Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1890-04-09

OF recognition was better assurance
than any othcr that no would do his ut
termost for me.
Caressing and talking, remained by
his side until the grooms appeared TO
equip him for the track. was 10th to
let him go even then, for there was no
telling what might be employed TO make
sure that he would not win; there was
twenty times more money on his losing
than would buy two OF his breed.
II was time 10 mount. All about the
stables was confusion. Horsemen wero
gathered in groups talking earnestly on
the probabilities OF the race, some re-
ferring 70 tablets TO see just how much
they had ventured on their favorites.
Grooms we're hurrying hither and thith-
or with blankets on their arms and pals
In their hands; a small army Of Jockeys
engaged in an animated criticism OF
their followers who wore TO ride the
great race, while occasionally somo de-
votee OF the turf and patron OF the book
maker more excited than the rest, would
rush up for an instant 10 inquire after
tho condition Of his fsvorite. Another
asked about the rider, while others,
with knowing wink, inquired IL every
thing was "all right
The multitude in the stand was get
ting impatient az every turn. Nothing
was thought of or talked OF but the great
race and the merits and demerits OF the
horses and riders. Ladies' had their 10
vorites, with ready pin money to back
them. Ncighborly wagers OF money or
what not we're freely offered and as free
ly taken. Even the little urchins that
fought each other for places around the
rails, hazarded their nickels and dimes
on the red cap or the buff jacket.
About tho bookmakers' offices the ex-
element was at fever heat Mon
crowded and pushed and elbowed their
way to got a glimpse Of the latest offer
ings, and here and there the enterpris-
ing sharper would button-hole his prey
and allure him with the offer of
straight tip" Old FOUNDERS eyed their
tickets as narrowly and with as much
delight as a child with a new toy.
Young men that had never before
wagered cent eagerly asked for takers
OF bets against the favorite, and money
flowed as freely as water.
Suddenly there was moment Of silent
expectation, then waving OF hats and
huttcring Of handkerchiefs, followed by
a shout that echoed again and again
through the neighboring fields and
woods.
The horses had appeared upon the
track; down the stretch they came
toward the stand TO receive their places
from tho judges with jockeys sitting as
gracefully and as firmly as though part
Of the animals themselves. Another
thunder OF applause as the announce
ments we're made. Thirteen horses to
start and every one Of them as swift as
the winds, the perfection OF breed and
training. their long, sinewy bodies fair
ly quivering with excitement. No won
der that tho vast throng held its breath
when the start was made.
Randall was on every tongue. Thou
sands OF dollars were behind him and as
he pranced and quivcred under me I
thought again and again, 1.-THE time is
come; will he be equal to it?' tried TO
be cool and collected, but who could at
such q moment and such place, astride
OF such noble animal and with thou
who, with all these could remain in
sensible TO the thrill that pervaded ami
mails and men?
My hand shook little and my voice
trembled some, as / strokcd the horses
neck and endeavored 10 soothc him till
tho drum tapped. we'll knew that all
his efforts would be required There
were other horses every whit as swift,
but relied on his devotion, and thought
that the others might know he was not
to win.
Directly the judges voice is heard In
an instant We arc of, Kendall and ] at
tho very outer side. Lady Rose led of
with the speed OF the wind, just keeping
her white nose in front OF the others
that came laundering on by her side.
For few seconds was almost dizzy
with excitement, not knowing exactly
whore was nor what the chance. AS
we sped under tho wire had caught a
glance from Wharton's eye. IL was Il
glance that burned into my very brain
and never for a moment faded till the
race had been won and lost. II plainly
told me Of the frightful consequences
orders. He was shade or two paler
than usual and his agitation was plain
from tho way in which he nervously
walked 10 and fro close TO the rail May
be be mistrusted mel mover knew
On we few, the worry earth trembling
and rcsounding beneath the mighty
strides Of the now thoroughly aroused
horses. Gradually ! became less con-
fused, though my excitement grew more
and more intense. was little behind
as We rushed down the back stretch,
then inch by inch Randall advanced to
the tanks OF the gray mare on his left
around the next pole without no change,
every horse painting and steaming with
the effort. No whip or spur had touched
my beautys sides; he was but little used
to either. and from me had never receiv-
ed any urging hut n stroke on the neck
with my open hand or few words of en-
couragcment.
STEADY boy; steady, now" as we
half. had been watching my opportu-
nifty, and now as we rushed down to the
front Of the stand, dextrou sly dropped
behind few PAGES, and wheeling Ran
dali across the fleeing TANKS Of the five
or six that had kept the leading pace,
placed him at the pole a length behind
the superb sorrel, Lady Rose, who had
kept her lead all the way round
Tho race had but fairly begun; the last
half was to tell the tale; as we crossed
the wire not shout came from the
thousands OF throats that belonged TO
the thousands Of eyes that were riveted
upon the flying horses. Fortunes and
bonors hung on the result, and probably
lives--who knew?
Again we were nearing tho back
stretch, and still Randall was behind.
Would he fail; no II could not be. Bend
ing low in the saddle gently patted his
vein-covered neck.
NOW, Randall, now"
Instantly the intelligent animal re-
sponded to my voice. With leap after