New Britain Herald Newspaper, May 21, 1924, Page 15

TALES OF THE TURF ——— By Hugh S.Fullerton Copyright, 1923, by The McClure Newspaper Syndicate. The Rose and the Humming Bird T ¥ a perfect day for the l close of the racing season. The sun was streaming down on the track with friendly warmth and throwing broad shafts of light into the grandstand, bringing patches of gay coloring out in re- lief from the dense throng that assembled at the Fauwr It was an enthusiastic, ing crowd, but it was e dent that, despite the thrill of the races that had already taken place, it was holding back its en- thusiasm for the chief event of the day and the culminating contest of the season-—the Mardi Gras Handicap, the richest stake of the meeting. It comprised a purse of Five Thousand Dollars, worth Four Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty to the winner, Five Hundred to the second and Two Hundred and Fifty to the third, at a dis- tance of a mile and a quarter for four-year-olds and upward. There was but one shadowy spot in the whole sunlit scene, and this shadow rested over the stable in which the Rose awaited the hugie call. The largest stakes of the geagon had been placed on her that day-—not in the coin of the realm, not in the only exchange that bookmakers will recognize, but in the hearts of two lovers wh happiness depended on the triumph of the Rose, The beautiful filly, her hind legs sheathed in sweat bands, her head masked in blinke moved rest- lessly about in her box stall. The stable was bright with sunlight streaming in from a ndow at the back, high up in the wall, against which rested a broad ladder Leaning on the swinging door of the box-stall, his eibows rest ing on the ”“”OHI top and his chin cupped in hands, was Patrick Frewen, the crisp little jockey who was to ride the Rose that afternoon, He was studying the filly contemplatively, in his eyes admiration, love, concern, For a long time he leaned there, watching the play of music under the shining skin of his mount, vibrating at the slightest sound like the strings of a sensitive in- strument He did not utter a sound, his mind busy with the single and inflexible determination to guide that trembling bunale of nerves to victory in the contest that was goon to take place, Pat drew himself up at length He reached into the stall and stroked the filly's glossy side, and when he spoke his volce was decp and solemn, ‘Well, my ut mured, “I'm banking on day, and I'm betting my 1t's make or hreak, so my lady, and run like oughbred you are” He drew down rested his cheek Good Tueck, n and the filly’s side in response For a long time he held her head in a firm caress, and he did not hear the door open and admit a tall, handsome couple, the man in a cheek «uit and pearl gray derby and the woman in white, They pauted on the threshold, watching the horse and her rider tn their silent embrace, and finally the man, disengaging himselt from the arm of his companion and making an effort to shake off the conecern in his face and man- ner, came forward “Hello, Pat,”” he eaid a rare-free tone, The jockey quickly and looked a ashamed of having heen ered in such a =oft mond “How do, Mr. Jackson™ caid timidly. The younz woman, who, in her tace, figure and manner, seemed to sum up the best type of South ern womanhood, had come foi ward, too, and greeted the jockey in a low nt voies “Good afte How's the TNose?" In fine condition. Mizz Tyler fit to run the race of her life Realizing that it » sverything, Jackson eaid, you bring the Rose home fit der the wire, 1I'll split the with you." Pat replied gquick! Well, then, Mr. Jacksc ke I've never ridden u'll excuse me, I'm g paddock. 111 see you later He passed out through the door through which the couple had en tered, The man looked admir- ingly after him and finally turned to his companion “He's 2 gem.” as game as they make {hem Nothing phases him. The Parson’s made a good boy of him, and he's taught him all the tricks of the game."” “Indeed, Randolph.” replied the girl. “he’s been loyal. and he's stuck to vou spendidly.” &he ap proached the stall and ran her hand affectionately down the TNose’s sleek neck “Tsn’t she lovely?” she said, smiling, and thowing a row of fine, white teeth But her face clonded siightly as ¢he faced Jackson akain. “Ran- dolph, dear, they've hit you pretty hard this season. haven't they?’ Jackson gazed up toward the window. “Well, rather he ad- mitted, approaching the ladder and gripping one of its rungs. He faced the girl after a moment Marie,” he said determinedls “all T've done loze, lose lose consistently all season. If the Tioze doesn’t bring home the bacon todasy” he shrugged hiz.shoul ders—“it's good night!™ Marie came forward aqui and j2id a conen’ing hand en hie arm no. TRandolph e21d he mur you fo bankroll be game, the thor e hend and against it lady,” he said, s quivered as if hey suming around little discov- turned he ple noon purse You will? 1'll ride hefore to the he said “And 0 ehe quickly that, you “You mustn't talk like| Randolph, dear, why don't let me—" RBut Nandolph raised his hand de- rreciatingly. “Now, now—if 1 can't play this game on my own account, I'll eut it out once and for all.” “Well, then replied the girl, with an air of resignation, “have your own way about it.” She paused a moment, seemin, nxious to lead her harassed lover aw from the sub- ject, “Where is Parson?" she sked at length Jackson laughed sless his black hid. he said, hls manner more jovial now, “he's so excited today he can't see straight. He's a wonder, His kind is just about extinet, Marije,” He pressed her hand and passed hurriedly through the doorway. A moment later the opened and admitted a large, kindly faced negro in a long, frayed Prince Albert and wel® slouch hat. He w man well bevond sisty, With sparse gray hair, gray sideburns, and a dignified manner whicn was not in- jured by the joviality of his eyes. He wore Confederate trousers of butternut gray and a prayer book bulged his coat porket. [t was the never-failing presence of the prayer boois that had earned him the sobri- ‘Parson.” Parson little sur to find Marie in the stable Marie, fo' de N doin' fakin' skin?" Marie moved awa: “I've heen talking to and we understand e I'm to happy, Parson.” “Das «0? What you'all nosticated ‘bout today " I know the Rose is gning ta win ay," replied the girl, conviction in her voice the door worn s a quet of The showed a sakes a here he dat ex you- - filly love tu doggone her from filly * she said ch other. Oh the 0 =0 prog- he Parson removed his pipe from What makes you think Miss Marie?" he asked. 1 don't know. Intuition, I his quess “I got romething like veplied the Parson, a low bling in his throat dat the Rose was le And so, 1 sa® take y site, man-—which to win hands down iat myselt," laugh rum- had & d at de | dream opp means she gwine imed the girl s Tando'ph's sake.” muttered the negro finger in the Dat’s just what e chuckled and approached the filly solicits X over asked 1 dis stable vand Iy 1o wake up and be When I met Marsa Ran New York just befo' de be- eason, wif a lot of to whole ' replied the negro coaxin’ comebuody inly ginni trainers, 1 Rande m filly s no t him, ‘Marsa rabble and wuk, The done says re i trainer ' And he real wuth it done it He emiling onest vanity Marie naive and Rose is al! eng you satd At son's But the has left now hald responded Dix filly goin® to pull him Jeg’ you wateh | inte the stall with an » though he dismissed the sub- d all doubt of the race began taping the ligibs nd muttering to him ched him for a and that he had quite for- in hit interest the stabis. The examination of up and patted me ‘spongible fo' Rosn's Don't veu L3S the * quickly to k. She's goin out de hole He stepped s issue arever, and whil eing her presence horee, left n continued h m the then stood Aat. now said 1l vine to' ady decorat “lea he benefit of dem tir bettin' ding and blink vou od he demn sweat by Ain't gwine any Jeomer sho' gwine to he heard the de mouth like a oninny in down in when have left <hou he sked gir I that fi'l An' dat filly,” broke is wuth mo’ dan you Perhape.” replied no money is the negro all Jackson, enson.” good is it even it what I've to bet on her Parson then he drew e privary the stal was silent vouth aside though there for a mn the nas e beside one in themeelvee Marsa Randolph.” he said, speak- ing hisper. “1've been hesitat- in' ‘bout speakin’ on die subject to wouldn't ob- litt'e loan from but if eptin’ a ect to me—" “Pareon ckeon shoulders pre 1 got ainy da squared his by fo' a reaponded the negro as financialls spsakin’, dis com= cash put un- hite am am jsmayed, “an ettest Aa eracnn 0. Parson Zisicanit el the Young man. ‘Yes, you can son stubbernl was wif you' can't,” protested insist the Par- rse Randolph. 