Los Angeles herald., 1908-01-02
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balcony, in a canopy Of roses and other
flowers, the queen of Tournament held
court with her retinue of pages and
maids. The pagoda occupied by those
who would decide the winners of the con-
tests was a mass Of greenery and bunt-
ing, above which the old bell, so long
used to call the start of bygone festiv-
tiles, extended glittering with fresh gilt
in the sunshine.
In the center Of the track circle were
resting the floats exhibited in the parade
of the morning, and at each end of the
arena were the dressing rooms and quar-
ters of those who would take part in the
sports.
Vaqueros Ride Wild Horses
Precisely at the stated time the first
event was announced and the cowboy
members of the Vaouero club burst into
the straightaway and with whoop and
noisy pistol shot circled before the won
dering spectators to display their prowess
in conquering vicious steeds and other
similar accomplishments. The cowboys
and girls, numbering about forty, were
under the leadership of Jack Hendricks
son, who for several years has been at
the head of the Vaquero's organization.
Following the horsemen came what was
undoubtedly the best of the chariot races,
with the added interest that 1t was to
settle the result of a similar contest of
two years ago. in which the victor was
undecided. The prize money of the former
race has been in the courts since the dis
puted end of the contest, and the en-
trants but recently dismissed the case TO
settle with yesterdays run.
The charioteers, c. C. West and Edward
T. on who was represented at the wheel
by his driver, Virgins, rettled before the
stand and were off neck and neck on the
racking ride. The cheering spectators
saw West complete the first heat slightly
in the lead in the remarkable illne a.
AS. and the same driver pilotec Ills iour
through the second l.eat far ahead Of bis
opponent, cutting eight seconds from his
former time and winning beyond al quos-
tion the prizes so long disputed.
Roman Chariot Races
The Roman chariat race for the Tour
nament championship of the year was
the next event to follow. -Four drivers
were entered to participate and prizes Of
$3.50, $500, $500 and $500 were offered for
the winners. The first heat, between p
B. Michel and Frank A. Williams, was
won easily by Mr.. Michel in .43 time.
and placed the victor against c. c. West.
who won his heat from e. j. Lovengood
for first position honors in the time 1:37iz.
Between the sections of the chariot run
the Vaquero club again burst on 10 the
coach holdup. well known in the early
western days.
Three bandits. Hendrickson, johnson
and Hill, assailed the coach and shot
Lewis Stone from his position as express
guard They then compelled the driver
to throw out the money box and drive
disarmed under the chaperonage Of one
of the bandits away from the scene.
The lock was shot from the strong box
by Bandit Hendrickson and rolls of new
scrip were scattered tragically into the
throne OF the queen of Tournament
While the bandit was thus philanthropy
ically engaged the wounded and dying
guard caught the robber unawares and
emptied his gun, and yet again loading
up under the cover OF mis- horses body
thrust his weapon of destruction into the
face Of the desperate rouldup man.
Horrid Bandit Expires
AS the result of the one well directed
shot the bandit cashed in his checks and
expired beneath the press box, where fes-
tive souls covered his body with flowers
snatched from the decorations. While
his victim was lying in state the now
recuperated guard rode in search OF
troopers, who were fortunately nearby,
and the posse quickly overcame the flee
ings pals of the dead highwayman. The
villains were brought at the end of ropes
to the scene of the robbery. and there
r. the duma of troopers.
Miracle upon miracles, just as the ropes
were beginning to tighten around the
guilty necks of the captured fortune
seekers, movements were noticed from
beneath the leafy bier of the PROSTATE
accomplish, and with loud cries Of Make
your getaway" the supposed-to-be- dead
leader covered the entire posse with his
trusty Colts and while the completely
surprised troopers were collecting their
wits the bold knights of the bypath made
their escape. Their captors followed in
hot pursuit and the cloud Of dust left the
result of the chase in doubt.
Final Chariot Race Heat
On account of the failure of the con-
testants to get away together from the
post the horses of Williams and Leven-
good were sent to the paddock for twenty
minutes. and Drivers West and Michel
took the straightaway for the final trial
for first and second money.
On the first turn Charioteer Michel at
tempted to take the pole position from
his opponent and in cutting across the
track knocked Gar the off horse of
Vests four, to his knees and clear of his
harness. Driver and chariot were hurled
against the fence. Mr.. West was unin-
jured and returned to the pagoda with a
claim of foul. His action. after lengthy
dispute, was sustained by the judges and
Charioteer West was declared winner OF
the race. Gar was found to be slightly
injured on the leg He is a valuable ami
NAL belonging to Lucky Baldwin.
The last event OF the day, the final
heat for third and fourth prizes, was won
in a walk by Charioteer Levengood on
the second start from the post in ] ;39 time.
Both teams were almost beyond control
.A s.rafl he af4d or una