The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-03-02
FAITHFUL OLD MARE
Her Owner Knew Her Qualities II
Others Did Not.
TRUE STORY OF GOLDSMITH
A Dispute About Entrance Money.
the Good Friend. Fast Drives
and Victory at Last
Elates the Driver.

GlaNGo Aft0
AT Providence r. l.. during the state
fair Of 1894. when the horses were called
up for the pacing race, there came on
the track a gray mare of ordinary ap-
pearance which did not exhibit a very
high order of grooming. and bore the APP
pearance of being quite out OF place IN
the contest that was to follow. Attached
TO her was an old bike which had once
been painted green. in which was seated
an old man who had apparently dropped
his farm work for day at the races. lie
looked about 60 years OF age and wore
a pair OF light colored trousers which but
little more than concealed the tops or MS
boots. His coat was linen buster; from
his cheeks grew a pair of luxuriant gray
whiskers. and his cap was secured TO his
head by strings which were tied under
his chin. But in his countenance was de-
picted a firm determination and conf
denee in his ability to win. His only at
tendant was a boy of about II years who
not only resembled the old man physical
ly but in apparel as well, and he followed
the old man to the track carrying
blanket which some day had done service
for the human family.
As they neared the track the old man
gathered up his reins and was soon en-
gagged in warming up the old mare for
the coming heat. Aside from their APP
pearance but little attention was paid to
the trio. until the old man was summon
ed to the judges stand and informed that
a protest had been received from Fleet
wood. stating that the gray mare had
been entered there, but the entrance fee
had not reached them. With a feeling OF
indignation that extended to the tips OF
his whiskers he declared IL was a mis-
take, but without avail. Summoning the
hrxr he nlrag hta
old mare. and the old man dismounted as
the vision of that purse gradually faded
before his eyes.
Among the small crowd that had col
lected was one who became interested in
the proceedings. He called the old man
one side. and after few moments con-
versation the latter started at a very
quick pace for the stables. Peering into
one OF the box stalls in which a young
man was seated on a trunk who had just
driven in the last heat he finally entered.
and approaching him informed him of his
unfortunate position.
You don't know me-" he said. land
never met you before to speak. but tell
you there's mistake somewhere, and it's
darned hard luck. One of the drivers
down on the track told me to go to you
and he'd bet you'd help me out. j tell
you l kin win that purse. sure. for I've
got the mare to do IL with"
That's what they all think. uncle" re-
piled the young man. rising from his
seat and his mild blue eyes lit up with
a mngling expression OF amusement and
sympathy at the old mans story.
EFT took all the money | had to git
here" continued the old man, land l
amt got enough to get a wash for the
mare after the first heat. She's clear
there amt a dollar on her; IL you'd help
me out I'll give you a mortgage on her
and half the purse"
During the speech the old man had fol-
lowed the other to the door. the latter
eXclaiming as he reached IL, Come
along: l guess we can fix it,"
Soon the two were at the judges stand
and the new found friend having agreed
TO become responsible for anything that
might be due from the other. with very
many protestations OF gratitude the old
man mounted the green bike and was
soon scoring with his competitors for the
start. The young man, after ordering a
supply of Ponds extract sent to the old
mans stable from his own. watched the
coming event with no little interest.
After a few efforts the horses got the
word; unfortunately the old man had
drawn a position in the second tier. but
by the time they entered.the backstretch
he had shaken off his immediate compan-
ions. and although he was close up to
the sulky OF the leading horse. the wheel
OF the second kept continually at his sad
die girth: I'm fact he was I'm a perfect
pocket" from which he had not the
skill to extrcate himself. coming under
the wire. however. winning third posi-
ton for the next heat.
I'm afraid our friend isn't going to
get there" remarked the young man as
he mounted his bike for a second heat In
his own class.
Owing TO a liberal supply of Ponds ex-
combined rubhfpp Of ma
old man and boy, the gray mare came on
the track showing very little fatigue and
In good condition for the second heat
The start was perfect. and at the word
the old mare struck her gait. captured
the pole at the first turn and entered the
backstretch a fun length ahead. Then
she began to leave her companions at
every stride. The old man was as i'm
movable as II paralyzed Turning his
head neither to the right or left. uncon-
scious OF the existence Of any other ami
NAL in the world. he kept his eyes fixed
on that gray mare. His linen buster ex-
tended behind like the mainsail OF the
Defender; the strings of his cap streamed
behind like a pennant from the masthead,
and his whiskers were set like two min
iature spinakers.
See the old man go!" was shouted
| from the grand stand. The old mare is
| running away" shouted others. and 50
| she was-from her followers, as she came
/ into the homestretch like a whirlwind.
/ her driver with no interest whatever in
| those behind. his eyes resting on the wire
| only. which he crossed a winner by a
half dozen lengths. distancing three OF
his opponents. and receiving the applause
| OF the multitude.
The moment the old man dismounted he
| sought his new found friend. Didn't |
tell you?" said he. grasping his hand.
| you can count on that mare every time
| II she only has a chance"
| But" said the other. with a more skill
! ful eye. what in the world did you drive
| so for? You should have saved something
/ for the next heat"
| No. sir" was the reply. the old
| man wiped his forehead with his buster.
| Il made up mind / wasn't goin' TO git
| mixed up with those fellcrs agin. and I
! tell you I'm goin' 10 keep away from
/ EN-"