The Forrest City times., 1893-04-14

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 "It is a good bit to pay for ten min utes' work like this; believe I will keep it.. and dropping it back into his pocket Johnson hu rried away without attracting the boss attention.
 That night Robert did not rest we'll. The spurs kept clanking ill his dreams, Johnson's gold piece seemed staring at him with a face the size of the electric clocks, and he awakened repeatedly with shock as acute as if from John sons battery. Dressing early the next morning he went round to the livery stable, where he asked for Johnson.
 'He went last night to the Appleton races. He's to ride Longshanks, yer know"
 Robert 'knew." He clutched ten dollar gold piece in his pocket, and hur- ried to the electric station. It was only half-past six. The man. ager seldom reached there before eight. Robert dusted the chairs and desk four times apiece, carboned the big in- candescent lamp at the main entrance, and put new plugs into three lamps that were blown. He had forgotten l his breakfast, and his little brother came to tell him it was waiting for him.
 Tell mother to never mind. I'll be home after awhile, Josie," and he be- | gan sorting out bo of fresh electric supplies just in. At last the manager came. Robert hastened to meet him. 'Mr. Tinker" he said, ''may have the morning off? l want to go to Ap- | pleton."
 ITO Appleton?" repeated the man. ager.
 "Yes, sir" answered Robert.
 ''lt isn't the races?"
 ''Oh, no sir; they're in the afternoon. I want to see some one before the races"
 The manager looked at his favorite wirer sharply. Roberts honest eyes were troubled and his cheeks flushed.
 All right, my lad. You have never asked for holiday before Take the whole day." and the manager turned to his desk.
 "A half day is plenty, sir. I'll be back by one o'clock. Thank you" and Robert, hat in hand, was already on his way to the railroad station.
 It was but fifteen minutes ride to Appleton. Robert was just in time to catch the first train, filled with mer- ry-go-lucky crowd. already on their way to the races.
 Robert in the corner by the stove, lodged out the car door as soon as "Ap- pleton" was called, and, outstripping the other passengers, reached the trot- ting park first.
 A man came toward him, swinging his cane, as if the were a person in au- thority.
 "'Tain't open yet, he said to Robert
 II only want to see James Johnson a 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 damasS.
 He's beauty, ain't he?" was John sons salutation, showing no surprise at Roberts appearance Come after your gold temp
 No" said Robert, "but I've brought you another if you'll give up that elec- trIc spur business"
 Johnson whistled, then broke into laugh.
 Got to think it's wrong, have you?" he said, at length.
 "Yes," replied Robert, "I do. I think it's cheating"
 ss\Tal1 I;1l toll yol, xvbat Tfil do Johnson, since your conscience is so tender. I'll ride him round the track for 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 silver watch, what, indeed, was anything to clear con- science?
 Johnson had already mounted, and clutching the bridle was off in a flash on bare back Longshanks.
 Robert waited, and several others gathered to watch Johnson's prelimi- nary dash, as they considered it.
 High-mettled LoDgshanks, in perfect condition and fresh from the stall, flung his hoofs in the gayest spirits.
 Its we'll to take the edge off, said some one. as suddenly the horse broke his gait, and reared and plunged. as if stepping on needles.
 It was the touch of the electric spurs l he felt Springing forward he came to 1 so sharp a halt that Johnson was flung | head first upon the turf.