The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1879-10-24

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Ing these chariots ~ crimson and gold,
drawn BY four spirited stecds, and
driven by young women standing erect
and urging them on with voice and whip,
more than once spectators, when thrilled
with interest nj the contest. have heard
a dreadful crash, seen the horses roll
over in the dirt. and plunge about In
mad confusion, listened 10 oaths and wild
screams. and watched the form Of a
woman extricated and carried of.
These fearful acciaents usually result
from the wild state of excitement into
which both horses and drivers get when
entered for race and striving for the
prize which i usually offered. Know
ing their risk. it i with difficulty thar
women Of sufficient nerve and physical
trength can be found to drive, and
when they are they command high
wages. When, then, this young girl,
who was known in the ring rs Mdlle.
Louise, offered her services, il was with
surprise that they saw the courage and
skill with which she handled the "rib
hons"
Night after night she went through
her part triumphantly. and grew 10 be
great fayorite with the public, especi-
ally as she frequently came out ahead.
the horses understanding her 50 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,
man of good looks, bearing, and means,
and who at that time was conducting
a 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 We're
chatting together when Mdlle. Louise
entered The lawyer remarked upon
her good looks. :. les," said the mana
ger, 4. but she is more than good-look-
ing. She is thoroughly good, and lives
like 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.
out get. She is lady. Of that am sure,
and have heard her speak in both
French and German; but don't cast
your eye in that direction, my young
friend, or you viii 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 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 laxative 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 il, but, nevertheless, through some
trifc, she came in second. Seeing her
disappointment the gallant young lawyer
told her she should have another chance,
and forthwith he had made ut 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 (half laughing and
half in earnest), "Now, take care.
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 | hope shall never leave that
track alive"
"That il dreadful speech to make
lis itP Well, 1t 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
faring garments Of pale blue, and a he'll
met Of silver. Down the track few 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
10 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 check,
and clenched teeth, Louise cheered on
her horses, only length more, when