The Hardin tribune-herald., 1936-12-18

,s11DsFsne.E--a Ed0t
minutes rest. We did. And my mind be-
gan to conceive things.
Took Sneak on Train
There were two roads out Of Wood
Vile. suggested that he take one road,
and I would take the other, and race
to where they would fork or whatever
roads do when they run together
Frank responded to the suggestion. He
loved a dare. AS he got on his wheel,
he remarked that shouldn't keep him
waiting too long.
II rode a piece, q short piece, then
headed back to Woodville. The Great
Northern train, leaving Butte at 8
o'clock, was just steaming into Wood
vile as I arrived. When the train
steamed out, there was a passenger
aboard Jim Campbell was his name.
TT was a grand train ride. Eventual
1v the train arrived in Helena. Taking
INV bike out of the baggage car, sad
died it, heading out of town, on the
Blltte road. I rode about q mile. I laid
that darn bicycle on its side, covered
myself with dust; from nearby spring
I splattered water all over my face and
hair. to camouflage perspiratlon. And
I waited. Waited for Frank.
Big Yarn Well Told
In about 20 minutes, looking up the
road. I saw a cloud of dust and man
mounted ON a bicycle, coming along
hell bent for election. 1t was Frank.
He was amazed to see me. He asked a
million questions, and some OF them
twice. Where had I BEEN How ana
was written ali over his face. He asked
me this, that and other questions. He
was sure askable. But I had answers
ready, concocted while train riding.
Calmly, yea, nonchalantly, I told
him that I was cognizant that ne was
cycling demon, having found out
told him that purposely suggested
| taking different roads at Woodv1le;
that I was quite a bike rider myself
and had set my heart on oeatlng one
of Montana's champions. said that
when I reached the fork OF the road
/ I kept on going. Then l told MN Gnal
to appear, and if he hadn't arrived
soon I had intended going back to
-F Frank an then explained he waited
for me about Is minutes at the ar.
ranged road meeting place. He said
that he decided not to turn back, and
given to few yells. he moved on to.
wards Helena, he was convinced that
IL would do me good to shift for my
self
Frank Cooney Was Awed
Frank believed my story, and was
awed. The day was "Wednesday. FRANK
proposed that I enter bike race from
Butte to Deer Lodge on the following
Sunday. He said he had entered. He
told me that I was sure to win. He
begged me to let him enter my name.
I said I'd think it over, and asked him
what the prizes we're. My, but that
man was insistent He wanted an I'M
mediate answer. I proposed tnat we
ride leisurely into Helena, and we could
talk it over. In the end, l promisd 10
ride in the race Sunday. would have
promised anything, but trusted to in
genuity to get me out of the cycling
whirlpool.
bath, and rested. Then went to the
telegraph office and sent a message
to myself. The telegram was dated
me to hurry home. showed the tele-
gram to Frank. He was disappointed:
said so over and over again. He told
me, many times before my train pulled
out that night, that I was cinch to
win the bicycle race, if I would and
could stay over. Business is business, l
replied. And away I went-headed for
St. Paul, on a comfortable pullman:
Could Have "Won" Title
when I got home, many weeks later,
I found a letter from Frank A news
paper clipping was enclosed, telling
about the race Frank finished third.
He was only minute back of the win
ner. His letter stressed that had I
competed I would have won hands
down. Anyone who rides a bike like
on all the crack riders in the state
my future trips to Montana were
purposely planned for the winter
months. I made sure that would
never get into another cycling jackpot.
Frank and enjoyed our visits, when.
ever or wherever we. met. We talked
ing. It's much easier to talk about rid
ing than to travel great distances over
roads that were misnamed in those
'Not since that time have I ridden
a bicycle, or used duplicity on friend"
Campbell concluded.
Jim, now in his sixties. eased him
recital on cycling was over. We left
the room. AS we were riding down the
elevator, said:
How about some more newspaper
advertising space for your products?
That's what I came to see you about,
you know"
"I'll see that you get it, Jim an
swered.
YOU'RE not giving me bicycle ride,
are you?" asked.
Jim grinned. Then he laughed. Then
he spoke.
mo, young man." he answered. I'll
not give you the bicycling double
cross. You'll get more advertising: in
fact, I'll see that you get enough more,
so you can go out and buy yourself a
bicycle"
LOEB BEAT STATES BEST
INbara Carl och of the Anaconda