Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1879-11-12
Her Awful Wish.


cinnati, among others who applied for a
position as ''drivern TO one of the four-in-
hand Roman chariOts was a fine-lOokin.
young girl of eighteen, about medium height,
with a lovely blonde complexion, light
brown hair fiecled with gold, and blue eyes.
Sue attracted Mr. Barnum's attention at
once, though more even for her manners
than appearance, which were very modest
and lady-like After giving some specimens
of her skill in driving, she was engaged and
joined the company.
As is generally known, hippOdrome rae
ing is a dangerous amusement, and while
there is great excitement in watching these
chariOts of crimson and gold, drawn by
four spirited horses, and driven by young
women standing erect and urging them on
with voice and whip, more than once spec
tators, when thrilled with interest Of the
contest, have heard a dreadful crash. seen
the horses roll over in the dirt and plunge
about in mad confusion, listened to oaths
and wild screams, and watched the form of
a woman extricated and carried off.
Night after night she went through her
part triumphantly. and grew to be a great
favOrite with the public, especially as she
frequently came out ahead, the horses I'M
derstauding her so perfectly that they obey
ed every infection of her voice On
certain memorable evening there was pres
ent among the spectators appointment Young
LAWYER, man Of good .OOks, bearing and
means, and who at that time was conduct
inc A suit for the company, which led him
Frequently to the office Of the business man
ager. which was in the building. On this
occasion the two were chatting together
when Mile. Louisa entered. The lawyer
remarked upon her good looks. Yes
said the manager, ''but she is more than
rood looking, she is thoroughly good, and
lives like a nun. There has never been Ole
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 notice of either. and won't
even take them home with her"
The man Of legal lore became ANXIOUS to
know what manner of woman this was. and
finally got into the habit of dropping IN
every evening to take a look at her. For
long time she seemed obliviOus of his
presence. though she could not help MOTTO
ing him. as he always stood in the same
place. But one evening she drove into the
greeu-rOo;l and jumped out of her chariot,
her dress caught in the wheel and he releas-
ed it. She thanked him, a so the ac-
duaintance began.- For a time she was only
coldly polite, but, gradually acquiring con
fidence in him, became more Ialkaiive and
cordial. though she refused his repeated Oh
fers to call. One evening Mr.. Barnum Of
fered laurel wreath to the winner of the
race. and Nile. Louise declared she would
win it. but, nevertheless, through some
triiie, she came in second. Seeing her dis
appointment. the gallant young lawyer told
she should have another chance, and lorih-
with he mad made an elegant gold-mounted
riding whip. When the evening came the
prize was annOuced by the manager, and
quite flutter of excitement ensIed
As Nile. Loulse mounted her chariot, her
admirer noticed she was very pale. and he
said half laughing and half in earnest,
.Now take care, don't want anybody
killed in racing for that whip At this
she shrugged her shoulders disdainfully,
and replied: '.Do you suppose am afraidi
No, it is not that; but hope | shall never
leave that track alive
That is dreadful speech to make. "
''Is it, Well, ii needn't make any diff
ference to any one that know of,
Before he could reply; the signal was
riven. and the eight glitteriag chariots,
drawn by thirty-two magnificent horses,
adorned with golden harness and flying
ribbons. started. Every driver wore her
color. and Nile. Louise had chosen fiaring
garments of pale blue, and helmet of sill
yer. Down the track flew the chariots
and riders. the steeds seemed to have
human understanding of the struggle: the
band burst into loud martial strains; the
people checred, and now red passed blue;
then came yellow to the front: but cleaning
blue and silver shot by; with intense faces
and erect figures the three women urged on
their horses, and the young lawyer watched
with a chill al his heart. tins desperate
race. The gaOl was almost reached. and
with her hair flying over her blue maniel.
a burning flush on either cheek and ciench-
ID teeth. Louise cheered on her horses, ouiy
eng more, when the woman In red pull
led her s,eed slightly 10 the right-a fearful
crash followed; the Wild neigh ol = horse
in agony. .Oman's groanS, and crowd
of horrlfied attendants rushed 10 the rescue.
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. \ litter was
I brought. She was laid upon 1t, and amidst
the murmurs and exclamaliOns of the by
ISLANDERS, was carried out. Almost the
first at her side, was the young lawyer, who
| gazed with terror on her cold, rigid form,
with its white ag0nized face, upon which
was the imprint OF a hoOf, and the staring
ewes which saw nothing. Selling her hand
7 to feel her pulse. her fingers closed like a
/ vice on his and with a cOnvulslve effort,
she murmured: That was aterrible wish,
and relapsed into unconsciousneSs- Doc
tors were sent for, and, on examination,
( they found an arm broken, a knee-cap al
most crushed, and many cruel bruises
/ She was carried home, and, he It said to
| Mr.. Barnnm's credit, was not allowed to
want for ANYTHING. Her new friend called
| frequently to leave fruit and flowers for her,
/ and at last, when she was pronounced con-
/ valescent, was admitted to her presence.
Then she told her story, simple, short and
sOrrOwful.
Born and brought up in little town not
one hundred miles from Albany, and by
parents, who, though not wealthy, were in
comfortable circumstances and the owners
of small hotel, she had led happy life,
until she was seventeen, at which age she
enioyed all the dignity of leading the vii
age choir, and driving her own span OF
ponies. About that time the salesman Of ,
well-known firm in ST. Lonis stopped al
her fathers house, fell in love with her,
proposed marriage, and was accepted; she
thinking it very fine thing to have lovei
from large city.
Shortly afterward they were welded
and went to st. Louis to live, her husband
taking her to his sis ers home. Ills siStel
was spinster of uncertain age and temper
but having a large interest in the firn
which her brother represented, carried
things with a high hand, and completely
ruled him. When the young wife was in
: troduced she was first found fault with be
cause she was so young, then because sh
5 was pretty; her manners, clothes. acqualn
: tances were all criticised and condemned
the husband. not having courage to uphcl'
, his wife. siding with his sister.