1 idy befo' was bo'n. - He done sent me to school and give me an education., He done teach me what de Good Book means and sot me on de straight and na rer paf what 1've been trablin’ evah since. Reckon I don't trua’ his Jackson closed his fingers about the notes. “I'll give you a note, an 1. O. U.. something,” he saic “You give me nothing. What 1 do wif a note? 1 never been in a bank .an' 1 wouldn't know what to do wif it" He tapped his wallet. “Dis 18 my bank. YWhen I got my ‘cumulations in her, I knows where dey il Jdackson smiled at this. “Well” he said, resigning himself to the inevit- ab'e, and the stubborn friendliness of the Parson, “I'll take it ut you sha'n't lose anything. even if T have to sell the Rose to pay you hack.” The Parson lighted his pipe as soon as the young man l:ft him drew a few puffs and shook his head sadly, He turned and shook the filiy “Doggone lady. you ies’ nachilly got to win, das all. If 1ou don’t, you goin' to be sol' for ol’ ue, you heah me?" A few moments later Jackson re- turned “Here's the program, I'arson da How'll T bet that money 2" & What's the odds and the scratch- es, Marsa Randolph?” 31l Higgine, Annabel D), Morgan and Astra's s replied Jackson, ‘[I‘ gy vou is his fist at he Jarmi- ne, atched,” gimme de o Here they them from Parsen olph vead e Humming F Tire Tlose sixtoen horses and every one a stake horse How'l| Pet Aniph.” gwine 1o I bet t > menes Ran We're track todav.” “Is the Marsa al win rep'ied the at ean up eaid Jackson n gond shape Fit as a fiddle. Air her— t's t nothin® here tech the Hum- Rird You'r Par Dat's kin miv atraid the Humming But Time's get- 1 wait.,” The n hiz pocket enme you tun I'man chson took the money gripped theso'd man’s hand “God bless claimed. then turned hurriedly. The Parson remained wallet in hand, spreading its empty flap wide, and shaking his head. He lighted his extinguished pipe, saz down mnear the passed his handkerghief over his forehead, and fell into a reverie. The band out- side began to pla ance River He was too steeped in his re tions to hear She served that he was nreoec stealing up behind him hands over his eyes. T yonu. Parson” he ex- ind walked out stall Marie enter ob- upied, and put her " he cried, Jumping up. dat, who's dat? The girl removed her vous, F with mild rebuke How You there is so much at stake “Das jus' de ca'mness of despera- missy.” the Parson “I'm savin' myself fo' de big things.” “I'm coming back wateh the vace from here,” the girl, ned- ding in the direction of the window “But I'm ton nervous to he sti a moment.” Jackson ran i <he crossed the threshold, but he did not’ stop, rushing forward Parson, who was busy in the stall Well, it's done, Parson,” he claimed. “T've p the coin the Rose 50 to 1. She's the long shot and rot a soul playing her “Whe's da favorite?” hands reon " she caid in her voice can stop to rest when tion, replied most her as to the ex- ng out of the stall. the Humming Rird now at § to 5.t to 1. and all and Cincinnati mob are pla and they're a mighty « “Well, Marea Randolph as I 'spected.” co “Why 18 the <ed down Louisville ing him outfit.” dat's jus the rew Z 4 asked the old | « thous: handed “her wir The and back in shaki nothir “1 don't care what The Parson’s eyes admix it an 1 that five “1 stand and dollars the r 0 s a little present for vdred,” said Jack- win twenty-iive And Parson’-he another ticket you If w hu o anced at the ticket hands behind his old man g placed his hy, Marsa Rando'yh.” his head, I V' from you.” he said, want ng don't you want," re- have win ed Jackson in life I alwa warmly, 1 but my s keep my word.” wide with ion of the young man's spir- d he the without honor tool ticket Lesitation to clean fifty on Jac sure am fwenty-four carat we's gwine de good handicap and two hundred nner. Dat jus' * presen’ fo' Miss knows up, wid de Don't fo'get of four thou for the v elp of de little we en?” kson smiled and drew forth his watch G mi eat Scott.” he exclaimed before startir Onls tes time (iet the Rose out to the paddock § As Timb the de ored 1 comf point window the s I'm off for the betting vou comir i " said the