The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-03-02
The Foot Racing Game.

StHERE is crookedness everywhere and then But
for the real simon pure, unaduterated article just
study the foot-racng game said Harry Luxton, as he
lighted his pipe and leaned back against his desk the
clerk of the district courts office. ~...~,a .
~ know from experience, and that's idle gossip
either. The light to in small town up in North
Dakota years ago. friend of mine responsible
that he has become friend since, just knew him at
that time No. won't tell his name, because he IS in public
life and the story might not do him any good. He is
we'll known in Minneapolis, and maybe Of you will
recognize his fine Italian hand.'
"You this friend down to town
ager for the --latest prodigy in the fooracing business.
The feetest neghborhood matched against
him. While the human steeds we're being put on edge for
the event, SamIW call him Sam for convenence-wen
the opposition manager and fixed it. for his to win
It Of throwing shoe and then 'dyvy up
the 'suckers'' money. ''-'
Shortly afterwards the principals got together
cded to give the managers the double to let local
win and to carry off the 'pelf' themselves
"Being born lucky, was given straight tip the
posted all change-and couldn't spare
on the man Sam had booked also ran
Everything lovely: All the towns loose gold went
up the home talent and covered fast it
up The day Of the dawned bright and clear and
the wise guys'-were simply jngling winnings
pockets and figuring what kind Of diamond rings we'd buy
"Shortly before the Sam happened to change his
clothes with impolitely thin partition. While
thus engaged Of the INSIDERS who occupied join
ing room, tipped off game to chum Sam overheard.
Of course didn't know and all went smilngly to
the track The shone brightly that day. The birds sang
with unusual sweetness and nothing but sudden death seemed
likely to deprive Of riches.
F'The appeared The starters and the timers
took their stations The bathrobes thrown aside and
with knowing nod the performers trying out their
starting holes
"Just the big thing about to off, Sam
jumped lightly the fence and stepped rapidly toward
the already posing for the start He stopped behind
and little to one side of his protege.
tAll of the wise looked suspcousy at the big fell
low and he looked unusually big he stood silently gazing
at his performer He didn't speak, but stood with feet
wide apart and his hands in his pockets The proceed
ings only momentariy interrupted.
"tAre the starters ready? Are the timers ready?'
Right there Sam suddenly pulled from his pocket the
longest sxhooter you looked into He pointed it at
remarked quietly the click Of the hammer
sounded ominously in the Stiffness
4" run now, blank you, and wn-or you'll never
live to another race!
s.They off and-well, Sans nothing but
streak of humanity stretched the Did he
win? Well, rather. Talk about jackrabbits and
bies and thngs-hey outcassed! That fellow hit
the winning tape like cataput and he Stacked up.
The last we saw Of him his DUST and, for all know,
/ he's running yet
swell guess rather! Sam had hire wagon to carry
away his winnings Oh only lost fifty but that enough
to-teaeh things about the foot-racng game and
! double crosses and straight tips !"