Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-04
CHAPTER XIV.

about. The Porter's stable travelled out in
the betting for the Brooklyn Derby until a
backer-f there had been one-could have
written his own price and got 1t.
Langdon had informed Crane Of this
change in their favor. though he said moth
ing about the deal with Shandy. which had
brought about the poisoning of the mare.
I'm sorry that Porters mare has gone
wrong" Crane said. IT think we would
have won anyway; but it'n just about ruin
them
Figuratively, Langdon closed one eye and
winked to himself Crane must know that
1t was his implied desires that had led up to
the wrecking of Lucretfa Langdon thought
Crane just about the most complete hypo-
critic he'd ever met; that preacher face of
his could look honorably pious, while Its
owner raked in cool ninety thousand over
the trainers dirty work. However. that cut
no figure, 1t was the ten thousand dollars
LangdOn was after.
Just. as they thought they had destroyed
the chances of their strongest opponent
came new disturbing feature
Other eyes than Dixon's had seen Lau-
cannes strong gallop. other watches than
his had licked off the extraordinary good
time I'll, for the mile and quarter. with
the horse seemingly running well within
himself, never urged foot of the journey
and finishing strong, was certainly almost
good enough to warrant his winning.
This information had been brought to
Langdon, but he also had observed the gal
lop. And the same boy was to ride Lau
zanne in the race he understood, for Red
path had been released, and was looking
for another mount.
1t wasn't in the natural order Of things
that one small stable would have in 1t two
horses good enough to win the Derby, es-
pecially when one of them was a cast-off;
but there was the gallop; time, like figures,
didn't lie, not often; and as he thought of
it, Langdon admitted that he had never
seen such an improvement in a horse as had
been made in Lausanne. Shandy had told
him that it was Miss Porter's doing; that
she had cured him of his sulky moods; the
gallop Langdon had witnessed seemed to
bear out the truth of this.
What was he to do? They couldn't re-
peat the trick they had played on Lucretia.
The Dutchman might win, he had worked
the distance in 200, but then he was all out
at the finish, and there was $4,000 at stake.
He tried to find out who the boy was that
had ridden Lausanne, but nobody seemed to
know; he was new boy that Dixon had
picked up somewhere. Perhaps he might
be got at. If this could be managed it
would simplify matters somewhat-remove
an unpleasant contingency.
The morning after her fast work on Lau-
Zanne, AlliS, draped as she was into the
personification of Al Mayne, arrived at the
course before their horses AS she was
leaning over the paddock rail waiting for
Lausanne to come, Langdon, who had evil
IDENTIFY determined upon course of action,
sauntered up carelessly to the girl. and
commenced to talk. After few prelimina-
that's ridin for Andy Dixon, amt your
The small figure nodded Its head.
Il seen you gallop that chestnut yester-
day. Where you been ridin'-youre stran-
ger here, 1 reckon?"
Out west" answered Allis, at a hazard.
"Oh, San Francisco, Ell? Are you en-
gagged to Dixon?"
I'm just on trial"
"(IOin to ride the chestnut in he
Again the boy nodded; under the circum-
stances, it wasn't wise to trust too much to
speech.
He amt no good-hes a bad horse. I
guess. I've got the winner of that race in
my stable. if he wins, I'd like to sign you
for year. like the way you ride. 1 amt
got no good lightweight. l might give you
a thousand for a contract an losin' and
winnin' mounts when you had a leg up
How do you like ridin for Dixon?" he CON
tinued, the little chap not answering his
observations.
Il amt goin' to ride no more for him af-
ter this race" answered the other, quite
truthfully enough but possessed Of a Gu
riosity to discover the extent of the others
villainy.
Il don't blame you. He's no good; he
don't never give. his boys chance If you
win on the chestnut like as not they'll just
give you the winnin' mount. That amt no
good to a boy. They amt got no money,
that's why. The owner of my candidate,
the Dutchman, he's rich man, an won't
think nothin' of givin' you retainer of
thousand If we won this race That'll mean
the Dutchmans a good horse, and Well
want good, light boy to ride him-See?"
Allis did see. Langdon was automatically
giving her as AL Mayne to understand that
II she threw the race on Lausanne she
would get the place in their stable at a re-
tainer of a thousand dollars
1--WE can afford 1t if we win the race" he
continued, for we stand big stake. Come
and see me any time you like to talk this
over
After he had gone, just as Allis was leay-
ing the rail. she was again accosted; this
time by Shandy. She trembled an instant
fearing that the small, red-lIdded, ferret
eyes would discover her identity; but the
boy was too intent on trying to secure his
ill-earned five hundred dollars to think of
anything else
Good mornin', boy" he said, cheerlly.
II used to be in Dixon's stable. It's hell
and he's a swipe. 1 see my boss talkin' to
you just now. Did he put you next a good
thing?"
Allis nodded her head knowingly
Hes all right. Sos the other one-the
guy as has got the mon; he's got a bank
full of 1t. I'm on to him-his names
Crane"
Allis started.
You don't know him." continued the imp:
hes too slick to go messin' about But if
the old man promised you anything see
God blast me! you'll git it. Not like that
other skinfint hole where you don't git
LolIil Sldiu III i've nu00reQ II
horse wins the Derby"
DO you ride him?" asked AL Mayne.
Ride nothin'. don't have to. I've got
my job already"
Il don't believe they'll give you five hun
dred for nothin,' said Allis, doubtingly
knowing that the boys obstinate nature, If
he were crossed, would probably drive him
into further explanation.
Say, you're a stiff. What'd the old man
want you to do-pull Lauzanne?"
Allis nodded.
81 knowed it. What was the use of stop
pin the mare an let the chestnut spoil the
job?'
rs that what you get the five hundred
for?" asked Allis, sudden suspicion fore
Ing itself upon her.
Say what'd you take me for, a fiat car?
But she's sick, amt she? An you jes' take
care of the chestnut now an I'll give you a
hundred out of my five, God biz me If
don't"
AS he spoke Shandy looked hastily about
to see that no one was listening, then he
continued, IF you give me the double cross
an peach I'll split your head OPEN" His
small eyes blaZed with venomous fury BE
sides, it won't do no good; my words as
good as yours. But I'll give you the hun
dred. s. help me God! 1 will, if you don't
ride the chestnut out. NUNS the word"
he added, boiling suddenly for Dixon had
entered the paddock with his horses.