Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1909-09-02
CHAPTER xxxvs-continued,

CHAPTER XxxVl--Continued,
Long before the hour for the crick
et-match the field began to attract
spectators-it adjoined the grounds
Of the Grange; and today the barred
gates were unlocked and flung wide
back, "just like old times" as Mrs
Kirby said. There was faint half
hope among the crowd that perhaps
the Squire might be wheeled in his
Bath-chair as far as the field; he had
always taken a keen interest in the
local match, and had on more than
one occasion acted as umpire.
But if these hopes were disappoint-
ed and the Squire's face for once was
missing, DR.. Brewer was there to
watch the opening of the match. His
face wore smile as he moved about,
chatting for moment or two with
an acquaintance here and therevamong
the spectators; but it did not need
keen observation to see that he was
in highly restless state of nerves.
only natural under the circumstances.
Eyes, my patient is wonderful, eve
rything considered. You see we have
taken the greatest care for weeks to
keep him from all excitement Some
of his friends may have been little
aggrieved at not being allowed to see
him; I hope not; we had to consider
what was best for the patient. Today
is time of suspense for Mr.. Strang-
ways, of course-as, indeed, for all OF
US; it is only the reaction | fear at
all. And if only Pride O. Life acquits
herself as her trainer is convinced she
will, she'll justify the public confidence
that has sent her up to the position
of first favorite."
Even amongst those who had never
made a bet in their lives the interest
in this race was widespread through
out the town. 1t appealed to the i'm
agination, the thought of the old, grim
Squire fighting death doggedly, deter
mined to live until the race, that his
horse might run-the horse that car
ried in it's heels so great a stake for
him. If Pride o. Life won, this man.,
who had run through his fortune in
his love of the turf, might retrieve
something from the wreck; its victory
would put him straight with the world
again; he would have more to leave
his daughter than heritage Of debts.
1--WE shall know the result any time
after three-thirty," said one man. 1t
was the sexton of the church, speak
ing to a crony "And If Pride o. Life
wins, don't mind telling you, on the
strict @. T., that I'm going to ring
the church bells in honor of the oc-
casion. No, the vicar don't know; he'd
be Mortified if he did-not, mind you,
that he isn't friendly with the Squire,
but because it's a horse race; but,
bless you, he won't know until it's
too late. tell you I'm going to cele-
brate Pride O. Lies victory with a
peal, even if l loses my job for it,"
he said, enthusiastically.
The first innings ended about three
fifteen. Already, as the time drew
near when the news of the result
would be flashed from the great,
thronged race meeting hundred miles
away, interest was waning in the
cricket; sort of waiting tension held
the spectators. Then, at last, during
the interval before the other side went
in to bat, telegraph-boy was seen ap-
preaching.
Excitement ran to a tremendous
pitch.
''Mr. Tasker!" the boy shouted out,
looking among the crowd for the man
to whom the wire was addressed.
Mr.. Tasker was a local butcher and
great sporting man. He pushed his
burly way to the front, snatched the
telegram from the boys hand, and
tore it open. There was a little surg
ing movement towards him. necks
were eagerly craned to see what was
written on it. Then broad smile of
satisfaction overspread his face
Pride o. Life f1rst!" he roared, ex-
citedly; and the cry was taken up
Pride O. Life wins!"-until It was
a drowned by the hoarse burst of cheer
ing that followed.
Almost before the excitement had
died away DIR. Brewer was seen COM
ing to the field from the direction of
Mr.. Strangways' house; he waved an
open telegram In his hand; the cheer
ing broke out again.
DR.. Brewer held up his hand to en-.
Join silence; his face was pale, no
doubt with the suspense. ended at last.
but 1t was lit by smile of triumph.
"On Mr. Strangways' behalf I want
60 thank you one and all" he said, In
q low, clear voice, which could be
heard by everyone "Mr Strangways
heard your cheering in his room Just
as he received the news of Pride o.
LIES victory, and. though he's not
equal to the task Of thanking you per-
sonally, he would much like to see his
friends for a moment or two before
the game Is resumed If you will
eome.'