The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1904-01-04


But pretty girls can sometimes be cruel
TO their most devoted admirers. 1t is
even said that they often take pleasure
IN teasing them. And Laura Hilton
had received so much attention since
her arrival in Poughkeepsie that 1t was
no wonder she felt her favors should
not be concentrated on any one man.
1t was her duty to snub Bob occasion
ally for his own good. 1t is only fair
to state that she assumed this duty
with the utmost cheerfulness.
Bob Jennings carried in his hand a
big ribbon of his college colors, which
he was yainly trying 10 persuade Laura
TO wear. In her heart she was nearly
as anxious as Bob himself that the
piucky western crew which had jour
neyed so far TO take part in the race
should win. But it would be good dis
cipline for him to believe that she did
not care whether or not his crew won.
Laura was strict disciplinnrian where
so devoted an admirer was concerned.
IF was sure your crew would
win" she replied, with assumed care
lessness, II would wear your colors.
But. of course, / want to wear the
winning colors."
Bob looked SO genuinely hurt at this
that for a moment Laura repented.
But 1t was only for moment. After
all. 1t was all for his own good.
Now, don't look so gloomy" she add
ed. Just TO encourage you in the race
Twill give you all the dances you want
tonight
This was downright cruelty. Bob, as
the stroke Of the crew, was in training
and could not attend the dance, as
Laura well knew. Bob was aware she
knew it and this last thrust was too
much for his patience. 4 worm will
turn If trod upon, and why should the
big stroke of a crew have more pa
thence than a worm, even If the tread
ing is done by an extremely pretty
girl? Bob turned in disgust and left
her standing alone. But In her hand
she still held the big bow OF gold and
scarlet.
The race the following day was one
of the most famous and also one of
the most heartbrealling ever held on
the Hudson From the first it was
plain that the issue lay between the
northwestern crew and that from CEN
trail New York The New York crew
had been trained by one of the best
oarsmen in the world. Behind them
was the prestige OF victory. They
came TO the race exactly in perfect
trim, while the western crew was
handicapped by the effects of its long
railroad Journey. But in the face of
all these obstacles western Drawn and
muscle and pluck more than held their
own.
The New York crew made the better
start. For the first mile they gained
little. Then. bit by bit. the westerners
began to creep up on them. As they
neared the bridge the two crews were
even. But Just as they passed under II
the northwestern crew made an add
tional squirt Daylight showed between
the two boats. Bob Jennings could hear
his heart beating as IL it would burst.
But he qulckened the stroke. deter
~ w az ~ ntc lOANA " " III ttlt
race for his alma mater though he died
in the attempt The same desperate en-
ergy animated every other one OF the
sturdy westerners. Against their in
donitable grit and pluck even the skill
and training OF the famous New York
: crew could not avail. Little by little
the western boat began to draw ahead.
At the end Of the first two miles the
race lad seemed in doubt. 4 At the end
o. the third II looked certain the west
would win.
Then came the accident. the more
Provoking from its pettiness, which
lost them the race. The river was
crowded with pleasure craft contain.
ing enthusiastic spectators. They had
pf.n lined up in two rows near the
Middle OF the river. leaving a narrow
channel up which the flying racers
We're speeding. And down this chan