The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1885-11-12


to shorten her steps, to become un-
steady, and fears Of her losing were
tremblingly entertained by the audi
ence, who were in sympathy 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.
Everyone thought she had given up
the stiugle, and expected to see her
carried cut fainting,
1t was not so; the group opened,
she rolled out, wiping her face be-
meath the founce of lace with hand
kerchief saturated with cologne, and
the object Of her swerving from the
track was satisfactorily explained.
Apparently refreshed by the highly
perfumed spirits, she speedily regain
ed the little she had lost, waved her
pursuer 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, applause, then suddenly
pressed her hand to her heart, and stag
gered toward the group of her anx-
ious companions.
Like wall they closed about her,
but she waved them off and again
made her appearance, holding in her
hand glass, and drinking from it as
she yet again pressed forward.
A pungent odor came to the spec
tators as she passed, and thar she was
taking some stimulant to sustain her
was clearly proven, and as the CO.
logne's effect was marked by increas-
ed speed and by renewed power, wa
gers 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
away she took measures to renew
them, her chosen companions having
the means ready
4 Byrd Blyton toiled steadily along
in Che rear, unable to gain more than
a mementary advantage.
| He was astonished that so frail a
physical organization could endure so
severe a stain
| 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 fire.
quent demands made upon lher com,
panions proved to his piand.
At each quarter of the last mile she
had sught 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 fna
quarter of the second and last mile
At its commencement Kate had halt
ed the briefest OF seconds for refresh
ments. Had, as before, dashed ou
!, from the wall of girls, glass in hand
, drinking as she went, and then toss
, ing it lightly away. And one of tn
, fair tomentors took pity upon Brytol
, and placed glass in his hand as h
labored past, painting, and almost dis
heartened
; 1t was a kindly act; his eyes spok
. volumes of thanks. The wine reviy
t ed him, gave him fresh courage, ant
/ the conclusion Of the struggle wa
brilliant.
But three laps remained, and wach
+ full eyes saw that he was gaining; bu
two, and it was SO apparent as to pre-
woke cheers; but one, and the priz
: seemed certainly within his grasI
: Yet the girl showed no signs Of givin
, in until she was fairly beaten.
She dashed in among her cOmpar
. ions, dashed out again, with a littl
J flag in either hand, and waved ther
: gracefully as she fairly flew aroun
the circle, the band quiclSening tn
e time Of the tune they were playing
: and the audience making the raftel
e ring with their huzzas.
0 In moment more the race ha
been won aud lost AS an affrighte
e bird, Kate had skinned over I'll
= score, had turned swiftly around, al
I stood stood mask in hand, hoo
Ii thrown back, her cheeks as scarlet /
e her dress, and the most provokir
RI smile OF triumphant scorn upon h
a lips as she held out her dainty lit
is hand and mincingly lisped:
!, my size is five and half,
If you please"
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