The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1885-08-27


complacently murmuring, 1.-Two miles
for the race, and if l cannot catch the
black-eyed witch l deserve to be mulct-
ed in a much larger sum-"
Yet he did not neglect to take every
precaution to command success. Not
claiming to be an expert, TO have been
beaten by one of his own sex would
not have ruffied feather of his self,
conceit, but to be defeated by girl
would be CALLING to his pride and make
him the laughing-stock Of all his ac-
quaintances.
Going to win, Byrd?" asked lady
friend. rolling up to the spot where he
was standing, and laying her little
gloved hand contidentially upon his
arm.
Certainly / am. 1t is preposterous
to imagine the girl can have any
before half the distance is accomplish.
ed"
Would you like to make the same
wager with me? | mean bet another
dozen of gloves you beat Kate against
you know what" and she pouted
her ripe lips out in the most provoking
manner.
'Of course / would"
'And with me? and me? and mef
and me?" exclaimed her fair compan-
ions, tantalizing him with a prospect
of kisses tempting enough to have ex-
cited a much more level-headed man.
Yes" he laughed; 'but no more.
Six dozen is quite enough to think of
losing, and when | win | shall be sur
feited with honey-sweets.
Don't be too confident, Byrd" an
swered the first speaker. "Remem-
ber the old adage of the cup and the
lip"
"Yet prepare yourself to yield the
latter without reserve as we say in
the law. You know l am following
it,
"And will never catch it any more
than you will me-" was the taunting
interruption of Kate Merton, as she
rolled easily past the little group to the
point designated for her starting.
1--WE shall see, my saucy lady," he
shouted after her, and then hastened
to assume his own position.
The usual terms governing such mat
ters had been agreed upon by the high
contracting parties. The girl was en-
titled to start of one half a '.lap,"
and amid great expectation and excite
ment, the track was cleared, and every
ear anxiously strained for the signal to
60.
1t came with the crack of a pistol,
and away they dashed to the music of
a lively waltz.
Like an arrow from strongly
strained bow, the girl sprang ahead
like swallow she skinned the floor;
her antagonist, less gracefully, but
moro strongly, following.
In the language of the turf, it in
stantly became evident that she had
the 'foot," and the question was as to
her ability to 'last the pace"
A crimson meteor, she shot around
the oval at alnu,t urea.uIess speed,
and for half of the first mile not only
held her own, but slightly gained.
Then she appeared to slow, to falter.
to shorten her steps, to become un-
steady, and fears of her losing were
tremblingly entertained by the majori-
ty of the audience, who were in SYM
pathy with her.
Into knot OF girls that were gath
cred at one end of the building, and
Immediately by the door of the ladies
room, she dashed.
Every one thought that she had CIV
en- up the struggle, and expected to see
her carried out fainting.
1t was not so; the group opened, she
rolled out, wiping her face beneath the
hounce of lace with handkerchief sat-
urated with cologne, and the object of
her swerving from the track was salts
factorily explained.
Apparently refreshed by the highly
perfumed spirits, she speedily regained
the little she had lost, waved her pur-
suer onward, and as strongly as at first
held her way.
And thus they continued, amid ex-
clamations of wonder at her skill and
strength, until nearing the end of the
mile.
She passed it, greeted with the wild
est applause, then suddenly pressed
her hand to her heart, and staggered
toward the group of her anxious COM
panions.
Like a wall they closed about her,
but she waved them off and again
made her exit, holding in her hand a
glass. and drinking from it as she yet
again pressed forward.
A pungent aromatic odor came to
the spectators as she passed, and that
she was taking some stimulant to sus-
tain her was clearly proven, and as the
cologne's effects were marked by in
creased speed and by renewed power,
wagers began to be made freely that
she would win.
This plan of operations continued.
AS often as the girl apparently felt
her strength and resolution giving way
she took measures to renew them, her
chosen companions having the means
ready.
Byrd Bryton toiled steadily along in
the rear, unable to gain more than q
momentary advantage.
He was astonished that so frail a
physical organization could endure Sc
long under SO severe strain.
Several times his hopes had been
dashed to the ground, but he did not
entirely despair. He fancied he saw
that the girl was gradually weakening,
and reserved his own strength as
much as possible for a grand effort at
the close.
That he was right the more frequent
demands made upon her companions
proved to his mind.
At each quarter of the last milo she
had sought something of them to sus-
tain, and must be gradually failing.
Yet he had gained very little, and was
feeling the effects of the race very
sharply.
Thus they entered upon the final
quarter of the second and last mile.
At its commencement Kate had halted
the briefest of seconds for refreshments.
Had, as before, dashed out from the
wall of girls glass in hand, drinking as
she went, and then tossing it lightly
away. And one of the fair tormentors
took pity upon Bryton, and placed a
glass in his hand as he labored past,
painting, and almost disheartened.
1t was kindly act; his eyes spoke
volumes of thanks. The wine revived
him, gave him fresh courage. and the
conclusion of the struggle was bril-
liant
ID I