they found an arm
broken, a knee-cap almost crushed, and
many cruel bruises. She was carried
home, and, be it said to Mr.. Barnum's
credit, was not allowed to want for any
thing. Her new friend called frequently