The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-03-09

sharply. Roberts honest eyes were troubled
and his cheeks flushed.
''Ali right my lad You have never asked
for a holiday before; take the whole day; and
| the manager turned to his desk.
"A half day is plenty sir; I'll be back by
o'clock. Thank you, and Robert, hat in
| hand was already on his way to the railroad
station.
| 1t was but Is minutes ride TO Appleton.
Robert was Just i'll time to catchthe first train,
| filled with merry go-lucky crowd already
on their way to the races.
Robert in the corner by the stove, lodged
out the ear doer as soon as Appleton y was
called, and outstrippng the other passengers,
reached the trotting park first.
A man came toward him, swinging his
cane, rs if he were person in authority.
''Tain't open yet he said to Robert.
81 only want to see James johnson
moment; is he here?"
He's over there and the man pointed
with his thumb to row of stall-sheds
Robert ran in the direction indicated, to
find Johnson grooming Longshanks till his
bay coat shone like damask.
He's a beauty, amt he?" was Johnson's
salutation, showing no surprise at Roberts
appearance. "Come after your gold ten?"
No" said Robert, but I've brought you
another if you'll give up that electric spur
business"
Johnson whistled, then broke into a laugh.
''Got to think it's wrong, have you?" he
said at length.
Yes replied Robert, Il do l think
it's cheating"
''Well, I'll tell you what I'll do" said
Johnson, "since your conscience is so tender,
I'll ride him around the track for a try of the
'lectric spurs, then I'll come right back, and
you may unhitch the battery for all and good,
and hand me the ten"
A relieved expression spread over Roberts
face. What was his only gold piece, what
was a silver watch, what, indeed, was any
thing to clear conscience?
Johnson had already mounted, and clutch
ing the bride was off in flash on bareback
Longshanks.
obert waited, and several others gathered
to watch Johnson's preliminary dash, as they
considered it.
High-mettled LOngshanks, in perfect con-
dition and fresh from the stall, flung his hoofs
in the gayest spirits.
"Its well to take the edge of, y said some
one, as suddenly the horse broke his gait, and
reared and plunged, as if stepping On needles.
1t was the touch of the electric spurs he
felt. Springing forward he came to so sharp
a halt that Johnson was flung head first upon
the turf.
Longshanks dashed ON again, far around
the smooth rolled track, but Johnson did not
stir.
Robert ran quickly toward him, while
others fastened to catch the valuable horse
before he had spent all his speed in his mad
course around the race-track.
care you hurt?" asked Robert, in trem-
bic, as he bent over johnson.
" Yes, some, he answered, like one collect
ing his senses after stunning blow. Get the
battery away quick before they find it.
In an instant Roberts nimble fingers had
distracted it, and shipping the wire that held
it to the spur he plunged both wire and bat
terry into his own pocket
A surgeon hastened toward them Robert
pushed the promised gold piece into Johnsons
pocket, then stood one side to make way for
the surgeon.
"Poor fellow, he's off in swoon," said the
surgeon, having him lifted to stretcher,
"but he'll pull through"
With this verdict Robert fastened to take
his train for home.
It was month later when Johnson his
arm still in splints, entered the electric sta
ton.
Pm going to set up fruit stall on the
corner, Rob, T" he said. Horse-riding hasn't
brought me no good, and, Rob D.
"Yes?"
They just made a rule 'gainst connect
ing up spurs with 'lectric batteries Glad
they can't say / used one, like they do of Jim
Flanders;" here he cast sidelong glance at
Robert; land Rob"
'Yes?n
Here's the two tens. / found one in my
pocket after my throw, and the other oughter
have given you, as l promised. the evening
you rugged up the spurs. Don't say nothing,
there's nothing to be said. I'd be proud to
see you with that watch Harper was a-telling
me you wanted, so don't say nothing" and
he laid the gold pieces near Robert.
Before the surprised Robert could reply
johnson was gone. Philadelphia Press.