Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1888-02-25
AouxxsRACR.

hearted American, passionately fond
Of horses and all appertaining to
them, attending most meetings
during the season, and breeding
little In an amateur way at his
country house, where we were then
located. .at
He had one fault which constantly
drove his wife and pretty daughter to
the verge Of distraction that was, he
could not be an hour in any mans
company who CHANGED to interest
him on any subject whatever, with
out giving that individual cordial
invitation to his house for the annual
house party in the fall. This
naturally brought discordant
element into the circle at times.
Last fall the disturbing atom was a
Colonel Ford, not bad sort of fellow
in himself, perhaps, but one decidedly
out of place in the society that sur
rounded him just then.
No matter what the subject under
discussion was, he always had an
opinion upon ii /; a very decided,
egotistical opinion, delivered in a
blatant tone with domineering
air.
In course of time, / discovered /
had firm friend and q kindred
spirit in my dislike to the Colonel, in
my hosts pretty daughter, Miss
Jennie, a thorough American girl,
full of fun and mischief, and quite
capable of carrying out any scheme
that might enter into her curly little
head.
When Colonel Ford made his
appearance at Valley House, he was
surprised to find a well fitted training
stable, and all the parapherna!ia
pertaining to an expensive hobby
carried out to the full by a wealthy
man. The very first night he arrived
the Colonel had telegraphed for his
groom to bring along "Verdant,"
and from that time he never ceased
boring us to death about his mare.
The mare was certainlya fine piece
of hersefiesh, and had performed
very creditably in public but surely,
that was no excuse for her owner
forever badgering every one to make
match with him.
One day at dinner, to which had
the good fortune to escort Miss Jennie,
the conversation turned upon very
fast colt belonging to friend of mine
living a few hundred miles north Of
Valley House; had just concluded
my remarks, when Colonel Ford
burst out
~ tell you I'll back my bay mare
'Verdant' any distance under mile
and half for $1,000, against any living
quadruped in this State"
/ looked across at him rather
Indignantly, not desiring any wager
upon the matter, when Miss Jennie
chirruped "ls that SO Colonel
What about weights ?"
"My dear young lady, catcl
weights, of course have you match
to propose? If so, / would be de
lightedp
Miss Jennie laughed saucily, locke,
at me, and giving me slight tai
with her foot under the table, said
II leave my case in your hands.
want to match my pig 'Peek-a boo
against the Colonel's 'Verdant,
distance three hundred yards, to b
run two weeks from today" "a
OF course the table rored witt
merriment, the Colonel turned frs
crimson and then white with rage
tried to laugh, but could not; an,
finally said: q
"Very funny, Miss Jennie, yer.
funny indeed"
During the merriment Miss Jenni
whispered q few words to me, and
Said
II do not see anything funny
Colonel you offered repeatedly
back 'verdant' against anything i
the State ; Miss Jennie takes you ur
and I am empowered by her to dra,
up articles Of agreement, and deposi
the $1,000 in any ones hands you ma
suggest" .~.,--- en- ~,---,-.s
The Colonel was staggered for
moments but recovered. himself an
said:
"Well3 1t Ss serious let her 70.
appoint Tom Carswell here, for hold
ar,and will increase It to 5000
you or any one wants to get the linn
IT. ----. r-t .,.., tn, +. ~ y.
Our host jumped out into the poo
"I'll take a, O00.n ~ .s.rr '13wst.