Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1880-03-25

horses were now brought on to the track,
and their appearance was greeted by the
crowd with excited murmurs of admira-
ton. First came the favorite of the day,
"'Bold Pioneer, apowerful six-year old,
surmounted by jockey weighing 40,
wearing orange and green. Last of all
came La Parcelle, mounted by her little
; blue jockey, his head bent in serious at
tention as he listened to the last earnest
instructions of the trainer.
There was no end of laughing and
chatting; up went opera glasses, fans
were waved. Ladies gayly exchanged
bets with their cavaliers of smoking
caps, slippers or cigars against bouquets,
bonbons, gloves or other triAes dear to
femininity, going by within and fancy
oftener than probability. More anxious
gamesters registered heavier stakes, too
the occasion In the Eght-hearted fashion
of their fair neighbors:
| At the first attempt the flag fell to q
glorious start, Rowdy, a four year-old
gelding, being the first to pass the
string, while the others were well up, and
La Purcelle formed the rear guard. AS
they rounded the turn, Bold Pioneer shot
to the front.
So far, following the trainers direc-
tions, Little Blue Jockey had by no
means permitted La Purcelle to show
her full speed; but as they neared the
upper turn the beautiful little creature
struck out with a speed that was simply
amazing-ike an arrow from the tight
drawn bow-shot past all other compeh-
tors, easily about to pass Bold Pioneer,
and the race virtually won, as all could
see at a glance, when-Oh Heaven, what
a sight! Bold Pioneer and La Purcelle
were both down, kicking and struggling.
The green and orange jockey, having
sprung to his feet, was rubbing his shins
and shaking off dust while the little blue
jockey lay under the cruel feet of the
rushing horse.
| The scene was one Of terror. A cry of
horror burst from the affrighted crowd;
ladies even tainted The horses were
stopped, and their riders gazed back with
curious, awful eyes at the little blue
jockey who did not stir. In moment
Brack Turner sprang forward, caught
the child up in his strong arms, and car
ried him out. Tostil the excitement, he
almost Immediately reappeared to an
nounce that the little jockey was not
much hurt, but frightened, and receiving
! all needful attention from skillful sur
geon who had offered his services. He
also announced that the races would con-
tinue, the handicap for all ages being
postponed to the last, and only La Pur-
celle withdrawn.
A great sigh of relief from the ladies
and hearty cheers from the men greeted
this information. Racing men were
heard complaining of the faulty con-
struction OF the course, and pronouncing
the abrupt turns dangerous, till the en-
trance OF the horses created diversion,
and the painful excitement died out.
Once more laughing voices were
heard as the coming race was eagerly dis
clssed. It was to be handicap hurdle
race over eight hurdles, two mile stretch;
and in the admiration called forth by the
beautiful appearance of the noble ami
mails, and the excitement of betting, is it
to be wondered that the unfortunate
opening episode was all but forgotten?
But underneath the seats where the
gay crowds were assembled, sight and
thought engrossed by the glorious race,
it was cool and shady. Here, protected
from the glare Of the:sun, only blanket
from the stables between him and the
bare ground, lay Jamie. Over him bent
surgeon, anxiously examining his con-
dition.
One poor woman, in faded garments,
whose voice had uttered a piercing
shrek heard above the general confusion,
had tottered out there, and was bending
in an agony Of grief over her only child.
There he lay moaning on the ground, his
bright maroon ribbons soiled with dust,
his blue satin stained in many places
with crimson blood, and his face, be-
grimed and bleeding, distorted in an
agony of intense pain.
What sight And just overhead the
gay crowds laughing, chatting and for
getting. Can she-the heart-broken
mother-ever forget?
Mr.. Tremaine was not cruel man, al
though supremely selfish. His first
anxiety had been for La Purcele, the
beautiful creature of so many of his
hopes and dreams. A veterinary surgeon
had pronounced her with no permanent
injury, only unfit for the course to-day.
His second thought was for the little
jockey, and approaching the group under
the steps, he, too, bent over jamie, to
start back Mortified, as he realized that.
the shattered little life was going out.
els there no hope?''
The surgeon shook his head. He had
done nothing to be done. No need to
add to the poor boys pain by moving
him. Where could he be more comfort
able, with those cruel tortures of bones
being driven back into tender flesh and
on to quivering nerves by those relent-
less hoofs? One could not be SO cruel
as to wish the young spirit to lnger in
the poor suffering little body.
His dying ears caught the words of
the trainer, as he, too, joined the group.
''Bold Pioneer isn't hurt, nor his
jockey neither. They're on the track
again now"
tive no heart to hear about it, Turn
er; our poor Jamie is dying"
The sound of loud cheering from with
out reached the dulled ear, and light
shone in the rapidly glazing eyes, while
the boy even made faint attempt to
raise his body, as he muttered:
"Bold Pioneer has beat know he
has! Dear Miss Mai said it would break
her heart Oh, I'm so sorry-so sorry !"
"Hush ?" sobbed woman's voice, in
broken whisper. "Don't think about
the races now, mammals darling. You
are dying, Jamie dear. Oh, try to pray
ask Christ to receive your soul!
=. But her words fell on insensate ears
for the little blue jockey was dead.
s~ A Sentimental Blaze.