Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1908-07-23
GINGER
BY Bryon J. 0tiuma.

Silver City and return. with poor show
o. a place against the younger horses
Of the officers.
So thought those interested in tbs
race. but Chester Miles figured II oui
iirerently-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
hcer. when they were preparing foi
the race.
Don't let him get q hotbox.'
shouted another.
He's all right for the 'ginger-breds
or for The Gingerbread Man. but he's
out Of his class" cried a 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 prpen'
stiles. and he vas going to prove 1t 10
the smart set" OF Central and to the
post Ten years before Ginger had
brought Chester Miles across the
states TO New Mexico and Chester
knew his 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
iashes at previous army races. but
had always come out a 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-
~;ertainment. a grand stand" had
been erected on the wide campus near
the town. and it afforded the specta-
tors a good view OF the sports.
Before mounting for the race. Miles
had al interview with Ginger. He
threw his arms about the horses
neck and spoke to him m~editatively:
You are going to run the race OF your
life. old boy. and II you win there will
be two loving arms go round our
necks before many DAYS. way back in
dear old Kentucky. IL we lose. well.
we'll have TO fight II out here till We
can make a strike and get back home.
So. II YOU want TO eat some bluegrass.
show them that you still have some
blue blood in you veins-by winning
this race"
Ginger seemed to know what was
expected Of him; for he had shown
horse at many critical times In
the past. He pricked up his ears as 4,
he realized his responsibilities.
The start was made. with Ginger far
in the rear.
Turn him round. Ches: he's
chestnut in more ways than one"
some one shouted: "a horse-chestnut.-
Up the canyon the horses SCOT dis
appeared from view. and the specta-
tors turned TO minor vents 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 81
lence fell over the waiting pleasure
seekers.
Suddenly a low murmur-like the
faint echo OF falling waters. scarcely
3udible-told them Of the approaching
horses.
Now they become recognizable;
eager eyes are scanning the distance
to see the foremost rider. The oficer
with the glass shouts: "Hurrah, It's
Old Ginger
Can il be possibles"
Yes. it's Ginger. Hurrah for Gin
GER"
Don't funk now. old boss, Blue
blood tells in horses. II it don't count
tor much in the human"
by ginger. IL it amt Ginger"
a bag Of dust on Ginger. Come up
with your buckskin,"
These and other ordinations came
freely. rapidly.
Faster and faster and faster came
the riders down the narrow road. at
moments hidden from view by the
dust encircling them in their mad
pace. Gray clouds were quickly formed
by the horses hoofs. They were near
ing the finish. Ginger FORCES farther
ahead; he comes down the home
stretch like an automatic figure NOV
ing with clock-work regularity. Miles
doesn't use the spurs-there is no
need Of urging his horse. Ginger had
learned his lesson well years ago in
old Kentucky; all that his rider and
owner had to do was to sit and watch
mis- success. With wild enthusiasm
the people saw horse and horseman
dash past the wire and finish a rod
ahead of their nearest contestant a
race that was a seven days wonder
to the mining town of Central New
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.
But their enthusiasm was soon
hushed by the conduct of Ginger.
As Chester started to !esd him
away. all could see there was some
thing the matter; Ginger was wayer-
ing. his knees trembled, and his whole
form shook as If with ague Then the
winner sank to the ground as il mar.
alyZed.
Miles tried TO get him 10 his feet
again. but Ginger had made his last
stand" He looked at his master al
IL to say: When those loving arms
go round you. back in Old Ken
lucky. think of ma" Then he rolled
over at his owners feet.
Ginger bad won the race of his life.
and it had COS him that. too.
swamped with Queen wssps.
The announcement that the Hav-