The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1914-06-11
BACKED THOUGHT
NEAREST TO HEART
Put His Last Penny Up On "The Little
Stranger and Won a Stake, Even
Though His Horse Was Beaten His
Last Bet.
PRISONERS STORY


By Inmate 17I--Comn.
1t was with slow steps that Jimmy
Manion walked away from the book
maker with whom he had just placed
his last dollar. He had ganbled on
horse called The Little Stranger"
not because of any inside" inform
alton but as last resort to win a
stake. The name Little Stranger"
appealed to him because of senti-
mental reasons aud it was on thar
mare that he staked his hopes.
Strolling away from the betting
ring, Manion walked aimlessly
across lots trying to get as far away
as possible. He came to an inviting
rock, where he seated himself, hold
ing his head in his hands and NUT
tering his troubles over and over.
AT that moment darky. leading
horse, started to come his way.
Seeing Manion he stopped and ey ed
the seated figure for a minute and
spoke to him.
Beg your pardon, Massa, but
you's on private property" he said.
Excuse me, old pal," said Man
ion, rising,
You can't blame me, Massa, as
them is my orders from Massa Tom, !"
said the darky. Then seeing a young
man crossing the field, he con-
tinned. why, here he comes now" !"
| Here. Joe, take Ned back tc
the stable" said "Massa" Tom; see
ing Manion he asked Your COM
pany, Joe?"
Before Joe could answer Manion
spoke up. L beg your pardon, sir.
just stopped here to walt for a
race to start. Your name is Tom
Powers, ] suppose"
Why yes, how did yon know?'
answered Tom, wtnderingly.
My name is Manion. l trained
horses for your father twenty years
ago. That was considerably before
your time, of course"
My father has mentione ed your
name, but what made you quit?"
It's long story, but if you'll
listen Pll tell you. When l was
training for your father / met a
young girl and 1t was not long be-
fore we were married. After our
marriage she begged me to quit
the track. We had considerable
money at the time, most of which /
had won through betting. Twas too
fascinated with the game to give it
up then. After a while / began to
lose and lose heavily. At last every
dollar I had went to the bookles.
Then lost my job, couldn't hold
one until pay day because if I did
I'd owe money to the boss. My wife
kept begging me to drop it and at
last | did. never came near a
race track since until today"
t And why today? friend" asked
Tom, very much interested.
We'll son. | haven't worked
lately and what little money we had
has been spent without any more
coming in. Our home was never
blessed with children but-we ex-
pect little stranger" this week.
The thought of not having money
enough to meet the doctors bill
when it comes time has almost driv-
en- me crazy. So | took what money
was left-it was only twenty-five
dollars, and bet it.
What horse did you pick for the
winner. Manion?" asked Tom.
The Little Stranger" it's ten
to one shot and if / win I'll be on
easy street to welcome that little
stranger" Do you think he'll win,
Tom
He stands good chance; he is
my horse, you know" said Tom.
They're up, Tom" Then in a
minute Manion said, Now they're
off,"
Tom raised his field glasses to his
eyes and said, "Haymaker is first"
Where is The Little Stranger?
Tom" Manion asked anxiously. If
he loses it will kill the wife,"
He's in second place and going
strong.'
o, God, | hope he WINS" said
Manion.
They're on the heme stretch, J"
was Toms answer to Manion's pray
er. A second later he dropped the
glasses, but did not say word.
Manion looked at him and then the
excitement of the moment over