Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-14

| and eager that IL startled Him. ,Glve me
mem reins! Quick, there, quick" There
was something in the tone and manner or
the girl that compelled instant surrender
Jim passed the reins over Ike woman. and
| She took them like a man She was In her
cement lie thrill and excitement Of the
contest had entered her soul: for the mo-
heht there was nothing IN the whole world
put tbs single race. and the little mare
must win.
instantly there was n change in the ay5,--
ing. That nameless thrill that FLASHES be-
tween horse and Jockey went qulvcriuss
DOWN the reins into the struggling, uttla
| racer The girl had suddenly sprung into
ne. jim watched her like one fascinated
She had thrown back her wrap and hood
ana now she leaned far over. her bare
hands clutching the reins. her hair flute
terihg ABOUT her face. and her slim
Dcdy tense with energy The sleigh junp-
cd and rolled, and pitched Ike a thing
OF life, but she rode as II she were a part
or II, as II the reins Were steel rods holding
her in place.
Then arose above the roar Of hoof and
sleigh the wild cry Of the jockey-that shrilI.
penetrating falsetto heard on every race
track at critical instants, a cry that goes
TO the heart of a struggling racer like liquid
fire
III! hi! hi-e-e-e-e-e-e-ei Hi hi. hi!
hi-e-e-e-e-e! HI! hii hi! II-e-er' The lit
tie horse hattened herself almost 10 the
ground and put out the very last ounce that
was In her. She gained back her loss IN
twenty strides, and then nosed inch by
hcn ahead OF the great gelding. who was
rolling and swinging like runaway.
Head straight out, heels smashing snow
balls into the dashboard, flew the little
mare. Great chunks Of ice and snow zipped
spitefuly about the girl. but she was utterly
oblivious of all save the flying horse
Now II was neck ahead, now half a
length-ilm almost yelled in his excite
ment, but the girl gave no sign OF emo
ton. She was as cool as STEEL her whole
soul was conferred on the little mare: and
| the horse knew IT, The bridge was Just
ahead, coming like an express train and
she held the center of the road true as "a
die.
Karl Kelchline, yelling now and even
eursing, was on his feet in furious eager
ness. He leaned far over the dash board
and screamed at his horse He yanlSed out
the whip and began to ply IL furiously.
Sharp and thick fell the cruel blows. Then,
with mad fling of the head the gelding
gave up, broke into rocking gallop, and
fell length behind the sleigh.
He had lost
There was nothing for KeichIine to do but
! to pun down his horse by main strength and
prevent him from crashing into the bridge
| rail- But furious with anger. he continued
| to ply the whip
"Hurrah!' yelled Jim, more excited than
he had ever been before in his life. "Hur-
rah, we've beat him."
| 'Hurrah"' echoed the girl, still alert 1T
| with an excitement as great as his own
| IT'S you; it's all you" he cried gener-
ously. Il never could have beat him alone.
| have done it There was no time for re-
| ply, for at that instant came sickening
crash from behind.
! What's that?' She wheeled instantly.
Guess he's hit the bridge he replied
| grimly.
Here. whoa, whoa, therew She pulled
the little mare down by main strength and
| turned her about. I'VE must go back in
stantly. Perhaps he's hurt"
"A man that's fool enough to lick horse
when he's beat fair and square ought TO be
I hurt" he burst out with harshness
''Oh. I hope he isn't harmed" she said
| weakly. Here, you take the reins I'm
afraid he's killed. oh. it's all my fault"
| 1T isn't your fault any more than the
| man in the moons" he burst out warmly.
| The blame's all on his own head. He was
a fool and he's paying for it." She did not
| answer; she was peering ahead with fright
| esed ewes.
The revulsion came quickly. The instant
! they emerged from the bushes at the bend
| OF the bridge they say the man raging up
ana down the little structure, mad as the
devil in holy water
! 'Heigh. Farthing." he roared. "Iu have
you arrested for this inside O. two hours
and you'll pay for II to the very limit Of
the law BY God, you can't wammel over
me like this"
Hurt yeh horse any?" asked Jim with
| provoking calmness.
None of yeh blamed business" he bel
| lowed. stamping up and down the bridge
the living image Of wrath. Then they saw
| the horse head down and painting. He had
evidently escaped serious injury, but the
new sleigh was a mess of kindling wood
can we help yeh any?' asked Jim with
velvet voice
ITO hell with yen help. you mis-s-serable
| skunki You hatn't seen the end of this
yet. You can't come a game on me like
! this and not pay for it, You united that
| horse up there in the shed; you know You
aid; and I've got good mind to pitch yeh
| into the river" He made two or three
quick steps toward the sleigh, but he
| thought better of It.
TN talk with you when you're cool Mr..
Keichlne." Jim's voice had a provoking
| drawL But / can give you some advice
| now. l think If l was you I'd wait here
| a spell or two fer that hob-sled. I'm give
yeh time to cool off, and then you can
! lead that horse of yours behind-if they
! don't drive too fast"
Here. Jim Farthingr' The man was
! actually foaming in his wrath. You'll
/ crow a different tune fore long I'll tell
you that! You-test-wait! III get even
with yeh for this If IT takes fifty years"
Goodnight, Mr.. Keichline.' Jim had
| turned his horse and was driving away.
| BE careful you don't catch cold" A sud
den turn in the road smothered all echoes
! of the mans wrath.
For long time neither Of them spoke A
strange embarrassment had fallen over
them. He tried several times to break the
| awkward silence but she seemed Hike one
| IN a brown study. Down the narrow val
| leys they sped, through the gaps and gull
| lies, in and out of the rhododendron and
| scrub, while the moon sent down its ra-
dance and the long ridges thrust out their
! ragged shadows. At last they passed
| through Bald Eagle Gap and were in the
| squire's front yard. Jim sprang out TO
| help her alight. but the girl was on her
| feet as soon as he.
I'm sorry IL I've been rude to you" he
| said awkwardly as she took a step away.
Mr. Farthing'-there was a cold ring in
| her voice. and her eyes looked him straight
| through-'did you unite that horse7"
mo, | didn't" he said. with an honest
| ring looking full into her eyes. She held
her gaze upon him cold instant, but he
| did not finch or cringe.
II believe you are telling the truth she
said slowly Il am glad OF it Then sud
denly she turned and tripped toward the
house.
Goodnight" she flung back over her
shoulder
drove slowly home. he wondered If she ex-
pected him to keep the appointment for
tomorrow For on Thursday they were to
try the little colt on the Gum stump pike.
CTo be continued tomorrow
a. -