The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1913-05-22

What are you tryin to hand us?"
roared Gallagher.
Still Bill was quick to take a cue.
Don't get hectic!" said he There's
nothin' in the articles about runnin'
straight. Let 'em run around the cor
raj"
But at this suggestion every voice
seemed to break simultaneously.
"Humpy Joe ran straightaway," de-
clared Gallagher.
Yes, an he kept at it," piped Will
lie. Il favor the idea of them runners
comm back where they start from"
Listen, all of you" Speed an
nouneed. Il am going to run around
and around and around this corral
If Mr.. Skinner chooses to accompany
me. he may trail along; otherwise 1
shall run alone"
Never heerd of such a thing!"
Gallagher was dancing in his excite
ment, but Skinner Gained him by an
nouncing, CURLY:
I'll beat him any way he wants to
run
you couldn't beat a rug retorted
Wally, and Glass suddenly smote his
palms together, crying, blankly:
81 forgot the rug"
1--WE don't want no argument after
wards. Does the Centipede accept its
fate?" Still Bill glared at the faces
ringed about him.
1--WE do if Skinner says So"
Twice around the corral" agreed
Skinner. But no accidents, under
stand? If he falls, keep going"
Instantly there ensued a scramble
for grand-stand seats; the cowboys
swarmed like insects upon the stout
fence of the corral.
Then you'll start and finish here.
Once y'all pass we'll stretch a string to
yonder post, and the first man to bust
it wins. Who's got a string?"
"Mr. Gallagher, won't you use my
SASH" Helen quickly unfastened the
long blue bow of ribbon from her cot.
ton gown, and Gallagher thanked her,
adding:
Moreover the winner gets it,"
dressed Miss Blake.
Hadn't you better make that the
loser, miss? The winner gets the
conn., and the assent came in flash.
ing smile from the sky-blue yes.
Then the loser gets the ribbon!"
Gallagher announced loudly, and made
one end fast to the corral. Which !
call hanson treatment for Mr.. Speed.
an only wish we might retain it at
the Centipede as a remembrance. Are
the runners ready?"
Those near the starting point gave
room. Skinner stepped quickly out
from his blanket, and stamped his
spikes into the soil; he raised and low.
cred himself on his toes to try his
muscles. Speed drew his bath-robe
from his shoulders and thrust it to-
ward his trainer, who shook his head.
Give it to Covington, Bo; l won't
be here when you come back
Get on your marks!" The starter
gave his order.
Speed set his spikes into the dirt,
brought his weight forward upon his
hands. He whispered something to
Skinner. That gentleman straighten'
ed up, whereupon Willie cried for .
second time:
ION your marks!" and again Skin
ner crouched.
Get set"
The crowd filled it's lungs and wait
ed. Helen Blake buried her nails In
her rosy cold palms. Chaplin and his
friends were swayed by their heart
beats, while even Fresno was bal
anced upon his toes, his plump face
eager. The click of Willie's gun sound
ed sharp as he cooked it.
Into the ear close by his cheek
Speed again whispered an agonized-
Don't forget to fall down." ~
This time the cook of the Centipede
leaped backward with an angry snarl,
while the crowd took breath.
Make him quit talking to mel"
cried Skinner.
Gallagher uttered an imprecation
and strobe forward, only to have his
way once msre barred by Still Bill
Slower. HE can talk II he wants to"
There is nothing" Speed pointed
out with dignity, lin the articles to
forbid talking. If wished to, could
sing. Yes, or whistle, If felt like
it,
ION your marks!" came the rasping
voice of Willie as Wally murmured to
Skinner:
Remember, trust you"
Skinner ground his teeth; the tendons
in his calves stood out rigidly.
Get set"
Once more the silence of death
wrapped the beholders, and Willie
raised his arm.
Speed cast one lingering farewell
glance to the skies, and said, devout-
ly: What beautiful, beautiful
day!" ... .....
Now the starter was shaking in an
ague Of fury.
Listen, you!" he chartered, shrilly.
I'm goin' to shoot twice this time
once in the air, and the next time at
the nearest foot-runner. Now, get
set" and the speaker pulled the trig-
ger, whereupon Speed leaped as If the
bullet had been aimed at him.
Instantly a full-lunged roar went up