Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-06-22

that Is necessary TO keep me alive, but y,
the WEAKNESS when l am sent out with
big herdic attached TO me, which l am
obliged TO drag, uphill and down. mile after
mile; till the gray dawn breaks IN the East
and am at last turned towards my stable.
Ny drivers are all in hurry; they never
seem 20 think that have any feeling; 1t is
n continuous trot-trot-trot, and II, from
sheer weakness, l drop into walk,
crack goes the cruel whip, and again
struggle on, though il seems as if my heart
would burst. have some little rest when
we wait by the curo-stone for passenger,
but IL never is long one. Ny lot seems
harder when l remember that / was not
born TO such degrading toll; Cor l came OF
good stock
How my mind revels in delight when
think Of my coltish days.
can not say how long ago they were; I
have passed through so many hands that
measure OF time is blotted from nv recol-
lection; then, again, have heard so many
different versions Of my age that even
moro able intellect than mine might be con-
fused. have heard men say, in the morn
ing, that / was fourteen-that was when
they were buying me-and in the evening
affirm with the strongest oaths, that was
rising six.
Ny coltish days do not seem so FAR OF.
remember them well; whenever think OF
them feel like kicking up my heels as
used TO, in the old pasture at home; but
know that IL would only bring me an extra
cut Of the whip, so keep on thinking till
imagine myself in the old field nibbIng the
soft, green grass or drinking from the clear
brook that flowed through the grove Of
trees inNhe corner.
Ali those were happy days. was the
- 81 49,, - a. hAxx -nl haT
the children who would pat me on tho nose
or ride on my back, when held there by my
master.
Every one said that I was a promising
colt. / remember when I was only two
years old Of hearing my master refuse FIVE
hundred dollars <or me. / came Of the best
bluegrass stock, and much was expected OF
re as racer. don't look much like IL
now; but the thought that 1 have como TO
my present state, through no fault OF mine,
allows me 10 take pleasure, in the remem-
brance Of my former prowess
As a three year-old / was champion OF
Kentucky, and many a sharp tussle had
10 uphold my honors.
One night l was standing by the bars en-
ioying the cool breezes which blew from the
rlver. Suddenly heard rush and clatter,
and up the road came a horse on the gallop.
tie was CoNerHsl Win loan ana painting LOT
breath. The rider drew up before the
house and, without dismounting, shouted
my masters name. Lights flashed in the
window and my master came TO the door
with gun in his hand. After a careful
seeming through the half-opened shutter
he came out on the porch. "What is the
matter, Jacki' he said.
mo time 10 waste, Ned" answered the
stranger. young Bowers and his gang
have been at my house. Jones heard them
laying a plot 10 kill your brother and his
family. They started by the Foxboro road
half an hour ago."
my God what will dol exclaimed my
master, THAT murderous gang won't leave
one Of them alive; they have had it against
John ever since he shot old Bowers for
stealing his horse. What can do
"Take the colt he'll get you there before
the gang"
My master shook his head. ~ am afraid
IL can't be done Jack; 1t is twenty miles by
Hawlsboro pike, the nearest way can go,
and only fifteen by the Foxboro; besides
they have had half hour start"
"Well, for Gods sake, man, try 10 any
way Don't waste time talking about t."
"You are right, Jack, the colt must show
his mettle tonight"
How my heart beats with pride, as my
master vaulted on my buck, and we rushed
OF into the darknessl Ny Limbs tingled