The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-15
CHAPTER XVIII

Shep Grant heard Sherry's shouts ---or 30 1t seemed; for she distinct ly saw him lift the reins-then his whip-arm rose and fell. He jerk cd the reins up again. Pepper Boy shot out from the pack.
 The crowd, damned from the top of the stretch to the near turn, went wild: the favorite, Pep- ser Boy, was in the lead at last
 Suddenly, Sherry's heart seem- ed to stop. A horse, colors of yell low with blue stars, was sweeping forward--was even with Pepper Boy. 1t was Castanets.
 Paul Wharton was muttering at sherry's ear. You Mann come on Get going If you're ever zoe ing tol"
 Mann, too, appeared to hear he lashed out with his whip once -- twice. Red Soldier shot forward on the outside--Red Soldier swept past Castanets and Pepper Boy at the furlong pole,
 Red Soldier was burning up the track. One furlong to go. Sherry grabbed Paul's arm
 Paul you're winning you're winning -- and If I cant -- I'd rather you would!"
 She heard him say: Walt, honey --race isn't over,'
 A stunned silence fell upon the course, like q waves retreat- ing; then cheers broke out again, louder than ever, Paul was shout- ing; ... ,on., ,oo., ,onno. Boys coming again look it's you who's winning - it's you"l
 Leaning for over his mounts neck, Shop Grant was putting up one of his powerful finishes. His hAnds were shooting forward with the horses stride -- were showing against Pepper Boys neck they left Castanets behind -- they were passing Red Soldier Mann was flashing out with his whip but Red Soldier had nothing more to give while Pepper Boys stride heightened - he was tearing up the ground.
 Pepper Boy went under the wire winner by full length, Castanets was second - the tiring Red Soldier third,
 "Paul -- Paul, dear, l won!" Sher- ry cried. You don't mind, do you?"
 "Mind? I'm happy for you!"
 q know, but you were trying so hard-and you gave me every ad- vantage-even advised a heavy rider--'
 "HushW She saw the light Of joy in his eyes. Come on--you'Ve got to lead the winner in"
 "I--I want you with meW
 He grinned. No can do. You're the owner, I'll take you to the fence-no farther"
 He walked with her toward the finish line. The horses were com ing back.
 Paul - Paul" There were tears in her voice.
 Here, none of that-brace up!"
 She stopped. I'm not going to face all this alone"
 Flush! Don't you hear the loud speaker?" It was blaring:
 twill Miss Sheridan Bond please come forward and lead her winner in? Miss Sheridan Bond, please make way for Miss Bond, owner of the winner of the Ken lucky Derby!"
 And that means you, my dear! They think you're in the boxes"
 And I'm out here and scared to death. simply can't go out there alone, Paul."
 But, honey, you're not aloneW
 "Then say something - quickW
 Her lips were trembling her eyes were moist. Beyond them was the track: a little black horse with a scarlet and purple-clad rider was coming up to the line Seventy-five thousands persons were looking at that horse
 Sherry, love youl"
 Say 1t again." she whispered.
 His arms were about her; her face was buried in his shoulder, Look up, darling!"
 Miss Sheridan Bond - Miss Bond - please! Make way for Miss Bond"
 "Oh, darn it, let 'em wait" Sherry raised her face. Paul Wharton smiled shyly, then quick ly his lips were on hers - in a long, cool caress of sheltering love.
 Someone was speaking in breathless tones someone small and black - alongside them. It was Elijah, the exercise boy. Miss SheTy-didnt you know it?"
 'Know what, Elijah?" she man. aged to say. trying to hide her confusion.
 You done win the Derby. Miss sherry"
 "Oh, thatl" As if it was of lit- tie importance beside the miracle that had just taken place - the miracle of awakened love.