Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1892-03-11

poinh A uOuDie line OF troopers was
drawn up. stretching from the tree TO
the spot where the general was STA
TONED. leaving space between them
like a racecourse, some yards wide.
At the end OF the course Feversham
and the Major sat opposite each other.
Which ever OF the two competitors
should pass before them first would be
rewarded with his life and libcrty
In the meantime trooper had dis
mounted, and Quixarvyn. armed with
whip and spur. having taken his place
In the saddle. the horse was led by a
couple OF soldiers to the starting
point Unlike his rival, Quixarvyn's
face showed no citation. For one
moment on hearing the proposal a
CLEAN had come into his eyes; but
now he rode with down bent head. as
II lost in thought.
David Dare was standing on his
right stripped to the waist aud with
out his shoes, ready for the starters
signal Quixarvyn's guards dropped
the horses bride; and Sergeant John,
who stood between the two COM
petitors drew his pistol from his belt
10 give the signal.
At the same instant the horse and
man shot out together from the mark.
AT first the runner, practiced in flying
from the start and having less mo.
mentum than the horse, drcw out in
'front.' In few seconds he was some
ten yards In front Then the gap be-
tween them ceased to widen; then IL
was seen to be decreasing; the horse
was gaining-slowly at first. but gain
ing surely stride by stride. When
half the course was covered the horse
was drawn up level and then came
such race as had never vet been
seen. For n hundred yards or more
the two ran locked together, side by
side. tho runner almost flying over the
crisp turf the horse stretched out in a
fierce gallop. with the rider standing
In the stirrups And now the goal
was but fifty yards away; but the
gazers drew deep breath us they saw
that now the horse was gaining-was
drawing out in front. For one instant
1t seemed that all was over; and next
to their amazement they were con-
scious that the horse was falling.
Then they saw gallant sight; they
saw the runner nerve himself for a
last effort and close upon the goal
dash past the horse and past the Judges
and fall headlong on the turf.
The winner. who had fallen painting
and exhausted, was raised into a sit.
ting posture by two troopers, one OF
whom poured draught OF brandy
down his throat The spirit almost
instantly revived him. and in q few
seconds he was able, though still weak
and dizzy, to stand upon his feet and
look about him.
A few PAGES off his beaten rival stood
beside his horse. Dare looked at him
and their eyes met Quixarvyn's face
bore an almost imperceptible smile:
but 1t was not this. but something in
his look which tho other could not
have defined. which struck him back
wards like shock He staggered
back pace or two bewildered by the
light which broke upon his mind.
Then he stepped up to his rivals side.
and the guards who saw no cause to
interfere, falling back a little he put
his mouth close to Quixarvyn's ear:
you pulled that horse!" he said.
Quixarvyn looked at him. but an
swered not a word.
You let me win. the other went
on. his voice breaking. '.For her
sake you did it.
Quixarvyn drove his nails into his
palms; he had acted. he was acting
not without a bitter cost.
Make her happy" he said, briefly.
AS he spoke he turned away, and
strobe swiftly TO his old position at
the head of the line OF prisoners be-
fore which the firing party was again
drawn up.
Dare turned his back upon the
scene and thrust his fingers In his
ears. Nevertheless he could still
hear with wonderful distinctness the
sergeant loud clear voice, with an
interval between tho words
Ready"
Present."
Fire!"
Almost as the word was givon came
The crash OF the report Moved BY
an impulse which he could not con.
4uor, he turned round with a shudder.
Inc soldiers were lowering their
muskets. and a thick white
cloud hung above the line of prisoners
stretched upon the ground. At the |
extremity of the line Quixarvyn Law |
upon MS face with his right hand |
,lenched upon a portrait which he |
had taken from his breast and bull.