Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-12-16
HYDE'S LAST RACE.
BRIGHT LITTLE STORY WRITTEN BY
A YOUNG RICHMOND MAN.
How Noble Fellow Suffered Death to
Save the Life Of tho Man Whom His
Sweetheart Had Accepted.

'Hdye's Last Race Is the title Of the
following story. written by Mr.. Frank j.
Craigie. Jr., of this city. and recently
published In the Rochester On. ~ Post
Express:
II was lively day for the town OF
Rockford. The college was to have its
annual field-day, and the circus, with
its attendant menagerie, was to close It's
four-day engagement with special attrac-
tons To the two competing manage
ments this coincidence of performances
seemed deplorable; to the majority of the
population OF Rockford 1t was very con-
venient. for firing Of one. the other was
easily accessible, being separated only by
board fence and a driveway. The mar
row streets were crowded as, perhaps,
they had never been on any previous oc-
casion.
Pretty girls predomInated, some flying
the scarlet OF the class OF 1894: equally
as many the purple and white Of 1888. The
minority existed in the shape Of several
hundred young men. dressed in appro-
pirate negllgee. with colored ribbons
flying from ooat-lapels, canes, and straw
hats. Every man, woman, and child whom
that section of the State could muster
was present in gala attire, to enjoy the
day.
Away from the confusion and hustle OF
the motley crowd. a scene, slightly out OF
keeping with the day, was being enacted.
On the vine-enclosed porch Of a comfort
able. grcen-blnded white house. ham,
mock swung 10 and fro while seated
therein bue-eyed girl. dressed en-
tiroly in purple and white. and nervousiy
tearing a field-daisy TO shreds. listened to
the earnest voice of the young man at
her side.
"Do you mean TO tell me, Marion, that
after all that has passed between US. you
are engaged to George Shelton? why ala
you conceal it from me?"
His handsome, bronaed face was pale,
beneath its sunburned surface, and his
voice. wonderfully expressive in its deep
tones was a tr.le husky. IIa leaned for
ward to hear her answer.
Arthur Hyde you know. and IL you
will give Il a moments thought you must
remember that a month ago you told me
in our companionship; that your ideal
friendship was the platon!c affection
which we entertained for each other. You
said that afternoon that your greatest
desire was to see me happily married.
Since that day, and until half an hour
ago. you said nothing of love. Now.
Arthur, how can you deliberately accuse
me OF trihing with you? Your tone and
manner make that implication, though
your words are not so plain"
Hyde SAT for a moment looking down
ward and relying the scarlet bow on his
cane. Then he looked up at the golden
crowned face above him and took her
hand while he answered her reprooE
Marion. my dear, I have been mis-
taken from the first ! loved You year
ago; love you row as l never expect
to love again. But" he spoke calmly
and in perfectly modulated accents.
My platonic friendship was failure;
| must admit that, however reluctantly.
When ] think OF your conduct towards
me since | have known you, ! retract
anything derogatory which / may have
said. l have misunderstood you and de-
ceived myself. Now there remains lit
tie 10 be said love yOu-you will
marry George Shelton; as a lover. leav-
ing aside all selfish feelings, your happi-
ness is my chief consideration. George
is true, honorable man, and / wish you
all happiness" He paused. Marion
face was averted. It was so hard to
hear him so kind so generous, while she
herself hardly felt such sense OF self
justification as she professed.
Hyde turned away and looked through
an intersuce in the vines, across toward
the distant lake. The lines OF his finely
formed mouth quivered his dark eyes
had a stern look Of self-control. IL was
a struggle OF will against heart.
marion. l will speak no more Of
what has been. ] respect your betrothal
and will never by word or deed violate
what | consider to be the laws or honor
You and George have my best wishes
for an early union and n happy life. Re
member me as true friend VINO woulo
willingly sacrifice anything for you
Good-by, Marion, and may God bless
you"
His voice trembled with these last
words. despite the perfection Of his self
control. Marion Grey answered hi
adleu with a "good-by" as heartfelt
as his own and when the sound of his
footsteps had died away she walked
slowly TO her room and closed the dool
behind her.
The hour of 4 had come, and the race
course was scene Of extraordinary &c
tivity. The grandstand and every othe
available spot was crowded with gay
humanity. Purpe-anl-white and scarle
were mingled Unfortunately. Peanut
lemonade. and candy-venders darteC
hither and thither with their popula
wares. while the Twenty-fourth Regimen
Band struck up "Tne Star Spangled Ban
ncr."
The contests came one by one, and In
torest was enlivened az race after rac'
went. some TO the credit of '8, some L
that of 81
The 4O-vard dash had been finished
and the honors had been carried of by
George Shelton Of 80. The programme
now called for the half-mile run. Onl,
six contestants stepped onto the tract
and went to their places at the half-mil'
post Two of them sprung forward II
advance Of the others to assist In clear
ing the track of small boys.
One was a tall muscular man or sin
gIlarly unattractive appearance, dresse'
In a purple-ani-white Jersey shirt an
loose knickerbocker trousers OF the sam
colors. His muscles stood out In knotte'
relief. Shouts OF admiration rose iron
hundreds Of threats as shelton rose be
fore them. His companion, dressed Il
bright scarlet Jersey. was perfect con
trast 10 the stalwart '93 man. 1.-the AM
graceful, with a proud, handsome hea
upon a superb pair Of shoulders, an
straight. c0rd-like muscles like bloode
race horse. showing that he was by ma
ture as swift as the antelope. This Apoil
was none other than Arthur hyde IN
hope and pride Of the scarlet faction.
HI =
for '93 and "a fairly shook the earth
The bell on the Judges stand rung sharp
ly. The din subsidized and six men, thre
| In scarlet and three in purple-and-whltt
stood half way around the track. toe
| touching the white line across the course
| A pistol shot, a long breath from IN
spectators and the race was on. IN
| Uncomfortable post was reached; sld
| by side, running with perfect regularity
were Shelton and Hyde; behind nearly u
yards were the remaining four. Excite
ment was at its highest. Nearer an
nearer came the two leaders. still side b
| side 4 murmur came from the Watchln
| thousands.
"They are qulckening their pace"
Shelton forged ahead. A hoarse We
| greeted his move.
shelton. Hurrah for Ninety-three!
Hyde gains. Ninety-four! Ninety-fou
| wins
The last hundred yards OF straigh
| clear track lay before them. The rae
| was now between the two champions, III
| others were hopelessly behind.
A sudden yell OF applause came froi
| the wearers OF the scarlet. The purple
| and-whites strained their eyes and hel
| their breath. Hyde led by several fee
! Down the stretch they came In mob
squirt, Shelton running heavily, but wit
| evident raserXa fnrcn. HYln leading Tx