New Britain herald., 1924-05-21


 made for the stall.
 You know how much time we've got?" he exclaimed. There's the first bugle call--only ten minutes before the race starts. Come on, get the Rose to the paddock"
 His hand went 10 the flly's bride. but the sheriff calmly interposed himself between the jockey and his mount.
 Not so fast. young feller," he said, This horse don't run in the handicap today"
 What" exclaimed Pat. wheeling about on his heel in astonlshment. The hell you say--she don't runo Who are you?"
 "only the sheriff" replied the man quletly. thrusting his face deGantly into the jockeys. And l have at i tacnment papers for that horse"
 The stranger triumphantly drew back the flap Of his coat. exposing 1 his official badge, and at the same tune the butt of a revolver protrud- ing from his hip pocket. The quick eyed and quick-witted jockey ob- served the weapon and, with the courage and auickness of despera- tion. shot his hand out and snapped ] the revolver out of the officials pocket. He drew hack few paces and levelled the weapon at the man who threatened to cheat him and 1 his employer of the victory that meant su much to them. Ills face was set and the sheriff realized that ! he held the losing hand.
 Vel guess you've got the drop on me" he said trying not to look sheep.sh But let me tell you you're playing q mighty dangerous game. I've got an order from the court, signed hy the judge, You1l 1 pay for this. young feller." i Pat studied the sheriff's face close ly for time in an effort to take his measure, Then his manner changed ! and he addressed him in n friendly tone.
 Look here, sheriff" he said. You look like a good fellow. Re reason. ! abe You don't want to stop this race, and we'll make it worth your while, What 60 you say if the Far. son puts down a bet of fifty dollars on the Rose for you? Shes fifty to one in the betting" The officials eyes lighted up with satisfaction, bat he pretended for time to remain uninoved by the jockeys proposal, Then, as though il involved a great effort. he nodded his head In submission to the offer
 Make 1t q hundred, and I'll go you" he said.
 Pat cooked the revolver with jerk of his wrist and hs lips curled in contemptaons sheer.
 T thought that vas about your speed he jeered. Why, you dirty srafter, I Snew that was your game"
 The sheriff, disappointed and stung 10 resistance by the jockeys con tempt, lunged forward in an effort to snatch the leve,led weapon. but 1 Pat drew back 3 pace and fingered tho trieSer menacinely
 Back, you crook" he exclaimed. Don't move or l'l drop you." Then he turrcd to inc negro without speryins his gun Come on, Par son. there's no time to he lost. Get hn Rose out quickly"
 The parson oheyed immediately.
 Now take her to the paddock" " continued the jockeN and come hack al once
 Without word the negro led ihe Ally out of the stable Tat remained alone with the sheriff. standing be- tween him and ihe open door. He turned on hearing footsteps a mo- ment later, thinking it was the Par son returning. But it was Marie. pho on seeing the revolver in Pats hand and inc obvious position Of inc other man emitted scream and rushcd to the jockeys side.
 What is it:" she cried "Oh. what is it""
 "t can't explain now, Miss Marie" respondel the jockey "Eut if you're a friend of Randolph Jaclsons, rows tie time to show fl. This man wants to attach he Rose"
 My God" exclaimed the girl
 "Eut he's not gong to-" quickly added inc jo-ked Miss Marie. are you afraid to handle a gum
 Did you ever soc a southern girl that was?" asked fhe sirl. catching the meaning of the jockeys ques. tinn
 Then rovsr this man" he said. .thrustirz the weapon info the girls hard Hold hm here until ihe race is over or it's all ur with Randolph and the ahole game
 "I1i dn it." replied Marie firmly. sraspns tho gun and turning il On ihs sheriff With looS of admira- ton and confidence Tat wheeled about and dashed out of inc door way. The aii1 watched the sheriff n4-ronl..
 My 5nge-fe on the trigger until this rare is run" she announced de- term nedIs.
 II uas in this attitude the Parson found her when he entered the stable 2 moment later. just as the second bugls rsIl was heard.
 Good Iaud. Miss Marie" he ex- claimed
 Never mind me. Parson." ex- eiaime1 tse rrl impatisntiy That vas tne ssroni huzie cali. The race eilI be on in minute Get mp there at the window and tell me what you see"
 The negro obeyed without word. climbing up the ladder with the agi1- fly of young man. Once at the top. he made his footing secure and placed his field glasses 10 his eyes. training them or fiIe trnad sweep Of ihs track which fl1s view conmaud- ad. His glasses swept the field for time and then came 10 rest on f5xed point. never wavering for a i moment.
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