Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1908-01-22


drove the mare along the back country
roads. She was, as Colburn had said,
"a trotter by BIRTH" Her speed was
remarkable considering that she had
not been regularly trained for the turf.
AS the race would not be called until
four O'Clock, and it was then eleven in
the forenoon, Lovejoy strolled in and
about the tents, hoping to meet the
deacon's daughter. They met, face to
face. at the entrance Of the Agricul-
tural Hall.
81 have been seeking you everywhere
and l hope commenced Lovejoy.
please understand, once for all, Mr..
Iovejoy, that l do not wish to recognize
you as an acquaintance, broke in the
girl, her face flashing ominously.
But, Bessie" he pleaded.
Miss Hardcastle, if you please, sir"
she insisted, frigidly.
Pardon me, Miss Hardcastle," he
corrected, a quiet smile about his lips.
Il wish to say that hope to atone for
my late fiascO before the day closes.
Then I am sure I shall be redeemed in
your estimation?"
Indeed, sir" she sneered, you have
great assurance. An incompetent man,
such as you have proved to be, has
small hope Of redeemlng himself in my
estimation. Good-day, Mr.. Lovejoy,"
and she disappeared among the crowd
going into the hall.
Lovejoy had little time to brood over
his ill-luck with the girl, as the race
was called an hoi1r before the appointed
time, and he was kept busy with this
event.
To accustom the mare, as we'll as
himself, to the course, he drove several
times over the half-mile. AS he passed
the grandstand he saw her seated
among her friends. SO far as he was
able to discern, she did not recognize
the driver in the blue sweater and
wearing a tri-colored cap, as himself.
Yet he half imagined she cast more
than a casual glance at the mare.
Presently the gong sounded. The
three who were to contest for the six
year-old purse, ranged themselves IN
position, Lovejoy taking the rail by
preferment.
Each of the drivers was fully alert
for this was to be the great race Of the
fair
Bang! The shot cracked the air and
they were off!
The mare, unused to the cheering and
b~o1-o o~5 4J,~o,,r I,o,..1a
behind. In a twlnkling she came to her
feet again and, seeming to feel the
thrill of speed in her veins, spurted for
ward and gained on the others.
Cheer on cheer rent the air. The
mare was gaining Now she was with
in a few feet Of the rear horse, now at
the hub of the sulzy, now at the flank
Of the forward trOtter now neck and
neck with him; and then, like the rush
of a quick rising wind, she swept on,
on, and still on, until she passed the
wire, three lengths the winner.
Lovejoy, as he turned the mare about
and drove slowly back to the starters
stand, glanced quickly at the girl wear
ing the white hat with the blue ribbons.
He saw her face aglow, and then he
knew she recognized him; but she made
no acknowledgment, even when he
dotted his cap. Great Scott Could he
but win two remaining heats.
Again the gong sounded, again he sat
under the wire again the shot cracked
out, again the race trotted, and again
he won. SO it was with the third and
last heat. The deacon's mare had won
the six-year-old purse Of five hundred
dollars.
At the exit to the track he was ac-
costed by Colburn.
'Lovejoy," cried the red-haired man,
exultantly, what did I tell you! Blood
will win, every time! Here's Colonel
Fletcher, shake hands with him, Mr..
Lovejoy. The colonels taken a fancy
to the mare. In fact, he wants to buy
her; but tell him she can't be touched
under a thousand! !"
Under a thousand! Had he heard
Alright? A thousand dollars besides the
five hundred dollar purse Lovejoy,
however, was a Yankee, he did not ex-
press surprise at Colburn's figure, but
shook his head, as if not willing to con-
slider the offer.
YES; I thought you'd not sell for q
thousand" continued Colburn. 81 told
the colonel 1t was a small price for the
mare; but it's better than selling to
Dave Huntington, who'll want to give
his note for her, even If he will pay
more. But I've bought you two togeth-
er, and you can make the deal, that Is
if the mares for sale"
At this moment the crowd came
pouring from the grandstand. Straight
toward the three men came a rosy
checked girl, wearing a white hat
trimmed with blue ribbons Right UP
to the side of the mare she came as
Lovejoy, seeing her approach, said:
GtIoTOno1 LNIoN0haT 6Ov1f aorso ~ coll