The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1893-01-21
THE UGLY DUCKLING.

Uncle Silas, I'd like to buy race
horse, said Piercy Rodgers, as he
wiped his spectacles, and looked up
at the stalwart form of the veteran
trainer with an inquiring glance, as
if expecting this announcement
would somewhat surpise the cid
man. He was not disappointed, for
that individual looked long and hard
at his nephew before replying.
AT last he drAwled out, Well of all
things, what would you do with a
horse, anyhow?
| intend to race him of course,
answered Piercy with as much as
dignity as he could command.
Why you wouldn't know a year
ling from three year old.
know havn't had the practical
experience of yourself, remarked the
young man, but I'm well up in pedi-
grees and blood lines, and under
stand the unions that produce
speed.
You do, do you. testify retorted
i the trainer. Book pedigrees are all
right, but when it comes 10 race
horse 'perience counts, and all the
fancy breeding in the world won't
make racer out OF a counterfeit.
Piercy didn't answer. He knew
the old mans temper and wisely
| refrained.
Who in the world ever put you
| up 10 this notion? asked Silus, after
spending several minutes surveying
the slight figure and efeminate fea-
lures of his relation.
Lollie did, sir.
Nonsense! that gal OF mine has
| got more sense.
She said if didn't wake up and
make mark in the world, secure a
governorship, or pull off Derby,
she'd never marry me.
So you have dared to presume
upon marrying my daughter, have
you, young man2 Well, I'll just
teach you thing or two. How
much money have you got, any
way?
Five hundred dollars, uncle.
Just you go into that stable and
pick up one of those two years olds,
anyone bar Express, and il you
don't win stake with him this year,
! your chances for marrying Lollie
are but hundred to one.
The two men walked over to the
stables and inspected the stock.
Piercy, after long deliberation, selec-
ted a boy colt by Emperor out Of
Wyandotte as having the best
breedingsof the lot, although his per
sonal appearance was anything but
prepossessing. Gaunt and irregular,
with an ugly head, and a danserou,
eve, he was not comely at sight, but
Piercy did not hesitate. He felt that
his reputation and his love were al
| stake.
I'll take that one, Uncle, he said.
The trainer gave short triumph
OF all the lot, you've picked out the
worst. I'd sold that colt for hun
dred, had anybody offered it He's
got the temper of Satan, and isn't
half broken on that account.
This didn't help Piercy's feeling:
anv. He knew he had put himse
in bad light in his uncle's eyes by
this selection, yet he had scores
hope that he would make a race
horse, for he had often read in the
turf papers that "blood WILL" anc
Wyandotte had never foaled {
horse that wasn't racer. Anyhow
he had made his decision and must
abide by it,
The next morning as he was sad
ding his mare for an early galop
| he remarked to the groom, Sam
I've bought race horse. For sho'
exclaimed the negro, as he looked a
his master to catch the glimpse of
smile.
Certainly, sir; and l want you II
train him. You've got all summe
to get him in shape, for won't star
him until the fall meeting
Sam was all smiles. The idea c
having charge of race horse suiteC
him exactly.
: Whar did yo' buy him him
Massa?
Bought him OF Uncle Sila:
Rather plain colt, although he
got good breeding. Go over an
take a look at him.
$ When Piercy returned from hi
ride he asked the negro what h
{ thought of his purchase.
. He S de ugliest hoss lever SC
: eyes 'arsa, butt dint
Dafs \:
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