Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1912-09-19

Pm not going to lecture you" She
softly said. II think you've learned
your lesson. And for your sake, for
Myrtle's and for mine IL Wildfre can
win this race she shall do it."
But the horses are Mt the post. And
the betting faltered Ralph.
II understand about that. Once more
its Duffy" she spoke in full conf
dence.
Duffy" exclaimed Ralph.
Her mind was made up, her plan
was made.
II expect he'll be here in a few min
utes. When he comes, introduce him
to me- she commanded.
Introduce him?" asked Ralph In
CONSERVATION.
Yes, and then leave u.s." Mrs. Bar
rington firmly insisted.
Leave you here alone with that
beast?" His tone was full Of con-
tempt.
Proudly and confidently she REPLIED
Exactly! Leave me here alone with
that beast. Wildfire has got to win
that race"
In the grand stand the band had
ceased playing. Stragglers were hur-
rying to get points of vantage from
which to see the race. The book
makers had ceased taking bets and the
clerks were climbing onto their stools
Duffy had wagered his last penny on
Jackdaw and hurried back to the
stable to be Mt the window from which
Chappy was to receive u signal if he
was to win Or was to throw the race
If no white handkerchief was to be
seen.
Mrs. Darlington heard Duffy's
thumb pressing the latch, and with
cry of warning darted into the pas
sageway lending to the stalls.
Duffy entered hurriedly, going at
once to the window. He was sur
prised at seeing young Woodhurst in
the trainers quarters.
Hello. Woodhurst r. he began.
On second thought he decided to make
no explanation to the boy. All he
vouchsafed him was sullen, "Ycu at
the track again?"
Ralph made no answer, but watched
Mrs. harrington come out Of the stable
and take position beside the desk.
Duffy kept his back to her. He was
watching the start.
She greeted him very sweetly, MIR.
Duffy" Her salutation had in 1t a
note of inquiry.
Turning swiftly the boolmaler was
astonished and delighted to see her
standing near him, with her face light
ed up as IL in pleased recognition
when met you this morning did
not know that you We're the real Mr..
Duffy. That makes difference,
doesn't it?" she asked in her most
charming manner.
why, of course it does" Duffy as
sented, striving to appear at ease, in
wardly cursing himself at his lack Of
poise when in the presence of a lady.
I've long wanted to meet you, Mr..
Duffy she continued
Same here" was his reply.
THE desire being mutual, Ralph, sup
pose you introduce the gentleman
She signaled to Ralph with her eyes to
do as she told him. The boy could not
understand what she was driving at
and hesitated to obey.
Ralph, please" she begged
Suilenly he went through the for
mality of an introduction
Mrs. Darlington bewildered the book.
maker with the smile she gave him as
she murmured, 'Tm glad to meet you,
Mr.. Duffy"
Same here" he replied, at the same
time glancing out Of the window, but
he wished that the time had been more
opportune for him. He wanted to
make good impression, but with the
thoughts Of the race constantly In
truding he felt that he was making q
hopeless failure of his case.
The roar Of the crowd increased The
rumble of They're OFF, made Mrs.
Darlington turn pale. A cry Of disap.
pointment gave her new hope In the
delay. Duffy had cried They're orr
as he saw the barrier go up, but as
the roar died out, the Jockeys pulling
up. Duffy from the window told her
They're still at the post. That crazy
horse Campbell is delaying them"
In a tone full of meaning, telling
Ralph that his answer must be in the +
affirmative, Mrs. harrington said to
Hin, Jou want to 5e5 the race e
Still the boy hesitated. In panto-
mime she ordered him to leave the sta
BILE. Catching her meaning fully, he
replied, "Oh, yes; certainly do. FIX
cuse me, won't your
Duffy, from his stand at the window,
saw the door close with satisfaction.
At last he was alone with Mrs. Bar
rington and could talk with her as ho
had long desired. His ideals Of wom-
anhood were not high. He judged Ill
from the few he knew.
Meantime Mrs. harrington had been
trying to catch a glimpse Of what was
happening on the track
Waiting until Ralph was we'll out Of
the way, Duffy said: There's funny
thing about our meeting like this.
That boy has refused to introduce me
not once, but twenty times, but he
finally had to do it,
vStIA u. I. \