Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-26

strong, and full of driving force that
should make the others break a record to
beat her.
From the inquisition of the owners study
Lucretia stood forth triumphant; neither
the chestnut nor anything else in the race
could beat her. And Jockey McKay-Porter
raised his eyes involuntarily, seeking for
some occult refutatiOn of the implied dishon-
eSty of the boy he had trusted. He found
himself gazing straight into the small shifty
eyes of Lucretias midget rider, and such a
hungry. wOlfish look Of mingled cunning
and cupidity was there that Porter almost
shUddered.
The insinuations of Mike Gaynor. and the
other things that pointed at job being on
hadn't half the force of the dishonesty
that was so apparent in the tell-tale look of
the morally irresponsible boy in whose
hands he was so completely helpless.
All the careful preparation of the mare
the economical saving, even to the self
denial of almost necessary things to the
end that he might have funds to back her
heavily when she ran; and the high trials
She had given him when asked the ques
ticn, and which had gladdened his heart
and brought an exclamation of satisfac-
tion from his phlegmatic trainer; the girlish
interest of his daughter in the expected trf-
umph; all these contingencies were as less
than nothing should the boy. with the look
OF demon in his eyes. not ride straight
and honest.
Even then it was not too late to ask the
stewards 10 set Mckay down. But what
thing wrong? The boys good name would
be blasted. should he. John Porter, say at
the last minute that he did not trust him:
and perhaps the lad was innocent. Race
people were so ready to cry out that a
jockey was hXed-that there was some
thing wrong. when their own Judgment was
at fault and they lost.
Suddenly Porter gave cry of astonish-
mert: My Cod he muttered, the boy
has got spurs on. That'u set the mare
clean crazy"
lie turned to Dixon who was at his ell
bow: Why did you let Mckay put on the
st,els?'
Il told him not to-
Hes got them on"
They've got to come Off and the
trainer dashed up the steps to the stewards
In two minutes he returned, heavy frown
on his face.
'WelI?' queried Porter
I've made mess of it," answered Dixon
sullenl 1T seems there's hints of a job
on an the stewards have got the wrong
end Of the stick"
They refused to let the mare go back
TO the paddock queried Porter.
Yes: an on Of them said that If the
trainers would stick closer to their horses
an keep out of the bettin' ring that the
public d get ? better run for their money"
m sorry, Andy" said Porter, consol-
ingly.
on you. sir. That boy hadn't spurs when
he weighed. an there's the Gankest kind
of a job on, I'll take me oath"
Thai Il NV! Wv J Just An{ tot to take
ouI medicine like little men. Even if we
make a break an take Mckay off there
isn't another good boy left. If he jabs the
little mare with them steels she'll go clean
crazy"
Its my fault Andy. l guess I've saved
and petted her bit too much But she
never needed spurs-she'd break her heart
trying without them"
by Cod muttered Dixon. as he went
back TO the paddock. IF the boy stops the
mare he'll never get another mount If I
can help it. It's this sort of thing that kills
the whole business of racing Here's a
stable that's straight from owner to exer-
public and stand chance of getting ruled
off ourselves because of q gambling little
thief that can spend the income of prince
But. after all, il isn't his fault. / know
who ought TO be warned off if the race is
fixed; but they won't be able to touch a
hair of him; he's too ID slick But his
time II come-God knows how many men
he'll break in the meantime, though"
As John Porter passed Danby's box going
up into the stand, the latter leaned over
In his chair, touched him on the arm and
said. Come in and take seat
81 can't" replied the other man, my
daughter is up there somewhere"
I've played the mare" declared Dandy,
showing Porter a memo written in small
betting book
The latter started and a frown crossed his
brown face.
I'm sorry-Pm afraid it's no cinch.''
sFiye to two never is" laughed his friend.