The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-11-21
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[CoNCLUSIoN.1

| betting event, but out OF respect for
the parsons scruples such wagers as
were made were kept strictly under
cover. The purse itself, gold fringed,
gold bedizened blue silk pouch, hold
ing $1,000 in gold coin, swung high
and fair in the sunlight above the fin
ish line. Opinion divided very equally
as to where it would fetch up-in the
building of church or the riot of
q tavern. The wiseacres of course
backed their judgment in whispers. It
was tho great undiscriminating mass
which murmured against the silence
Of the wagering 1t had come out for
holiday and wanted to lay modest
sums with at least thrilling convic-
ton 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 soul. Certainly she looked
pattern of fire and fettle in her pre-
liminary 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, grandson
to Pot-S-os a good, substantial bay,
with full black points; next Mops, a
washy sorrel, though reasonably well
bred, and after him Blackjack,
| spanking Highflier chestnut, who
could go like the wind, though even
his owner admitted he could hardly
stay the route; at the very end Rox-
| ane, her, silver name tied with blood
red ribbons, her tail streaming plume
wise and glistening in the sun. She
held her head low under free, almost
loose, rein. Shanky, Lawson's black
| body servant, rode her, as he did in
nearly all her exercise gallops.
She moved a little heavily. Common.
ly she was quick as a cat. The wise,
acres shook their heads and agreed
instantly that she was overturned
she could never win the Fourth of July
in such company. But Isham, hang
ing half out Of saddle to look back at
her, made a face and murmured:
''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 IL be right dar wild you,
'ceptin' de passon he take an tuhn
wile."
AS they rode down to the start Law
son shouted to the parson, "I'm going
to beat you, no matter who has the
best horse"
Il am going to beat you, God being
my helper" the parson called back.
II think have the best horse. l know
have the best cause"
Exactly three minutes later the drum
tapped, and the five horses went away
aligned like 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 little, defiant snort. Blue Bon
net fought to go after him. The par
son took double wrap on her. Black
lock was, he knew, merely an incident.
RoXane 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
foam. Her rider let out a wrap. In
stantly she rushed to collar the chest
nut. In the next mile she caught and
passed him, though still he ran strong
and free. Mops came for second to
her throatlatch, then dropped back,
failing so steadily as to show he was
out of the race. Bendigo ran a 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 short head. 1t
was a marvellous performance, amaz-
ing even to those who knew the white
mare best. She ran so true, so easily,
with such even swiftness, the best
trained eye got no right perception Of
her speed. Even Blue Bonnet's parti-
sans rubbed hands in delight, saying,
tits race for blood now, and only
two in it."
'The powers Of light and darkness
are contending here" the parson said
to remonstrant pious friend. Lawson
overheard and laughed quietly.
'"The powers are oddly horsed, par
son." he said. 81 reckon, as you see
things, light rides the color of darkness
and darkness the color of light"
Mops distanced, Blackjack with
drawn, left but three contenders in the
second heat. Blue Bonnet came out for
1t reader than ever. She spoiled three
good starts, indeed, by her eagerness to
be out in front. When at last they
were sent away together, she was nei-
ther to hold nor to bind. Leaping,
plunging, bucking, she took the rail,
held it and settled into a sweeping run.
Her feet few invisibly with the rhythm
and precision of some mighty machine;
her low head nodded slightly at each
bound; foam fakes gathered and flew
from the bit. By time the third mile
began she was white from counter to
tail. Her riders heart leaped. He 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 caught
the unfailing rataplan of those other
/ hoofs behind. From the first they had
not varied by the least fraction of a
second. He knew and dreaded the stay
of the desert He must win now, if he
was to win at all.
L n