Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-07-28

could return to town after the prlnclpa
race and run down to Chelmsford in the
afternoon, so as to be able to say he
had been there. While these insidious
reflections were passing in his mind he
was boisterously hailed by two young
fellows g%orgeously attired in dust coats,
white hats, and gauze wells, who were
driving by in a hanson. =,
"Hullo, Jack! Jump in, Chappy,"
cried his particular friend, Bob Blades,
q dashing young lawyers clerk. eli
Pull up
The cab drew up at the curb in pro-
vokingly enticing manner, but Jack
| stood irresolute. He was rather star
tied at the idea of playing truant in such
a barefaced manner.
81 can't come, pals. I have to 60
down into the country" said he.
ssWell, so have we," said Bob, readi-
"Ah! but I'm going on business"
replied Jack, struggling with his con-
science.
eve amt going for pleasure, are we.
Tom? moi! Not at all. Quite par
t~icularly the reverse" rejoined the in
c%orrigible Bob, with a wink which sent
his companion into a fit of laughter.
81 wish l were you. But I'm just of
to Chelmsford" said Jack, making q
feint of starting.
"Stay a minute, Jack. Chelmsford?
| Why, that's a little village Just this side
of Epson, isn't it? Well give you a
lift all the way" said Bob Blades, with
mock seriousness, while his companion
went into fresh paroxysms.
mo, thanks, old fellow. 1t can't be
DONE" replied Jack, grinning.
"Look here, now. Why shouldn't
you come with us and return after the
race? You are bound to make a day OF
it if you've to 60 as far as Chelmsford,
and your guv'nors won't be any the
wiser if you don'tget there till the after
noon," said Bob, unconsciously repeat.
ing in words the thought that had &C.
CURED to Jack.
"There's a hamper behind, and half
a-dozen of cham," grunted Bob's COM
panion, who, though easily moved to
laughter, seemed taciturn by DISPOSE
ton.
Jack Straw had not the strength OF
mind to resist any longer. He cast a
quick glance round him, and then, fling
ing prudence and duty to the winds,
plunged into the hospitable hanson.
But he was silent and depressed for the
first mile or two. He felt that his con
duct was inexcusable, and though his
determination to return to town imme-
diately after the chief event salved his
| conscience a little, it did not restore his
equanimity. However, Jack possessed
one of those mercurial natures which
are easily influenced by their surround.
ings. Bob Blades high spirits and ire.
pressible humor proved infectious, ano
by the time they reached the Downs
Jack Straw felt as free from care, az
jovial and as boisterous as though he
had nothing on his conscience.
This years Derby-Day will ever b
marked with a white stone in the annals
of Jacks "reminiscences. Whether ow
ing to persistent good luck in backing
the winner, or the magic influence o
the champagne, or the Freemasonry o
good-fellowship, or all combined, Jacl
spent a day of blissful delirium. Wher
the great race had been run and St
Blaise's number was hoisted, conveying
to Jack the welcome intelligence tina
he was richer by at least Is sterling
he definitely abandoned his intention o
returning to town in such a hurry. HI
was in a perfectly reckless frame o
mind, and on easy terms with his con
science, which had quite ceased t.
trouble him.
"See that fellow" said a bystander
half an hour afterwards, pointing to al
individual who was hurrying past. "H'
has won a pot of money. l saw the bi.
betting men shoveling bank-notes int
his hand by the Dozen"
"Confound him!" growled Bob, VIII,
had lost, and was inclined to be quar-
relsome. s.Much he deserves his luck
If he don't look out he'll find himself il
quod, for my governors got instruction
to prosecute him for swindling. He's
queer lot anyway-named Stone; or
believe he calls himself Newman"
'Eh! what! Newman?" cried Jack
with a start; and without a moment
hesitation he jumped off his perch an,
hurried after the individual in question
To tell the truth, Jack had no definit,
idea of what he was doing. His hea,
was by no means clear, but the mention
of the name of Newman had suddenl,
reminded him of his neglected mission
He was just in a mood to do a rockies
and impulsive action, but was soba
enough to appear to have all his wit
about him.
eli! a word with you, Mr.. New
man." he cried, catching hold of tn
mans arm.
The man started and glanced appre
hensively over his shoulder. The sigh
OF Jack apparently treasured him
little.
"Who are you talking too What d
you want?" he demanded, tiercely.
"Keep yourself calm, Mr.. Newman,
with YOU"
"Come this way" said the man. VIII
had glanced once or twice at jack
face; 'you needn't shout"
The man led the way to a deserte
spot among the carriages, and then, t
Jacks surprise, said:
"You are from Drake & Duckling, c
Mincing lane, l suppose?"
Yes said Jack, opening his eye: