Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1937-06-12

amazed at the total amount OF the
bets already placed on this first
race $4,000, and the -towd
was just beginning to bet as they
saw the way the odds were going.
"Well, I'll pick them on paper
But I'm holding on to my money!"
she said, unwilling to be one of
the majority who would have to
lose. Lets see, Dark Cloud,
Mary's Boy, Scotch-and-Soda-
Oh, I'll take that one. It ought
to have plenty of kick"
The men had gone to place their
bets with the cashiers, and Ellen
and Marcia gossiped pleasantly
while they watched the high spir-
tied horses being coaxed into the
stalls Of the mechanical starting
gate.
There they go!" In a loud and
thrilling voice the announcer re-
ported the beginning of the race,
and Tony and Walt joined the
girls just in time to see the thor
oughbreds race past their box,
flying streak of colors, followed by
the tumultuous yells of the specta-
tors. AS first one horse then an
other took the lead, she heard
spectators jump up and down and
yell the name of their mount into
the blue sky. They're coming
down the stretch, it's going to be
a driving finish-it's Armetta
ahead, now Alsace. And here
comes Scotch-and-Soda on the
outside, and he WINS! Wins by
a length!"
Walt disgustedly tore his tickets
in two. "Well, there's $25 nicely
dropped. They'll have to get the
searchlight to guide my horse in"
With a scowl he consulted the
chart for the next race entries,
then looked up as the crowds &C
claimed a big pay-off recorded on
the tote board. Sixty-three dol
lars rewarded the hackers of
Scotch-and-Soda.
"Why Marcia, isn't that the
horse you picked?"
Walt whirled around, demanded,
"Why didn't you tell me about
that horse? You knew I was bet
ting this race. Where's your
ticket, I'll collect for YOU"
II only picked him, I didn't put
any money on him." she said al
most apologetically.
"Well, of all the" he began,
then shrugged. The next three
races were equally disastrous for
Walt, although Tony had one win
ner. Twice Marcia had mentioned
a choice, and one had proved a
winner, the other came in second.
On the seventh race Walt played
S. across the board on Hotwater,
a 5 to 1 favorite, and nervously
suggested they go into the club
house for drink while the race
was run. cts my last SIS, and I
don't want to see that mare run
out on me-"
At the bar Tony figured up his
losses at SIP and Ellen was ahead
$3.50 after one winner. Marcia
still laughingly refused to be a
part of the gambling circle, claim
ing it was too hard on the nerves.
I'D just as soon draw my money
with a pencil"
Walt was nervous, anxious to
get back and find the results of
the race, when a noisy crowd OF
people came in.
did Hot Water VIM" Walt
called excitedly. Eyes, by a
whisker," came the answer.
Walt sank back with relief, but
in moment was off to collect his
winnings. Marcia thought she
had never seen a man so intent on
money and wondered why he gam
bled if he couldn't afford to lose
with better grace.
'Here he comes, waving hand
full of bills" laughey Tony, his
hand still cupped over Ellen's.
Looks as if you're winner this
time, boy"
Walt came back, and with
grin admitted, "Eighty-nine dol
lars worth. That puts me prac-
tically even with the board"
do you mean to say you'd lost
$90?" Marcia asked.
Eyes. but look here Marcia.