The Bossier banner., 1904-08-11


knew that opposite to him, somewhere
amid the carriages ranged inside the
rail. was her snowy parasol with its
floating ruf1les of chiffon. 1t seemed
to him that this parasol-her parasol--
ought to stand out before him blaZoned
with the word "Alice." But fifty,
hundred, parasols, all snowy, all mass
ed In chiffon, met his straining eyes.
When some months previous to this
date MIR. Redding had awakened to the
fact that the acquaintance, ostensibly
casual. between his daughter and young
Durr was assuming more serious
aspect he very promptly set his paren-
tai foot squarely upon the whole affair.
For the present an engagement was
quite out OF the question. Harold was
only clerk, who, although he pos
sessed abundant plans and ambitions,
had not realized upon them.
1t was better that for awhile inter-
course cease. If in time Harold proved
worthy, socially and in business way.
possibly he might again try his chances.
Thus. midst tears and vows from
the daughter and indignant protesta-
tions and resolves by the lover, Mr..
Redding carried his point. Harold en-
tered upon an indefinite term Of proba
tion.
The odds were in favor of Mr.. Red
ding finally yielding. He saw that his
daughter was utterly miserable. and,
after all, Harold's character was above
reproacb. Poverty was the lads only
drawback, one which the banker was
strongly considering remedying.
Still today. as for many foregoing
days. Harold was on one side Of the
track, Alice on the other.
1t was now 3 o'clock. Several races
had been dispatched, and the next upon
the programme was of intense local in
terest. 1t was contest in which were
entered two horses which had long
been keen rivals, whose owners had
agreed to make this match decisive
test.
The fever Of speculation was waxing
moro and more turbulent in the crowd.
Harold himself had no idea of wager
ing. He had been brought up to be-
lieve that betting was wrong. Besides,
he could not afford to bet, and it was
those persons who do not vitality care.
However. everybody around him was
betting. Everybody was talking horse.
Everybod was telling Of prospective
gains. Danterings, gay assertions, play
full threats. few thick and fast Men
were coming and going, bearing reports
OF doings In the betting ring. for. de-
spite the pretended efforts on the part
OF the meet officials, underneath the
amphitheater pools were selling at a
lively rate.
Harold felt himself alone inert. He
was pervaded by vague discomfort
Everybody was winning; nobody was
losing. except the pool sellers. and they
were legitimate spoil
To quiet his unrest he arose and
strolled out toward the stairs. I'm
PEELED onward. he descended and In an
instant was seized by the mob gyrating
about the bookmakers' stands.
A hand clapped him on the shoulder
and he heard voice in his ear:
Hello, old man! Want good thing p
He twisted bis neck and looked be
hind him and saw that the speake,
was Dicky Saddler-red faced little
Dicky, race track habitue
I'm not betting" replied Harold.
ssOh. pshaw." scoffed Dicky, "Put
your wad on Seven Up-it's cinch.
Fact. TIP straight from the stable and
know what I'm saying Seer And
he was torn away.
HaEold pushed through the throng
and On the outskirts sought a corner
where be might stop and think. His