Omaha daily bee., 1902-08-24

BILE thoughts-yes, even a woman OF high
moral attributes might find the most
healthy form Of interested amusement In
watching the superb development Of horses
that were destined for no other purpose
than to race and beget sons and daughters
of the same wondrous stamina and courage
and speed.
His detestation Of racing had been In
reality an untutored prejudice; he had
looked upon but one phase Of the question,
and that quite casually, as 1t introduced
itself into his life by means Of sensational
betting incidents in the daily papers. To
him all forms of betting were highly disas-
trous-most immoral.
But here, like a revelation, came to him,
in all its fascination, the perfect picture
Of the animal, which, he was forced to ad-
NIT, stood next the man in its adornment
Of Gods scheme of creation.
AS Shandy swept his wisp OF straw along
the sensitive skin OF Diablo's stomach, the
latter shrunk from the tickling sensation
and dashed out impatiently with a powerful
hind leg as II he would demolish the tor
mentor.
Hes not cross at all just" explained
Mike; he's blunin', that's all. shure a
child could handle him II they'd go the
right way about It,"
Then he leaned over and whispered in an
aside to the visitors: bot thumbs upi"
this was Mikes ~favorite oath), "Diablo
hates that boy. an some day he'll do him
up, mark my words"
Here, shandy." he cried, turning to the
rubber, loose the blacks head an turn
him around"
Mortimer almost shrunk with apprehen-
sion for the boy. for Diablo's ears we're
kaal - NJ. ID .-..l.- -..l 81 III.
eyes, looking back at them, were all white,
save for the intense blue shimmered pupil.
To Mortimer that look was the incarnation
of evil hatred; but the boy unsnapped the
halter shank without hesitation. and Diablo,
more inquisitive than angry. came nine
ingly toward them. nodding his head some
what defantly, as much as to say that the
nature OF the interview would depend alto
gether upon their good behavior.
"See that!' calculated Mike, a pleasant
smile OF satisfaction ripping the burrows
Of his face; "see how he picks out the best
friend the stables got!'
Diablo had stretched his lean head down,
and was trying to nibble with gentle lip the
carrot Allis held half hidden behind her
skirt. There was none Of Lucretia's tim
idity in Diablo's approach; it was full OF an
assumption OF equality, Of trust 10 the in
~tentions Of the stranger who had com with
the mistress he had faith in.
They're all like that when Miss Allis is
about" explained Mike; there never would
be a bad horse II the stable b'ys worked
the same way. Tie him up, shandy." he
added. Even the jockeys spoil their
mounts" Gaynor continued. in a monotone.
"The horses'l sallop better for women any
time-they treat thin %gentler. that's why"
Most interesting" hazarded Mortimer,
feeling some acknowledgment of Mikes in
formation was due.
TITS the trut', Miss Allis'd take Lau-
Eanne. or the black, or the little mare. an
get a better race out av aither than any
jock I've seen ridin' hereabout."
Mike" exclaimed Allis; you fatter me.
You almost make me wish that / were a
jockey"
We'll. bot thumbs up you wud av made
a good un. miss. an that's nc ~disrespect
TO you, I'm sayin'."
Mortimer smiled condeseendingly. Allis'
quick eye caught his expression Of amused
discomfort; II angered her. Mikes praise
had been practically honest. To him a good
jockey was the embodiment OF courage and
honesty and intelligence; but she knew tina
TO Mortimer 1t simply meant q phase Of life
he considered quite outside the pale OF
recognized respeetability. Somehow she
felt that Mikes encomium had lowered heT
perceptibly in the opinion Of this man,
whom she herself affected to look upon
with but federation.
They visited all the other stalls. eight OF
them, and listened to- Mikes eulogistio
praise OF the inmates Coming down the
other side Of the passage. the last occupied
box stall contained Lausanne.
Miss Porter II tell you about this wan. +"
said Mike. automatically. He's shaped like
q good horse. an his sire. old LazEsrone,
landed many a purse. an the Suburban.
Oo-w Il on three legs. fer he was clean
gone In his pins; I'll take me oath to that