The Spanish Fork press. [volume] (Spanish Fork, Utah) 1902-current, 1908-07-30
ling I: r
BY Rryon j. sullma.

it' anu return, with poor show
OF place against the younger horses
of the officers.
so thought those interested in the
race, but Chester Miles figured II out
dinerently-he knew more of Ginger's
pedigree and of his staying qualities
I'm afraid Old Ginger has too much
seasoning, Miles," spoke an army of.
ncer when they were preparing for
the race.
Don't let him get hotbox."
shouted another.
hes all right for the ginger-breds'
or Tor The Gingerbread Man. but he s
out OF his class" cried third.
You'll be Miles behind, Chester"
| said a punster.
| chester Miles, cowboy and miner.
smiled at the comments showered
upon him and his horse; but he had
confidence in Ginger's staying propen.
sites, and he was going to prove it to
Inc smart set" of Central and to the
post Ten years before Ginger had
Drought Chester Miles across the
states to New Mexico and Chester
knew MS strong qualities and his pow
ers OF endurance. Many times, also.
he and his faithful horse had made
Journeys that gave him confidence in
entering him for the event.
He had ridden him in several short
dashes at previous army races, but
mad always come out bad loser. Now
he was anxious to make good"
Military day" was a great day at
the post, "a yearly holiday of much
Importance, giving pleasure to both
soldier and citizen. Extra provisions
were made for their comfort and en-.
tertainment a grand stand" had
been erected on the wide campus near
the town, and 1t afforded the specta.
tors good view Of the sports.
Before mounting for the race, Miles
had ali interview with Ginger. He
threw his arms about the horses
neck and spoke to him meditatively:
you are going to run the race of your
life, old boy, and If you win there will
be two loving arms go round our
necks before many days, way back in
dear old Kentucky. If we lose, we'll,
we'll have to fight 1t out here till we
can make strike and get back home
So, IL you want to eat some bluegrass,
show them that you still have some
blue blood in your veins-by winning
this race"
Ginger seemed to know what was
expected of him; for he had shown
horse-sense at many critical times In
the past He pricked up his ears as If
he realized his responsibilities.
The start was made, with Ginger far
in the rear.
Turn him round, Ches; he's a
chestnut in more ways than one"
some one shouted; "a horse-chestnut."
Up the canyon the horses soon dis.
appeared from view, and the specta.
tors turned to minor events that took
up their time and interest.
AS the time approached for the
horses to return and the first echo
came to the audience of their wild
race down the gorge, a breathless ST.
lence fell over the waiting pleasure
seekers.
L u jOW INV lhN
faint echo of falling waters, scarcely
audihle-told them of the approaching
horses.
Now they become recognizable;
eager eyes are scanning the distance
to see the foremost rider. The officer
with the glass shouts: "Hurrah! It's
Old Ginger!"
Can 1t be possible?
"Yes, it's Ginger! Hurrah for Gin
ger!"
Don't funk now, old boss! Blue
blood tells in horses, If 1t don't count
for much in the human!"
"By ginger, If it amt Ginger!"
"a bag of dust on Ginger! Come ur
with your buckskin!"
These and other EXPLANATIONS came
freely, rapidly.
Faster and faster and faster came
the riders down the narrow road, al
moments hidden from view by the
dist encircling them in their mao
mace GRAY clouds we're quickly formed
by the horses hoofs. They were near
ing the finish. Ginger FORCES farther
ahead: he comes down the nome
stretch like an automatic figure NOV
ing with clock-work regularity. Miles
doesn't use the spurs--there Is nc
need of urging his horse. Ginger had
learned his lesson we'll years ago IN
old Kentucky; all that his rider ana
owner had to do was to sit and watch
his success With wild enthusiasm
the people saw horse and horseman
dash past the wire and finish roo
ahead of their nearest contestant, a
race that was a seven days wonder
TO the mining town of Central Ne"
Mexico. ,., =
That's why things were flying in
the air: "Old Ginger (the town horse)
had won the purse, made up by the
soldiers, miners and townsmen. And
a generous one, too coon
But their enthusiasm was soon
bushed by the conduct OF Ginger