nearo, shaking picious. I'sa le window uper watch from soon as Jackson was gone n approached the ladder 2d vp until he was abreast e upon aweep ¢ the the nd ed o inny track and ing devotees gath in and and I o just made himself 3t his excellent unfamiliar mass of the grand on wiable vantnge when he heard ar footfall and turned to see a | == you pretty hard this season, haven't they | fud this the 1 ongehorem race crack Ca Dor » and B IKentuck efused fift thes tele little 1 the turf hor top we arrying & too far ha " " wa Weil * replied Ja the Tos ghting Force and ng romped home an winner of the Grunewald Hotel Year's Day when track record. Why, all and brokers are plaving n the hetting at about it it don't o lonk ~ntry Queen and ¥ lasss ¥ Foree swoke the the bankers the even mone entry. coupled nd you know any a bunch of bankers turns loose their vin thers's something doing.” Fifty 10 one the T the Parson. as the hie tractive reflected the figures were music 1n eare odds kale Dem ie wine 1o got de my money utr. Here's r ned the tiekete returned kead packet officia s he bugle was simultanem the | into the stable. He paid no atten- tion to the stranger, too excited to ty to account for his presence, and made for the stall “You know how he time we've ore's the ten minutes o Come on, Rose to the paddock.” His hand went 1o the filly's bridle, the sheriff caim'y interposed between the and his much got?” before but himself mount Not fast, yo said. “This don't handicap tod “What!" ut jockey teller,” run in 0 e the exclaimed Pat on his heel in The hel! you say--she Who are vou?” “On the sheriff thrusting | jockey's, Wheeling al astonishment den’t run? replied the man fantly have at- horee.” face And 1 papers for tha ange! mphantly the flap of his t, exposing offici at the same butt of a revolver protrud- from his hip pocket. The quick- eved quick-witted ey ob- served the weapon with the courage and quickness of cespera- ot his hand out and snapped of the official's pocket 9 K a few elled the weapon at the man cheat him and ver the victory that much to them. H.s face was set and the sheriff realized that he held the losing hand We'l Auiet drew back badge tme th and, tion the paces ind le who threatened is em meant o 0 to 1 guess vo he said Rut ayving i've zot the drop not to e from judge You'll felley,” heriff's face close- signed 3 this, youn for meas a time the n an effort to take his Then his manner him in a changed qa addressed friendly Look here sherifr," he said “You low. Re rea ta like a You n't vant this your f the Par- fifty s to ane make What do you say 1 het of we'll Ao n the bett ng oMcia She's fift s eves lighted up with pretended for a Ly the as though he 10 the offer and 1'll go » remain unmoyed reat effort submi Muke it a hundred " he muid Pat e it invelved a | his odded head in son cocked the jerk of his wrist and his lips ¢ Ar a emptuous snee I thought that speed.” he after, | n The resistance was W wnew that jeared sheriff, disappointed and stung by the empt forward in elled wes and ockey's con effort but an wnatch the e weay back a gored menacingl exclaimed ou." Then nagro without U on, Par- ere's no time e lost. Giet The o] Pargon oheved immediatel take her to the paddesk.” the " Witheut a out of the stahle vord the negra led the Pat remained with the sher i standing he apen He fo mo. inkingz it was the Par t Marie Pat's ous position of the and veen him and daor rned teteps A olver in emitted a ockey's side scream " che er Oh, what n now, Miss Mare,” jockey “Rut if yo ¢t Rando'ph Jackson's s man e exe That The race Get up me the w i wee te hout a word ith the agil- Onece at the and eres The negro obesed “limbing up the ladder ity of a young ma top. he made his footing sect placed his feld glasses 1o his training them on the heasd sweep the tra 1. His and then which the view commard field tor to rest on a for a s swept the A iy came fived point. never wavering Marie t 1 v time 1o time. tomger Parson? Pleass Rripping h's field glasses more firm- Iy in his hands. “What is it, Parson?” the impatient girl. “They're going to the post,” ex- claimed the negro after a pause, and seeming to be speaking to himself rather than to anyone present. *Ah, l.ook out there, Pat, don't head, boy. Follow my You got dat bunch cinched Don't let dem get