The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-03-14


entered Bessie's head that any one else
should ride but herself Should she tell
him? No! Then for the first time in her
life. those little red lips OF hers framed
lie, and she replied:
why, Mr. Danes. my brother. he'll
ride: he's sixteen; Sans his name"
Mr.. Danes was thoughtful a moment.
"All right" he responded. What's the
horses name? Nell? Oh. yes. Let's see"
he unused. putting II down on paper.
Nell. rider Sam Holkes; colors, red.
That Will do; and now good-day, little
one. Don't forget TO tell your brother
to be on hand"
The door closed before Bessie had
time TO think.
1t was all over She was going TO ride
could II be possible? The great fair.
She seemed 10 see the crowded grand
stand and hear the band play even before
the time.
II will win" she thought. They
shan't say | never did anything. III
show EN-.
II was nearly dusk when she reached
home. She put Nell in the stable. fed
and watered her. gave the animal her
customary goodnight kiss on Its sleek
neck, then went into the house.
II was the day OF the fair and the
races-a typical fair day. Bess had slept
little during the night. and 8 o'clock
found her up and about, quite contrary
10 her usual custom. Out TO the barn
she went and looked at her pet Nell,
dear" she whispered In her ear, you've
got work 60 do today and the animal
rubbed her nose against Bessie's arm as
II she knew the meaning OF her words.
All the morning was spent by Bessie In
state OF pent-up enthusiasm. and after
dinner she could hardly contain herself.
Annie" said Richard Holkes, after
dinner was over. suppose we go 90 the
fair. I'm feeling better today. and
should like very much to get out o doors.
VERY WELL" responded Mrs. Holkes, II
am willing Bessie she said. your
father and ! are going TO the fair this
afternoon. You must stay and watch
the house"
Bess looked up. But Im-Tm-" then
she checked herself and responded, "All
right. NOM
Ii was not long before Mr.. and Mrs.
Holkess had fixed themselves up" for
their afternoon outing and with good
bye. Bessie. be good girl" started down
the road toward the fair grounds.
Soon after they had left Bessie locked
-the-Aetsee- -aHa-weHt -tha -harn,-Here
she got into pair OF boys short pants.
borrowed for the occasion. tied up her
hair, and then put on a little slouch nat.
Then. girl-like she sat down and cried.
great Whitney from Nell brought her
10 her senses. and she jumped up and
rubbed away the tears. She saddled,
brided and led Nell ont OF the barn. and
in less time than II takes TO tell II, was In
the saddle and galloping away.
All was hustle and excitement at the
fair grounds. The red lemonade and
the peanut venders were on hand. Boys,
selling score cards OF the races, were
wriggling I'm and out through the crowd.
Many a curious glance was cast at the
rider as Bessie came through the gate
and rode, 10 the stables. Here she was
again subject TO scrutiny, and such re-
marks as Pretty good looking boy"
Horse looks as II II could go" etc. etc,
sounded in Bessle's ear.
BE yer gwine TO ride?" asked little
colored chap In a yellow cap who came
up 10 Bessie's side.
Yes, IL guess so." responded Bessie.
Reckon you've rid befo', eh?'
mo"
"No?"
What's yer colo'7"
"Golly. den I reckon yer next TO me
yes indeed.
Ding! dong
''Dere goes de bell-come along wild
me-"
Ding. dong went the bell Bessie saw
the different horses and riders come out
of the stable and go across the turf to-
ward the track. She followed through
the gate enclosing the track and down
they go to the start
The starter yells. IAN here" and be-
gins To can out colors.
Yellow"
Ere. sah." cried the little darkey
who had spoken TO Bessie.
Blue"
Here yer are" added a shrill voice.
'Red!"
No answer Bess seemed paralyzed
"You's ere" cried the little darkey's
voice. This stirred Bessie up. and she
managed TO gasp out Here, STR.
Places cried the starter.
Some OF the horses were troublesome,
and Il was some time before they sue
ceeded I'm getting in their positions. At
last all was ready. Bessie was In about
middle position. with her little colored
friend next TO her on the right. At the
left was "A bay, and two places from her
on the right. n gray. A lean. lank sorrel
had the inside There were several others
the number OF entries being eight. Bessie
cast n glance down the track to tho grand
stand black with people. and wondered
what they would think II they knew. She
plutCnpd the reluS III nfF Isll MANU-,
ed over the horse and whispered. Nell,
you've got TO do it-you must win
All ready! Go!
Down foil the flag. They're on!
Nell gives a jump forward at a sharp
cry from Bess. who sits I'm her saddle
like an Indian princess. The little western
horse seems Ia catch the old spirit and
lights ont like an eagle. on they go. Bess
Is I'm a bunch behind the leaders. She II
putting all of her strength on the reins,
with but little effect.
The race Is a mile-twice around the
track. They are nearing the grand stand
ON the frst round. Bessie Is now fourth
and crowding the bay hard. Past the
stand they go Ike shot; she hears tho
bands and the cries of the excited specta-
tors. hut secs nothing except the horses
that arc leading her. Pat-pat--sound the
hoofs on the dirt track--would she win?
ON rhey ~ like the Wind. one quarter
on tho homo stretch. The gray now pass
es her and Nell seems to lag. a sudden
coldncss seems 10 take possession OF
Bessie's heart. She grits her teeth. She
would not fail The last quarter Up.
Nell" she cries Tho horse responds. and
with a jump she passes the roam and
gray. who were leading. Nell seemed