The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-07-08

the finish line. Opinion divided vecy
equally as to where it would fetch
up-in the building of a church or the
riot of tavern. The wiseacres of
course backed their judgment in
whispers. 1t was the great undls-
eliminating mass which murmured
against the silence of the wagering.
1t had come out for a holiday and
wanted to lay modest sums with at
least thrilling conviction that it was
following the lead of some one who
knew.
1t was bruited that Blue Bonnet
was on edge-ready to run for even
the stake of a soul. Certainly she
looked a pattern of fire and fettle in
her preliminary, as she went past the
grand stand, with Isham on her back,
her chin drawn almost upon her chest
prancing and curveting like mad, yet
readily obeying the rein. After her
came soberly pacing Bendigo, grand
son to POt-6-os, a good, substantial
bay, with full black points; next
Mops a washy sorrel, though reason
ably well bred, and after him, Black
lock, a spanking Highfyer chestnut,
who could go hike the wind, though
hardly stay the route. At the very
end, RoXane, her silver name tied
with blood red ribbons. her tail
streaming plume wise and glistening
in the sun. She held her head low UNI
der a free, almost loose rein. Shan
ky, Lawson's black body servant, rode
her, as he did in nearly all her eXer-
else gallOps.
She moved a little heavily. Com
monty she was quick as a cat. The
wiseacres shook the head and agreed
instantly that she was oVertrained-
she could never win the Fourth of
July in such company. But Isham
hanging half out of saddle to look
back at her made a face and murmur-
ed "Humph! You metty sateful
Miss Roxy-Ann! Maybe you foolin'
all desc people, but you amt done
fooled me. Presently youse gwine
wake up, an ra'ar an charge, an
split, de win'-but Bonnet'll be right
dar wild ye-'ceptin' he passon he
take an tuhn vile"
As they rode down to the start,
Lawson shouted to the parson, I'm
going to beat you-no matter who
has the best horse"
II am going to beat you-God being
my helper" the parsOn called back.
81 think | have the best horse
know / have the best cause"
Exactly three minutes later the
drum tapped and the five horses went
away aligned like a file of cavalry.
For at least 100 yards they held in
rank. Then Blackjack shot clear by
an open length and stretched away
for the first turn with a defiant snort
Blue Bonnet fought to go after him.
The parsOn took a double wrap on
her. Blackjack was he knew merely
an incident. RoXone lay well back
there he must keep his eye.
The first mile around was so slow
Blackjack increased his lead to a doz-
en- lengths Blue Bonnet began to
toam. Her rider let out a wrap. In
Stantly she rushed to collar the chest
nut. In the next mile she cought and
passed him. though still he ran strong
and free. Mops came for second to
her throat-latch then dropped back,
failing so steadily as to show he was
out of the race. Bendiga ran n con-
sistent third, RoXane was absolutely
last.
Yet in the last half mile she woke
up, passed the other three as though
they were anchored, and dashed under
the string, beaten by a short head.
IT was a marvellous performance,
amazing even to those who knew the
mare best. She ran SO true, SO east
ly, with such even Swiftness, the best
trained eye got no right perception
of her speed. Even Blue Bonnets par
tisans rubbed hands in delight, say
ing: ITS race of blood now-and
only two in it,
THE powers of light and darkness
are contending here" the parson said
to remonstrant pious friend. Law
son overheard, and laughed quietly.
"The powers are oddly hOrsed, par
son." he said. Il reckon as you see
things, light rides the color of dark
ness, and darkness the color of light"
Mops distanced, Blackjack with
drawn, left but three contenders in
the second heat. Blue Bonnet came
out for it reader than ever. She spoil
ed three good starts, indeed. by her
eagerneSs to be out in front. When
at last they were sent away together,
she was neither to hold nor to bind.
pluSs obC tOOiN
the rail, held it, and settled into a
sweeping run. Her feet flew invisibly
with the rythm and precision of some
mighty machine, her low head nodded
slightly at each bound, foam flakes
gathered and flew from the bit-by
time the third mile began she was
white from counter to tail. Her ri
der's heart leaped. lie had feared
only for her temper. So long as she
kept the lead, he knew he was safe.
He dared not look back. Shouts from
the stand as he passed it this third
time let him know that Blue Bonnet
looked winner all over. But he
cought the unfailing rataplan of those
other hoofs behind. From the first
they had not varied by the least frac-
ton of a second. He knew, and dread
ed. the stay of the desert. He must
win now, if he was to win at all
Into the last quarter Blue Bonnet
led CALAMITY, though her laboring
breath and glaring eyeballs said she
was almost spent. The parson, hang
ing in his stirrups, leaned far over
her neck. soothing, encouraging with
hand and voice. Now and again he