The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-27

Sweetheart still in the lead. Pierpont,
on Daisy Bell, was right at her saddle
girths however, and evidently on ex-
ceilent terms with his mount. It was
level gallop for some distance, then
stiff ascent up a hill which was calcu-
lated to take some of the wind and
superfuous energy out of them.
The tagged course then led around
Johnson's farm house and barn, then
down an incline to a water jump at the
bottom. The erratic Rocket was now
leading by a good six lengths and he
flew the water like a bird. Most of the
others negotiated it safely, but P1erpont,
who had held his mount in lest she
might stumble coming down the hill,
went at the brook too slowly. Daisy
Bell jumped willingly enough, but she
had not gotten sufficient impetus She
fioundered on landing and she and her
rider both rolled Back into the brook,
from which Pierpont dragged himself
forth, a wet and miserable object a
moment later.
There was now a comparatively level
stretch of about three-quarters of a mile
before them with several formidable
fences in it, Rocket was forcing the
pace in spite of his riders efforts to re-
strain him and was a good twenty
lengths in advance of his field. The
horses now rounded a grove and were
out of sight of the clubhouse for a few
moments.
When they reappeared again there
was ROCKET, sui lar IN advance OIL MS
field, but his saddle was empty. Exact
ly how he managed to rid himself of
Wickham at the snake fence on the
other side of the grove, no one ever
knew. For the other riders could not
see the incident very clearly and Wick
ham, when he came limping back to the
clubhouse some fifteen minutes later,
with badly barked knees and a bruised
face. was too cross to offer explana-
lions. In fact he was quite disagreed BILE
when questioned about it.
Rocket eventually finished somewhere
in the neighborhood of Farmer Wheat
stubble's barnyard about four miles
from the club house.
AS the other horses approached the
finish a loud shout of Sweetheart
winsp' went up from the spectators, for
Major Barclays chestnut mare waS
leading by a length, with Middleton on.
Bricktop second. AS they took the last
jump, however and the riders settled
in their saddles for the run in, another
cry was heard. Look at the gray"
Sure enough. The Ghost was creep
ing up silently and swiftly as a ghost
should but none the less surely. Ralph
Goring looking back saw her steal past
Bricktop, and in an instant she was at
Sweetheart's girth. His whip went W.
and he urged the chestnut mare to her
utmost. But it was of no avail The
Ghost won by a neck.
Richmond, the winning jockey, came
up to the Bradbury brake after the
race, where he was warmly welcomed
and congratulated, to the surprise OF
every one, by Margaret Hampton.
The latter turned to Mrs. Bradbury
to introduce him, and whispered a few
words in her ear.
Really" cried that designing person.
How perfectly delightful! You must
dine with us tonight. Mr.. Richmond"
1T has been a secl ct" said Miss
Hampton, blushing. But you may an
nounce it tonight if you choose"
That will be splendid" Mrs Brad
bury's enthusiasm was unbounded.
You don't know how much I appreci-
ate the honor"
The NJ. f. H party drove homeward
on the brake. Mrs. Bradley occupied the
box seat. Miss Hampton sat between
Richmond and Dick Middleton, while
Mrs. Middleton vainly endeavored to
coax into a good humor those two van
pushed heroes of the pigskin, Harvey
Wickham and Jack Pierpont.
For a long time neither the NJ. F. H,
who was smiling triumphantly and bit
ing his mustache with suppressed
amusement. nor his wife, who looked