The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1901-01-28

m Race Ihal was the
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- M heading OF the bin
SD H which was thrust
7Ne III into Fred Baileys
XAEM hand The interest
Akkiko - with which he had
4ft{ begun to read the
.HUj bin grew into ex-
citement as be read
that there would
be a one-mile BIZ
l. open to an boys
from fifteen to nineteen. and that the
Baxter Bicycle company would give,
as first prize, a brand new bicycle with
pneumatic tires, worth 500. The
starting point would be specified later
A special notice at the bottom Of the
sheet informed those who wished to
try for the prize. but who did not own
a wheel. that the Baxter Bicycle COM
pany would let wheels for IS a month,
the day of the race included
BY the time Fred had finished read
ing he saw himself the proud possessor
Of the prize wheel, spinning noiseless-
ly along. the envy OF every boy in
Georgeville. Had he not learned to
ride on Tom Wheeier's bicycle, and
was he not the best rider in town?
In imagination he was just lending
his prize to Tom Wheeler. proud to
own anything that the rich squire's
son wanted to borrow, when his vision
faded; the glow Of excitement died out
of his face, and he thrust the handbill
into his pocket. How could he win the
prize without a wheel, and without IS
to hire one. He could find no solution
to this problem, and he trudged on
with a heavy heart
At school the race was being dis
cussed with great animation. Every
boy who did not own a wheel felt that
this was the chance Of his life to get
one, and every boy who did own one
was fired with the desire for brand
new one with all the latest improve
ments.
Fred knew every bicycle in George +
Vile and who owned it. He listened
hoping TO hear some pos
SCISSOR Of a wheel say that he would
not enter the race That might give
him chance TO borrow. In yain-all
meant to try. no matter how little
they had Of gaining glory and
the new wheel
Jim Forbes listened intently TO all
Fred said during the discussion. AS
they entered the building. he managed
to get close to him.
You're going in for It, I suppose,
Bailey?" he said. carelessly.
"No, I'm not Fred answered, rather
shortly. He did not like Jim Forbes
and he felt that there was not a true
ring to his voice, as he said, -Oh, you
mustl It wouldn't be a fair race with
out you, Bailey
The lessons went very slow that aft
arnoon. Fred thought, and his recita-
lions were not up to the mark.
"You are assuming that the propo-
sition gives you just what you are try
Ing to obtain" said bis teacher kindly.
feeling that it must be something un-
usual that could cause her best student |
In geometry to make such hard work
Of his lesson that afternoon.
"That is just what the Baxter BIZ
cycle company is doing" thought Fred. |
They assume that you have bicycle |
by opening the race to you, yet a BIZ |
cycle is just what you are trying to OBJ
tain by going in"
AS they came out OF school Tom
greeted Fred with a good-na-
.ured slap on the shoulder.
LET me congratulate you before
hand, Bailey" he said, heartily.
What do you mean?" asked Fred
why, on the race, answered Tom |
I'm going in with the rest, but you'll 1
win it. Of course There isn't a rider /
n town who can come up to YOU"
'Im not going in" said Fred, quiet
y.
Not going into the racer exclaimed |
lis friend. You've been wanting a
Wheel for a year, and now that you
nave a chance Of getting one for al
most nothing, you're going to give it
lpl What's the matter. Bailey?'
II don't exactly see how I'm going to
enter the race without any wheel, |
hats ALL" Fred tried to speak uncOn-
,ernedly.
"Why, hire one. of course" said /
rom. Then he thought Of Fred's pow
srty, and added "It's only s. a month.
fou know, and only two months before
he race"
"But can't get SIS. There is no use I
linking Of that" said Fred. decidedly. |
Look here now, Bailey. know you
lave earned more than SIS since
Christmas. Use it for this. You I
couldn't find a better investment"
Frai flushed hesitated. then looked /
gom proudly IN the eyes.
when my father wanted me to in-
sh at the academy instead OF going /
o work" he said. steadily. i told him 1
hat I should feel mean all the time 4
lnless he would promise to let me /
give what money could earn TO help /
Dut expenses at home. have never /
spent a cent of my earnings since then. I
md never win until I am out Of 4
school Even if I won the bicycle, It /
would cost me SIC. and that would be
just so much out Of the family pocket I
And If I did not win#