Daily Republican., 1879-04-30
r.esny's first sssce.

Tsesny's first sssce.
Among the most celebrated trotting
horses that ever performed on the
American turf was one which originally
belonged TO an old "Friend," or Quak-
or, living in Delaware county Pennsyl-
vania. Many, many times have | rid,
den behind Bob (his name was after
wards changed to Tacony), with Uncle
Billy holding the lines. In the days OF
which I write mile in three minutes
was considered splendid time for trot-
ter; and yet methinks Bob could do the
work in less, and have several seconds
To spare. Uncle Billy, however, a. he
trotted Bob to Philadelphia market
every Thursday evening before what
was termed Dearborn wagon, seldom
chose TO speed him unless a city buck
irrationally drove right before him and
threw up q cloud OF dust into the
Friends eyes. Under such circumstAn-
ces. in a few minutes II is probable that
young "sport" would be retaliated on.
Bob's bottom, too, was equal to his
speed, and think he would make the
last mile on a trip Of five miles as
quickly as the first. Well, there was
living in Philadelphia then one Harry
Fleming would boast of driving the
fastest horse that would move on the
Darby road, though my friend, Uncle
Billy. had often busted him. One day
Iwas with the old gentleman on said
road behind Bob and in the Dearborn
wagon. loaded with eggs, butter and
potatoes when who should come up
but Harry Fleming. His magnificent
bob tailed black was in the sulky.--
Uncle Billy glanced back, noticed his
adversary, and determined that ne
should not pass. He spoke to Bob, and
the horse spread himself and got down
to work. 1t was neck and neck till
Harry yelled to his horse, who broke
; into q run, and then he passed US.
He ran at far greater speed than no
trotted, and ere long was perhaps
} quarter of a mile in advance. Uncle
J. Billy was slightly vexed, and several
times spoke: "Get up, Bob-get ur,
: Bob" Bob let out another link, and
away we flew after Harry. All teams
on the road gave away and cheered us.
| Soon we were our upon antagonist, whose
. animal again ran with increased speed.
= Annoyed, Uncle Billy looked still more
a annoyed at this, and again addressed
. Bob: sect up Bob, get up-ltell thee
to get up" The horse now went to
5 business in earnest, and when we were
again upon Harry both horses were
l running at all awful pace. There was
r now a two mile stretch to Market street
a bridge---the road mostly level, but with
4 many deep ruts.
Y The way the potatoes, butter and
p eggs flew out and about that market
n wagon was indeed astonishing, for the
h strings to the potato bags had become
II loossned, and the covers to the butter
tubs and egg baskets thrown of, SC
J. nothing prevented the ground, co"
n and hen fruit from scattering in every
/. direction. "Uncle Billy said |, "thet
is losing all thy potatoes, butter and
II eggs, hadn't the better hold up?' My
u only answer from that stern set moutt
y was: Get up Bob-get up, Bob.
Il Harry's horse was blowing like I
d whale; Bob did not appear to be at al
IS fretted, while he was, however, DOM
IS his "level best" The sport yelled out
g "Ha! my old Quaker, I'll beat you t.
t. Market street yet I'll bet you tel
h dollars will" young man." sFok
pr loudly Uncle Billy, "thee knows
" never bet, but | promise thee to be
le the bridge first. Rely on what tel
n thee"
ID The farmer was in dead earnest
lr He could not have been mere so ha
u. his lite depended on the result. NOV
r We approach turn i'll the road, a"ou
As a quarter of mile from Market stree
bridge. Harry is side by side with Us
! but, getting too close, he ran the hu
le of his sulky upon the tire of our wa
'g gon, and over he went. Looking back
. | observed him holding on to the lines
|y he was dragged probably thirty or fort
y feet. We were soon at Market stree
In bridge, and stopped to examine the pt
N sition of affairs. Bob appeared to
as quite fresh, but the inside OF the wagol
g. what a sight The floor and cove
o. were smearrd and plastered with
s. coating of eggs and butter, while pc
s. haps about half a bush+l of battere
in potato-s were upon the floor.
he Uncle Billy though, had won the w
tory, and was in high spirits. W
de waited may be fifteen minutes for Tia
'ul ry to come. When he arrived he e'
of hlbued broken shaft and wheel to IA
nd sulky and a twelve dollar pair OF cass
ITS ,neres. "Young man." said Uncle Bi
in ly 81 promised thee to be at Mark
an street bridge first, and make 1t as
al rule always to keep my promises.
nd thee wants horse which will beat n
ro- Bob, thee will have to hunt up sou
of other animal than the one thee no
St drives" never rode with Unc
~ Billy after that trip. He died in alo
its wear, and at the administrators ga
Bob was struck of to Harry Flrmin
al CRowLAND.