The Washington herald., 1909-03-28
By JEROME A. WILCOX.

Nearly half the population OF the city
had turned out 70 watch the running OF
the great derby.
Never before had so many crack three
year-olds faced the barrier The best In
the South had been shipped to the Ken
lucky course weeks in advance Of this
for the great race.
The grand stand filled 10 overflowing.
presented a rare scene Of beauty and ami
nation, with the handsomest women OF
the State. and lovers Of the sport, all
discussing one topic-the probable win
Ter OF the turf classic. as the great race
was called.
In the paddock every one was on the
jump; foremen shouting orders 10 their
hOstleTs: owners and trainers going to
and from their stables. or conversing in
small groups with their jockeys. who
added charm 10 the scene, dressed as
they were in various bright colored silks.
which glistened in the sunlight.
The lawn IN front OF the stand was
packed with men Of various ages and pro-
fessions- A representative OF every
known calling. from the newsboy to the
clergyman, was there II was a great
event; more OF a State holiday than the
beginning OF the racing season.
OF this great throng one figure stood
out above the rest. He was a military
looking man. whose age might have been
close TO fifty He was kept busy-nod-
ding TO this one, shaking hands with
another. or stopping TO talk with some
friend.
he was q familiar figure on the turf.
and among his intimate friends he was
known as the Colonel. although he had
been on the bench for twenty years. and
had never entered the army. The title
was one given him many years before by
his acquaintance, and well suited his
military bearing aud soldierly appearance.
Il was not his handsome features that
impressed one at first meeting. so much
as his size. He could stand close 10 the
judges box, while a race was being run.
and look over the heads Of those in front
while all near him were asking each
other who was fl the lead, casting glances
at the Colonel knowing that he would
give them the desired information
He was a rare good-natured man. who
took pleasure in being serviceable to all.
fond. admired him. and was wont 10 talk
OF his fine gray eyes, which had a merry
twinkle IN them; or his long flowing
mustache which went well with his title
A few minutes before the saddIing call
was given for the big race, the Colonel
went up into the stand 70 chat with
party Of ladies his sister was entertain
Fwc IN Of ha
was a beautiful child, about seven OF
eight years Of age. who was introduced
to the Colonel simply as Alice
He took a great interest in her at once.
She resembled in many ways his own
child. who had died ten years previous.
Alice was the only daughter Of q family.
that al one time were social leaders In
Louisville. but whose fortunes like many
others had been depleted by a recent
panic in Wall street. Nature had added
to their misfortunes. for the child had
congenital defOrmity, and the family was
too poor 70 send her 20 a great specialist.
The women We're discussing the merits
Of the different horses in the race, trying
to agree. so they could all make a wager
on the same one. Different opinions en-
sued. and as a last resort they turned
to the Colonel He was busy talking to
the child and at first did not hear them.
when the question was repeated, how
ever. he turned to the little invalid, and
with a smile asked her what horse she
thought would win
Looking down the list OF horses on her
programme, she replied, when she came
10 the last name:
III were going to bet. sir. It would be
Jack Horner. cause I read in q story
hook what a good boy he was. and now
they've named a horse after himr
The answer provoked a Jolly laugh
from all except the Colonel. One Of the
party noticed that he was not In his usual
cheerful mood, as he made his excuses
and descended the stairs toward the bet
ting ring
Forcing his way through the struggling
mass Of humanity, he finally reached a
bookmsker, just as the post call was
sounded outside.
Fifty dollars to win-Jack Homer"
said the Colonel. The odds against this
horse were $50 TO 81. and the ColonePs
bet made a Wild sensation In the ring.
II seemed as though every one then want
ed te bet on the long shot In race track