Evening star., 1897-04-10

you ride old Coch-i-Quiep CNo Good Lame
Lego; he go faster than your wheelpony."
talk, heap little do. What's the matter
with your strong wheelpony? No go tall"
Tabby concluded to end all remarks oy q
trial Of speed on the race track, 30 one day
in July messages were sent to all the In
dams to come to the race course the SEC
ond day after. The day was perfect
warm, but with a cool breeze from the
river That mornings shower had laid the
dust and made the track smooth and clean
as leather. Larger crowds were never be-
fore or since gathered under the cotton
wood trees that marked the starting point
on the race track, than were seen at Tab
by-o-weep's races. Even old Tabby, chief
of the whole tribe, forgot his ninety years
in his anxiety to see his favorlte grand
son race.
The riders we've to go twice around the
mile track. Now, Tabby-o-weep exulted in
his heart at the easy task before himl The
stiff pulls up the hills, the long hours of
riding and resting had given him renewed
strength of wind and body, and he felt
equal to riding any distance.
The time for starting came. The horses
of pony, and several false starts were
made. At last they were off, the low
safety running even with the three fright
ened broEchos, which were being urged on
by whipping, spurring riders.
Tabby-o-weep never looked handsomer.
He was attired in suit of white buckskin,
beautifully beaded by Anime for home
coming gift; his moccasins were new and
interviewer with bright porcupine quilts,
and his hair fastened back by clasp of
Navajo silver. Coolly Tabby-o-weep rode
on, keeping just behind the horses till the
mile post was reached, then going swiftly
ahead Of all, only to slow down that he
might roll a cigarette, then coming III past
the first horse, past all, a quarter Of u mile
ahead. The Indians crowded around the
winner, asking many questions, and exam
lining the wheel to find the spirit that made
it go.
Tabby Little Joe was very excited and
offered to bet all he had-horses, cattle,
blankets and squaw-that Tabby-o-weep
could beat any horse; but the Indians seem
ed afraid of the marvellous wheelpony,
and refused to run again that day. Final
ly one proposed another race the following
morning-the wheel against a horse of
W1s-l-up, three-year-old gray stallion
that had never been beaten. The challenge
was accepted, and the time set
Tabby-o-weep was the guest of honor in
the home wick-i-up that night. The rabbit
stew was touched by no one till he had
eaten his fill; the hot flap cakes We're COW
cred with sugar for the wheel apashe -
and goat was lassoed and MIXED that
Tabhy-o-weep might have a fresh drink.
When the stars came out and Taboy-o-
weep grew sleepy, Little Joe himself un-
fastened the brass buttons of the boys
leggins and unleced the moccasins; then
with oil from the wild goose rubbed Tabby-
o-weep's slender. hard-muscled limbs till
ms own arms were numb with pain. Even
then Little Joe would not leave him, and
the last thing Tabby-o-weep realized was
the loving face Of his old father bending
over him. and the fat hand holding his
own, and the boy, murmuring "Ninna
fader, ninna fader," dropped off into a
long, dreamless sleep.
The father reused him in the morninp
helping him to dress, combing the curls
and tying them with a clean red ribbon.
Iaoby Little Joe had been early to the
flver r catching fresh fish for his boys
breakfast, and already had a horse saddled
to ride with him to the race track.
Loving and careful as he had ALWAYS
peen OF this child, the legacy of his be-
IoVed dead first wife. he had been doubly
40 since Tsbby's return from school. and
lapny-o-weep, though always gentle and
considerate, showed his appreciation of his
fathers care by a greater obedience and
more love.
Inc track was in excellent condition, but
Iappy Little Joe was not sa tisfied until he
had walked twice over it, picking up any
small stick or pebble that might trip the
wheelpony.
The Indians soon began to arrive, and
among the first was Wis-i-up riding the
dangerous looking gray stallion Gho-tesso
tEv1i-hearO. At sight of the wheel he be-
came furious, and was with difficulty re-
stralned by the strong arms of the rider
from rushing wildly at Tabby-o-Weep's hi
cycle. Tabby Little Joe was very male
under his bronZed skin and he drew Tabby-
o-Weep to one side. begging him not to ride
against Evil-heart, but Tabby-o-weep fear
ed belng called a coward more than he
reared the great gray stallion.
Before the braves and chieftans who
scorned weakness, Tabby Little Joe seemed
careless and fearless, but to the boy he
showed his heart, kissing him, begging him
TO be careful, saying again and again.
N1nna papoose me heap love you. You
die. me die too
Time was up. Two poor starts and then
they were off. Far on one side of the road
the 1.-the limbs of the boy sent his wheel
whirling over the ground just little ahead
or the great gray steed on the other side
Faster and faster went Evil-heart till foam
dropped from his mouth and his hoofs
struck sparks. Faster went the wheeI-its
laughing rider sure of winning this strange
race. Angry and more angry grew the
gray till his very eyes seemed like fire
The listeners heard Tabby-o-weep laugh
and call out, Hurry up Eyil-heart nv
wheelpony will beat you"
Spurs and whips were used on the al
ready maddened animal. till suddenly in
desperation he turned on his supposed tor
mentor. One moment the watchers saw a
boy in all the glory of youth and beauty
next-Oh, Great Spirit! only a bunch of
blood-stained buckskin. a white cap, a
paving, striking. biting. kicking that sense
less heap. The next moment a wild-eyed
man. running with Incredible speed toward
the horse, pistol shot, and the gray
demon fell to the earth lifeless.
Tabby Little Joe lifted the bo~ The face
had been spared. but the body had been
crushed out of all human semblance Only