New Britain herald., 1924-05-21

throwing broad shafts of light into the grandstand, bringing patches of gay coloring out in re- lief from the dense throng that had assembled at the Fair Grounds. It was an enthusiastic, fraternizing crowd, but it was evi- dent that. despite the thrill of the races that had already taken place. it was holding back it's en- thusiasm for the chief event of the day and the eliminating contest of the season--the Mardi Gras Handicap, the richest stake of the meeting. It comprised a purse of Five Thousand Dollars. worth Four Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty to the winner, Five Hundred to the second and Two Hundred and Fifty to the third, at a dis tance of a mile and quarter for four-year-olds and upward,
 There was but one shadow spot in the whole sunlit scene, and this shadow rested over the stable in which the Rose awaited the bugle call. The largest stakes of the season had been placed on her that day---not in the coin of the realm, not in the only exchange that bookmakers will recognize, but in the hearts of two lovers whose happiness depended on the triumph of the Rose.
 The beautiful lilly. her hind legs sheathed in sweat bands, her head masked in blinkers, moved rest lessly about in her box stall. The stable was bright with sunlight streaming in from a window at the back, high up in the wall, against which rested a broad ladder,
 Leaning on the swinging door of the box-stall, his elbows rest ing on the smooth top and his chin cupped in Ifs hands, was Patrick Frewen, the crisp little jockey who was to ride the Rose that afternoon. He was studying the Ally eontemplatiyely, in his eyes admiration, love, concern. For a long time he leaned there, watching the play of music under the shining skin of his mount, vibrating at the slightest sound like the strings of a sensitive in- strument. He did not utter a sound, his mind busy with the single and inflexihle determination 10 guide that trembling bundle of nerves 10 victory in the contest that was soon to take place.
 Pat drew himself up at length. He reached into the stall and stroked the filly's glossy side, and when he spoke his voice was deep and solemn.
 Well. my beauty" he mur- mnred, I'm banking on you to- day. and I'm betting my bankroll, It's make or break, so be game, my lady. and run like the thor ouRhbred you are"
 He drew down her head and rested his cheek against it.
 Good luck. my lady" he said. and the llly's sides quiyered as if in response.
 For a long time he held her head in a firm caress, and he did not hear tho door open and admit a tall, handsome couple, the man in check suit and pearl gray derby and the woman in white. They paused on the threshold, watching the horse and her rider In their silent embrace. and fnally the man, diseugasing himself from the arm of his companion and making an effort 10 shake off the concern in his face and man. nsr. came forward.
 Hello, Pat" he said, assuming a rare-free tone.
 The jockey turned around quickly and looked a little ashamed of having been discoy- cred in such soft mood.
 How do, Mi. Jackson" he said timidlt.
 The young woman. who. in her face. figure and manner. seemed to sum up the best type of South ern womanhood, had come for pard. too, and she greeted the iockey in low. pleasant voice.
 Good afternoon, Pat. How's the Eo-e?"
 In fine condition. Miss Tyler fit to run the race Of her life
 Realizing that it was win or lose everything, Jackson said. Pat. if you bring the Rose home first un- der the wire, I'll split inc purse with you."
 Fat replied quickly. You will? Well, then, Mr. Jackson, I'll ride Ike I've never ridden before. Sou1l excuse me. I'm going to tho paddock. I'll sec you later"
 He passed out through the door through which the couple had en- tered. The man looked admir- ingly after him and finally turned to his companion.
 Hes a gem" he said. And as game as they make them. Nothing phases him. The Parsons made a good boy Of him. and he's taught him all the tricks Of the game"
 Indeed. Randolph" replied the girl. he's been loyal. and he's stuck to you spendidly." She sp- preached the stall and ran her hand affectionately down the Roses sleek neck. Isn't she lovely?" she said. smiling. and showing g row of fine. white teeth. But her face clouded slightly as she faced Jackson again. Ran dolph. dear. they've hit you pretty hard this season. haven't they?"
 Jackson gazed up toward the window. Well. rather" he ad- mitted. approaching the ladder and gripping one of its rungs. He faced the girl after a moment. Marie he said determinedly. ,ali I've done is lose. lose. lose consistently all season. If the Hose doesn't bring home the bacon
 -L s-