The evening Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1902-1902, 1902-06-18

"DonG you NUM- as lar as the
Lime-kilns?"
Eyes, but they are not likely to
flag out the course in that direction
II know the lie Of the land out
there pretty we'll. / sketched there
all one spring."
Which was fortunate, since on the
day Of the race it was discovered that
from start to finish the course lay
between Brayton Heath and the
Limekilns.
Sir James, in spite of his gout, in
sisted upon seeing the race, and it
was in no small anxiety that Maud
took her stand beside him at a point
which promised the best view. An
exaggerated sense of the Importance
of victory took possession of her;
nothing else in all the world seemed
to matter much, and her very hopes
for the future were merged in the
suspense Of the present. What had
passed between Alan and herself
they alone knew. but certain it is
that he knew the stake he rode for,
and his last words to Maud we're:
Have no fear; Wanderer won't
fail us. I'm not much of a horse
man, but Tn an artist, and know
the look of country; you won't find
me much out of my way reckoning
there, and you'llseel'.l be home first.
Hopeful words, and Maud smiled
back at him and whispered injunc-
tions in Wanderers; ear herheart was
sick with fear for her lovers safety.
A good deal of surprise and some
amusement had been expressed
when it became known who was to
ride Wanderer, but if Dickson was
aware of it he betrayed no sign,an
wisely leaving much to Wanderers
discretion, he negotiated the first
mile and its fairly stiff fences in
manner that even Minton could find
no fault with. Minton was keep
ing the gray well in hand, confident
that in the end he could outstrip all
competitors, and knowing nothing
of the artists determination to beat
him at all costs. 1t was not till
Brayton Brook was reachedthatany
mishaps occurred, but after that the
field sensibly drew out, and before
long the spectators were freely re-
marking that the race lay between
the leading four
"Thornton does seem to be comm
along on that young one I've bought
off Farmer Baines, and give price
for, too more'n it's worth, said;but
may be he wur right. though for
looks give me Mr.. Minlons."
"Ay, he's the best OF the lot, to my
thnkin. Not but what I'd be best
pleased to see Miss Maud's win. My
boy, what's groom there, says she be
mighty fond Of the horse, and fair set
on his W nning.'
What for, then, did She put up
the painter chap to ridey'
"lhey do say, began 4 shrill fe-
male voice, but it was rudely Interrupt
ted.
"'Thcy do say sight Of nonsense,
duA NOIl HOiu WIN iioOChlu W ilO
gossip My boy says Wanderer will
romp in, but don't think it. Bless
my SOUL What's wrong?'
He might well ask. Across a little
bit Of plough Wandered had slackcn.
ed speed, aud Of the four leaders lay
last. At the end of the field was u
bank, and near this obstacle Alan
knew that Sir James and Maud had
taken up their station. Accordingly
he resolved that after easing Wan.
derer over the plough he would make
final effort to take and keep the
lead.
"Thornton and Cresswell are
over cried Sir James. "and now
comes the gray, but Wandcrer is
running him close. No chance,
though; but own the fellow rides
better than: suspected. Ugly
seat, but he doesn't seem to
lose IT,
Almost at that moment the gray
rose at the Jump. Suddenly dog.
breaking away from lis owner. ran
up from the other side OF the bank
barking furiouslv. Minton's horse,
taking fright. stopped short IN his
stride, and Minton himself landed
IN his next field at spot where
Wanderer must also have landed
had not his rider pulled his head
round with a swift, sharp tug at
the bit. He fell just clear Of the
PROSTATE man. and thoagh to Maud
1t felt an eternity, it was 10 reality
but few seconds before both
riders were in their saddles again