away from you, They're at the post The Rose is turned right 'roupd and won't move, What's the matter, Pat? look out you don't get lef Ah, dat's better. Dey're lined up now. Keep vo' head boy.” Th ri's demanded now, e was a long silence, and the hand, holding the revolver trembled she awaited the next nouncement from the negro, It me at last, in the form of an ex- plosion “They're Come on with outside. At off " the Parson cried Pat; what's the matter Wake up and take the the quarter, Bertrand B. is setting a hot pace and is out in front. The Bat two lengths ahead of Syracuse Bill, and the rest am bunched. Pat is riding easy and has a zood position; Yhe's closing up. At the half, Lightning is forging ahead, with Doctor Phil a close second a White Sox third. Dat's right, boy, rou'ra riding fine; Jdere he goes on outside. At the three-quarters, Grandma Higgins by half a length, the Humming Bird second and the B third Pat riding like a 1 now., Dat's it come on m'lady; they're hitting the stretch and it's a two horse race she's head and head with g Bird and Pat's got the hat's it, Pat, one mo' jump and you got 'im. Give her the whip, box, give her the whip!" He stopped abrupt! field giasses fi he groaned, glasses dropped from his hands, and his whole body seemed to shrivel up, His shoulders gave way and his head dropped to window sill Marie, who had been watching the » and drinking in every word he uttered, saw the old trainer's collapse. She guessed its meaning d her revolver with a cry of anguish rushed toward the lad . Parson!” she exclaimed, but was unable to utter another sound. The sheviff, taking advantage of her con- fuslon, quickly snatched up the re- from the floor and dashed out of the doorway " repeated the girl after you? de rail gripping his then suddenly she olver Parsor 1w long time, The negro raised his kead and his * was eloquent with despair. He ed the ladder and ol at. Marle dared not his misery what it signified, but she was to have him tell her in words that all her hopes and had shattered that slowly descan lapred into a s ask the fhe knew afraid man cause of dreams boen moment But the pression in & in grief found exe bs that he seemed une At lengih he found Parson’s to restrain worde “The Bird nose - the Rowe secor he wailed, and the girl h'd her face in her hands, The old man shook his head mis- erably Hummin® by a Tain't de 1'l money 1 done loae, muttered. *“'Tain't te' dat I'se gmievin', It's done banked my life winnin' dis handicap. blood wae in dat could jes’ ses Gen'l Beaure- proud an’ fine like look, an' den 1 ses son an’ hear him say vou-ail gwine look When I'se gone? An' Miss Marie 1 promise I done lose him in de crowd ' a'ong s pathway 1nost gamnblers miss nuthin® he ike because | on dat Ay Al de pride of m3 hose 1 gard sitt a gan'l ought t Marsa Jac 10 me jus’ Jere Parson Lo, 1 promi \n dat of it " 1-com Den T #n'" him again ¢ tin-hern dem wrious cheer trom ouiside i speech. 1. was ro- 1 oand again, and w an excited murmur of crowd outside asepe ) thrown inte a panis, arson and Mari 1 out of srom An The e lbound is * exclaimed the Iin bad died down » does that m mean? re <he had finished the o4 ladder as fast as hie feshle legs would carry His « Pere's a hig was the fast to his eyes ae crowd around e bellowed ened, 1 the v It's Pat and the Hur key. He's excited to de jucges . ir heads” He swung his field. “Dev'e chan ey to he cried t vh Bird's dis- a foul. TI We win pumbers The Hummin' Pat c'aimed We win! turned and almost tumbled ladder in his excitement ding into Marie's arms. [he | was nigh paralyzed with the joy and shock of the turn of svents “Do ye hear?” exclaimed the gro, shaking her jovously win, Mies Marie,” Rut girl could not speak the Parson. catching her by the hand led her out inte the open. He espied Jackson rushing toward the hat gone, his hair di ed. and directed the girl right the vouth's arms. There she col'apeed, while Jackeon kissed her triumphantly, oblivious te the crowd gathered about them. As he his arme. Pat came up of breath and radiant but the Pareon caught by and swung him around with his back to the happy couple ™s ain't no place the happy nezre cried, leading the jocke in the direction of the etais the e “We and stable. his hes nto held her in his viete apted him m o' us!” awas