Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-30
uesofMe Past Yem-By MacGregor Jenkins

the race, Tobias and had agreed that, shoul1
Alcantara win or make respectable showing,
we should sell him at once at as high figure
as possible
In my sober moments had no desire to
tinue in the racing game, and Tobias pointed
out that the interest in Alcantara would be
passing. Some other horse would eclipse him
and his value would drop. To this end had
executed a document authorizing Tobias to ne
gotiate sale, in his own name, at any price
satisfactory to him. had suggested such an
arrangement after witnessing one of Alcantaras
most perverse and ill-mannered performances
during his schooling. His conduct had made
me despair of ever selling him at all.
Recalling this act of mbecility on my part.
I cursed Tobias as a faithless friend Then
there appeared before me the face of my van
ished partner in all the pathoS of his melan-
choly. I again the dropping corners of his
youthful mouth, and his old mans eyes, tired
and lustreless, and knew 1 wronged him.
thought of him bowed with grief hiding
from the world, and waiting for the first
poignancy of his sorrow to pass that he might
seek me out.
found no allusion in the press to the pass
ing of the winner of the Bedford. made no
more inquiries, for with a hideous suspicion
gnawing at my heart, I felt that all my rela-
lions with this unfortunate horse had best be
buried in a grave as unmarked and as unknown
as his own.
solved now the mystery of Alcantara's eyes.
He had seen from the first the futility of the
whole enterprise. He had known, come what
might, victory or defeat, triumph or humilia-
ton, that we should be parted. If not an un-
timely end, then the duplicity of man would
sever us forever. For one crowded hour he
had determined to live, or some strange
alchemy was wought by the whispering lips
Of the little man bestride him. For few
glorious moments he would be king. and king
he was
erS of the past Bills of all sorts came In.
among them one for floral horseshoe that
cost a princes ransom. These paid without
comment
One evening, being in reminiscent mood. I
picked up copy of sporting sheet which
had affected during my brief period of owner
ship. The first item which attracted my at
tention was the announcement of the sale of
Alcantara, the recent winner of the Bedford,
by his owner and trainer" T. Starkweather.
The price was staggering.
read it carefully folded the paper With
precision, and laid it beneath horseshoe on
my desk
returned to the routine of my former life,
and after many months restored my associates
shaken confidence. could have taken stern
measures to find Tobias and wreSt from him
my share of his ILL., gotten gains. But to what
purpose? It was vastly better than the glamour
of my brief career on the turf should fade
gradually and not be extinguished with sordid
quarrel.
The lavender and white no more fash be-
meath autumnal suns over grassy meads. As
an owner no longer participate in the pleas
ures of the race But sometimes, when in pen
Sive mood wonder. Where is Tobias?
Through what devious paths Is that little,
SILENT joyleSs man threading his way? Has
he partner in horses now, and who is he?
VIII Alcantara start, and If he does win he
continue in the desired direction? Is he still
living his perplexed and questioning life over
brush and rails on natural country? If so.
where? do not know. do not care. I had
my hour.
Copyright, 199O)