The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1883-11-14
The Colonel's Race.
Harper's Magazine ]

Before Colonel w. became eollIDFIa-
bly settled in life he had many ups and
downs of fortune. Once he carried
number Of slaves to New Orleans asas
made very successful sale. He under
took. however. to increase his supply OF
money by methods which involved more
elements of chance than were connected
with his regular business. Itwas an un-
lucky venture, and in very short time
he found himself with only money sum
cient TO pay his passage on Il boat as Tar
up the river as Natchez. Although he
had not dollar in his pocket, when he
reached Natchez he put up at the best
public house. lie wore broadclofh
suit and u silk hat, and sported gold
headed cane with which he would not
have parted for many times its value.
He bore himself with an easy dignity,
calculated to impress all who saw him
with the belief that he was capitalist
with abundant resources, who might be
induced to invest some thousands In the
property of the town.
A week had nearly passed, and he
had not succeeded in putting enough
money in his purse to pay his landlord
On Sunday afternoon. when he was Sc
r:ously thinking of making stealthy
exit at night he learned that the roughs
and gamblers, who at that time formed
a considerable part of the population
of Natehez. had assembled Oh a public
road not far from the town to witness
some foot races. He at once started
thitherward, and reached the place Just
as an athletic and fierce looking fellow,
who was exulting over his victories,
offered in loud voice to bet 500 that
he could beat anybody on the ground in
a race of 100 yards. The Colonel re
membered that he had himself been
feet of foot in his younger days, and
pressed by dire necessity, he resolved
to try his luck on this occasion. 80 Ia
the pause that followed the champion )
challenge be stepped forward, and max
ing a stetely bow saidquietly Il will
take your bet, thir." The bully looked
at him few moments in contemptuous
surprise, and said. We'll, put up yonr
money"
With courtly wave of the hand, the
Colonel replied, deprecatingly, "There
it'll no need, thir, of that formality be-
tween gentlemen. | am a gentleman,
and take you to be one. If Tooth the
rathe will pay you the fifty dollarth; il
you Tooth it, lido not doubt that you will
act with equal honor"
The rough and desperate men present
seemed to regard this rs very remark
able proposition, and for a time the
challenger was nonplussed. He steadily
and suspiciously eyed the polite and
welI-dressed stranger, and finally SAID,
with significant emphasis, "All right
old boy; but if there's any fickerin
in this thing, you may know what to ex
pect."
Without further parley the eoloneI
diyested himself of coat, vest and hat
and placing them with his cane upon
the grass, stepped out upon the road
and put himself in position beside tbs
champion. The spectators evinced The
IiyeIiest interest III the race, and ranged
themselves along each side of the road
Bets were freely offered at enormous
odds against the rash stranger, who Ger
tainly did not look match for his stal
wart competitor; at a given signal the
men darted off amidst the yells of tht
delighted crowd. For nearly the Who'll,
distance the two contestants, who seem
ed to be straining every nerve, kept side
by side, but when within about twenty
wards of the goal, the colonel by dint o.
extraordinary exertion, shot ahead ano
won the races He was now the hero oi
the hour, and as he walked back to the
starting point, exhausted and almost our
of breath. he was heartily cheered by
| the excited spectators. His opponent
came M promptly and paid him fift,
j dollars and at the same time challenged
him for another trial.
l.. "No, thank you, thir," said the colo
mel, as he pocketed the money; y make
i it rule never to run more than ont
rathe day."
| He then carefully put on his vest
| coat and hat, placed his cane under his
arm, made one of his profoundest bows
4 and with pleasant GOOD afternoon
gentlemen" strutted complacently away
That evening he paid his bill at tn
hotel and took boat for Nashville.
Col. W used to relate this Incl
dent with relish, and when asked wha
he inteuded to do in case he lost tn,
race. he would say:
"Well, to tell you the truth, it wathi
deptherate cathe; but had made mp m
mind that if didn't win | would kee
on running, and never look behind unit
II reached Tenneththee.