The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-03
CHAPTER VIII

Now the field was coming back to the finish line, for the jockeys to dismount and weigh out, Red Sol- dier was last in and Sherry saw Paul Wharton push through the track gate, go out and meet his vic- torious colt on the center Of the course.
 He said a word to the jockey, who leaned over and grinned. Then Wharton grasped the reins, started leading Red Soldier to- ward the winners circle,
 But he did not take the shortest line, c diagonal, to the finish line. Instead, he turned his colt, walked straight to the fence, then turned again and walked down the fence toward the wire. ell was coming toward her - her bench was next to the rail -- he was going to pass in less than Q yard of her. Ills eyes were searching the crowd on the rail--now he saw her
 A big and arrogant grin spread over his face. Now he was pass. ing her wns looking up -- and though the band was playing a triumphant march she heard his words, Not bad, ehp Sec you in Louisville"
 Ho passed on and 6 moment later flowers were circling Rcd Soldiers neck, and cameras were clicking.
 "Did you hear what he said to me2" Sherry demanded, Uncle Willie smiled beningly: Let the lad boast q bit. He won--f'm de- youtly glad to say" He finished in Q tone so low that Sherry miFsed the last words.
 Tic can have decency -- the chtap braggardl" she fiared. "Caliing to me as if,--as If 1 were q rail-birdi" She took his arm. Let's get out Of this crowd"
 When they pushed back toward the clubhouse she stopped him though he seemed unusually eager to leave her, Listen to mo q minute, Willie Bond" she said sharply. We're going to pack up instantly -- leave for the Downs Understandp' We can't get there quick cnoughl"
 Why, CT -- yes. But there's the little matter of CT transporta- ton. First, do we owe any bills --r mean track bills?
 Sherry drowned. She owed % to the blacksmith; at least $l0 to the veterinarian; more than-She stopped counting as a collarless, unshaven man walked up to her. An oily smile creaSing the fur- rows of his face, he spoke with out even touching his greasy hat brim--spoke fast;
 "Mighty glad to see you come in the money. that first race, Miss Bond. KnoWed you'd be lookin' for me. You get $iso running second. I'd appreciate the favor of my $82 on that feed bill' l was mighty glad to accommodate Some of these here owners"
 Seems you wish money at once, my man. Am l right2" Willie Bond emanded,
 The feed man shifted his weight T just want pay"
 "Certainly. You will get pay in cash. Come with me" And to Sherry, "IIl handle it, my dear. And will pay our groom, too"
 How much money was she going to have after everyone was paidp Standing there on the lawn, Sherry made rapid figures on her program Twice she totaled the figures; the result was astounding. Why she would have only $l6 left out Of that Si80.
 It had been a long and hard winter -- for her. And she had to transport Pepper Boy from Long Island to Louisville, Ky; had to transport her groom, her uncle, herself. Had to ship her tack. Would have to buy feed the mos ment they were stabbed at the Downs. There would be other ex- penses -- and $500 more to enter tn Derbyl If Pepper Boy hadn't been left at the post; If his nose had only been six inches further to the front at the finish -- but 1t wasn't and he ran second.
 The memory of Paul Wharton's taunt came back to her Not bad, eh? See you in Loui' c ele.' Yes, he would see her in Louisville - she vowed. And he would see her colors in front
 She glanced at her wrist watch. No use staying here-she had no interest in the other races. She'd go home - could catch a train in 20 minutes. She started for the gate. Lanky Shep Grant stopped her.
 "Oh, sayl Got time for a drink, Sherry? We can run into the club house"
 "You know I never touch the stuff, Shep."
 Sure I do, but I wanted a chance to talk" He slipped an
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