The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1898-08-06

The Standwell Wheelers were annoyed,
Half of them, the fastest men in the club,
had been to supper at Dickey Carmichael's
rooms and were sitting round discussing
the situation, with the assistance of
Dickey's cigarettes.
YES" Carmichael was saying, 81 admit
he can ride, and ride we'll 1t isn't his
pace | object to; it's his COMPOUNDED con-
ceit about it. Soon after he came here l
spoke to him about joining the club, and
what do you think the fool said? You all
know his beastly drawl. Well-er-don't
think | shall, thanks. Fact is, doncher-
know, like to shift when I'm out Can't
stand crawling at any price There's an
inflated idiot for you"
''He passed us when we were out last
night" said Royton, "and we couldn't,
one of Us, hang on to him. He knew it,
too. He's done that once or twice, and it's
only just to show off, know
81 was out alone on Wednesday,
Clipped in Teddy Blame, the club sprinter,
"and he caught me up and looked round
with that COMPOUNDED smile Of his as he
passed. You bet | wasn't going to let him
walk away without an effort; but, as you
fellows know. m better at short distances,
and after making it pretty warm for about
a couple Of miles had to throw it up.'
Far away down in the depths of an easy
chair several sizes too big for him sat little
Pat Armstrong. Up to the present he had
been silent, but now looking up at his
companions, he said, in his lazy sort Of
way, Only dear fellows, I've an idea"
There was general laugh.
"By Jove! Ilark at itn'
Look at what's got an ideal
''Stick TO it, Pat; it's the only one you'll
ever get
They listened, while Pat laid his plan
before them, and for an hour they talked
earnestly together. Then as midnight
struck they broke up and departed chuck
ling over the scheme which Pat had de-
vised.
1t was September evening week later,
and the fast gathering twilight cast dim
obscurity over the landscape, when up a
hill, at the foot of which lay the little
town Of ntandwell, came rider.
On reaching the top of the hill the rider
paused "a moment to regain his breath. As
he sal NJ in his saddle he heard the sound
OF cycle wheels and turning his head saw
another rider, who had evidently assembled
the hill close behind him.
This one presented a striking appearance,
for with the exception Of shoes and stock
ings he was clothed completely in white,
a white calico jacket with loose knckers
o. Che same material, and on his head a
large soft wide-awake OF white felt This
latter pulled 50 far forward that the riders
face was completely hidden, but it was
evident that be was member of the
Standwoll Whcelers, for the club badge
was displayed conspicuously on the side of
his headeear.
The ,corcher, however, had but little
time TO take note Of his companions APP
pearanCe, for before he was aware of it the
white rider, going at a great pace, shot
past hiu and gained lead Of some dozen
yards. The sco'oher's spirit was reused
within him, for it was his boast that he
allowed 30 one to pass him on the road.
So, bending low over his handles, he
pedalcd furiouSly to regain the lead and
soon o'eltook and passed the Standwell
man. The latter however, at once replied
b. sprint which again gave him first
position. This was direct challenge
There could be no mistake about that