The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1885-09-12

but to be defeated by girl would be gall
ing to his pride and make him the laugh
ing-stock of all his acquaintance.
"Going to win, Byrd?" asked lady
friend, rolling up to the spot where he was
standing, and laying her little gloved hand
confdentially upon his arm.
Certainly am. 1t is preposterous to
imagine the girl can have any chance. She
will tire out at the speed before half the
distance is accomplished
"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 me and
me ?" exclaimed her fair companions, tan
talizing him with prospect of kisses tempt
ing enough to have excited a much more
level-headed man.
eyes" he laughed; "but no more. Six
dozen is quite enough to think OF losing,
and when win | shall be surfeited with
honey-sweets.
"Don't be too confident, Byrd" answer
ed the first speaker. Remember 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 [ am following it.
e'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.
awe shall see, my saucy lady" he shouted
after her. and then FASTENED to assume his
own position.
The usual terms governing such matters
had been agreed upon by the high contract
ing parties. The girl was entitled to a
start of one-half clap" and amid great
expectation and excitement, the track was
cleared, and every car anxiously strained
for the signal to 60.
1t came with the crack of pistol, and
away they dashed to the music of lively
waltz
Like an arrow from strongly-strained
bow, the girl sprang ahead-like swallow
she SKINNED the floor; her antagonist, less
gracefully, but more strongly, following.
In the language of the turf, it instantly
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 almost breathless 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 be-
come unsteady. and fears of her losing were
tremblingly entertained by the majority Of
the audience, who were in sympathy with
her.
Into knot of girls that were gathered
at one end of the building, and immediate
ly by the door of the ladies' room, she
dashed
Every one thought that she had given
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
founce of lace with handkerchief satur-
ated with cologne, and the object of her
swerving from the track was satisfactorily
explained.
Apparently refreshed by the highly
perfumed spirits, she speedily regained the
little she had lost, waved her pursuer on
ward, and as strongly as at first held her
way.
And thus they continued, amid exclama-
tions of wonder at her skill and strength,
until nearing the end of the mile.
She passed it, greeted with the widest
applause, then suddenly pressed her hand
to her heart, and staggered toward the
group of her anxious companions.
Like wall they closed about her, but
she waved them off and again made hel
exit holding in her hand 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 wa:
taking some stimulant to sustain her was
clearly proven, and as the cologne's effect:
were marked by increased 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 he
strength and resolution giving way sh'
took measures to renew them, her choser
companions having the means ready.
Byrd Bryton toiled steadily along in th'
rear, unable to gain more than momenta
ry advantage.
He was astonished that so frail physi
cal organization could endure so long unde
so severe a strain.
Several times his hopes had been dashe'
to the ground, but he did not entirely des
pair, He fancied he saw that the girl wa
gradually weakening, and reserved his owl
, strength as much as possible for a gran'
effort at the close,
, That he was right the more frequen
demands made upon her companions proves
to his mind.
At each quarter of the last mile she ha
f sought something of them to sustain, an
must be gradually failing. Yet he ha
t gained very little, and was feeling the ei
D fects of the race very sharply.
, Thus they entered upon the final quartz
= of the second and last mile. At its CON
: mencement Kate had halted the briefest q
seconds for refreshments Had, as before
t dashed out from the wall of girls glass i
: hand, drinking as she went and then toss
ing it lightly away. And one Of the fai
, tormentors took pity upon Bryton, an
placed glass in his hand as he lahore
: past, painting, and almost disheartened.
| 1t was kindly act; his eyes spoke vo
umes of thanks The wine revived hin
e gave him fresh courage, and the eonclusio
E of the struggle was brilliant,
e But three laps remained, and watchfu
! eyes saw that he was gaining but two, an
e it was so apparent as to provoke cheers; bu
one, and the prize seemed certainly with
: his grasp. Yet the girl showed no signs c
e giving in until fairly beaten.
She dashed in among her companions
e dashed out again, with little flag in eithe
hand, and waved them gracefully as sh
: fairly flew around the circle, the ban
| quickening the time of the tune they wer
J., playing, and the audience making the rat
ters ring with their huzzas.
2 In moment more the race had bee
!. won and lost As an affrighted bird, Kat