The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1912-09-12


race had taken. Chappy. seeing hs
could learn nothing more. strolIed into
the stable.
Hello Donovanv' was Ralph's cor
dial greeting as he entered the training
quarters. He knew that he ought not
to be at the track. and II discovered his
punishment would be severe. More
over. the zest for betting was strong
within him.
''Sit down." invited Donovan.
Ralph asked anxiousiy:
Everything all EightT
'Sure! answered Donovan.
"And WiIdnrer'
"A cinchw
Ralph paused before replying. "I'D
taking u long chance today. DeasvaA.
It's make or break with me. I've 20
to pay certain party lot oe mooAy.
and the only way to get It ID b make Q
plunge on Wildnre. II she loses"-
Ralph shuddered.
"She won't lose" Donovan peassur>A
him. But let mo tell you something.
Wildnre doesn't run every day. and yos
want to start in pretty soon and build
spite fence between you and the
betting ring. You amt cut out for this
business"
II know 1t, and Just - soon - WIZ
firo sets me right-Im through"
Good" exclaimed Donovan.
"You don't know what this raeo
means to me. It's not only the monav
-it's-sverything"
"We'u win sure" encouraged Done
van.
Bertis entered with Janet and Ayrtla.
"Ralphr' Myrtle exclaimed. what
are you doing hereT'
why, r. he paused Pulling him.
self together, he glibly responded, II
overheard Bertie ask you two to 70
with him while he bought Wildnre and
I came ahead as q sort Of reception
committee"
II say" Bertie accosted Donovan,
''the ladies would be awfully pleased,
am sure. If you would permit u to So
Wildfire In her STALL"
Donovan Strengthened to his full
height with indignation and fairly
yelled:
"Why, it's only half an hour TIL she
goes to post. And say. there's . heap
more than money on this race today
that little mare has got to 60 out and
get there. and she mustnu't be both
cred by having any rubberneck wag-
ons drtvin' around her. Why, wouldn't
show her-not II the king Of England
walked In here leading Dick Croker BY
the hand"
The trainer entered the stable to take
another look at Wild6re before she was
led to the paddock. BERTHE and Janet
busted themselves looking at the pic
lures with which Donovan had adorned
the walls Of his quarters.
Speaking in lowered tones, In order
that Ralph alone might hear her. Nyr-
tie said:
II hope Mr.. Ainsworth doesn't men
ton to your father that we've bean
here. He'd be very angry. and it's all
my fault II you hadn't known I was
coming you wouldn't be hsra would
you, RalphT
She felt that all was not right in
Ralph's presence in the stable and
sought to shield him fn,m harm-a
trait so strong in every woman,
whether of high or low degree, when
danger threatens one she loves, that
Its exhibition makes every thoughtful
man sneer at his own weakness when
he hears the stronger seq 80 glibly
quoted in defense of mans superiority.
mo. Of course not. r.
Ralph disliked tho idea Of taking
refuge behind Myrtle's skirts, but he
had so much at stake on the race that
he must find some way to free himself
from her and get to the track.
"Well. won't stay to see any races"
she said. you will go home with mo,
won't you, Ralph? And we will spend
the afternoon quietly together; Just
you and me-"
She took his arm. Ralph hesitated.
Then volubly he explained:
"Yes, Of course. 1 will walk homo
with you. but-well, to be frank with
you, Myrtle, have an appointment
this afternoon for little while, but I
will come right back to the house aft
erward."
"Oh, what sort Of an appointment"
Myrtle pouted.
"Oh it's just business affair. You
see, father gave me the money for the
house this morning. and I've
"You have paid it," cried Myrtle
gleefully.
"No, not yet" faltered Ralph.
"Oh, Of course not! How silly Of met
That's what you're going to do this
afternoon. Well. that's all right. But
you must promise to come right back
as soon as you have paid 1t, won't
you?" begged Myrtle.
Ralph assented.
"Oh. there's the track over there.
isn't it?' cried Myrtle.
Ralph, pointing out Of the window,
explained. with enthusiasm: Just over
there Is where they turn into the
stretch. You see, the horses in a race