San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-11-22
PRESERVED IN STONE.
ONE OF THE PROFOUND MYSTERIES
OF THE SOUTH SEAS.


race settled upon, ana the money
placed in the hands of a stakeholder
No sooner mad the announcement of
the race been given the public than
the acquaintance of the captain be-
gan tiOcling around, bantering him
about it. They all wanted to bet, and
freely gave Odds AS each bet was
made the captain gave an inward
groan. But he determined to keep up
his reputation for pluck, and so all
who offered to bet odds were accom-
modated.
At last, when the final bet was
made, the captain found that he had
placed 500 on the race. The odds
which he had received in the wagers
were such that he found So, 700 would
be won by the horse if it was a win
ner of the race. These figures made
him sigh, but there was no help for it.
He had boosted of his horse, and must
take the consequences of his over con-
fdence.
At last the day for the race arrived.
Capt. jackson arose early and went to
the stable. The boy who had come
with the horse was up. and hard at
work rubbing off the old animal.
Well" said the captain, Il sup
pose you will ride the old skate today"
Yes" replied the boy, without
stopping in his work. J.
OF course you'll win," continued
the captain with smile, which broad
eued into laugh as the absurdity of
such a suggestion forced itself upon
him.
The boy only grinned in turn, but
made no reply.
What do you call the old fellow?"
asked the captain after pause.
Boss said you'd want to pick out
high-toned name for him fore the
race"
"Oh, he did. did he1 Well, We'll
call him the Duke of Flatville; that
ought to suit your boss"
Better make it King, cap'n," said
the boy pausing for moment.
Capt. jackson laughed The whole
thing was assuming the aspect of a
huge joke. True it was at his expense,
and he was coming to enjoy it,
The day was bright and it brought
every one out Business was practical
ly suspended in the town, as everybody
wanted to see this browning folly o:
the good natured captain. Men, wo
men and children were at the race
course long before the judges took
their places and rang up the horses.
The bell had hardly sounded wher
up came the champion runner of tn,
county He was big, we'll built bay
and as he passed the stand with smar
looking boy on his back the spectators
cheered Justify Then, one by one,
the other celebrities were sent mint
ing by the stand, the young jockeys
dressed in gay colors. All the animals
received ovations as they came up to
the stand.
Last of all came the Duke of Flat
vile. He hobbled along with his
nose to the ground. and appeared to be
seeking a soft spot to lie down. His
appearance sent up jeering shout
from the crowd.
Better tie Il rope around him or he'll
fall to pieces" called a voice.
Lean him against the fence till the
word is given, called another.
Captain, are you going to use him
to split rails with after the racer
called boy as the captain crossed the
track near the horse.
Hear the wind blow through his
ribs shouted another.
Are his hOOfS tied on tight" cried
fat man on the top row of seats, and
this was followed by more thruSts, all
of which caused shouts of laughter
The captain wished himself at home,
and Mr. Leicester in dungeon of the
county jail. But wishing didn't bet
ter matters, and as he had shaken the
dice, he was bound to throw them.
Aftera time the horses got into posi-
ton and were ready for the start. The
distance had been fixed at one mile
and a quarter. but the Duke didn't
look as if he could run half the dis
lance.
As the flag dropped six horses sprang
forward and rushed, well punched,
down the course. The Duke wasn't
one of these. He made short LEAP
as the boy on his back piled the whil
and started off i'll the rear OF the
bunch. He ran shut up like knife,
as horsemen call that style of short
jumps which cover but short distances.
When the leader of the six had
reached the quarter pole the Duke was
yet back of the eight pole, and when
the big bay passed the half mile mark
the Duke was laboring along inside
the quarter mile pole, the boy on his
back shouting and plying the lash.
Capt. jackson looked away in dis
gust. But just then CRY of surprise