CRESCEUS, 2:02V4 



when the big- race was under way they forgot all about 

 their surroundings and glued their eyes on the horses. 



It was a day when the trotting horse was monarch, 

 and it was a day of glorious triumph for him. Down in 

 the betting shed there was plenty of speculating. Pools 

 sold as fast as the auctioneer could call the bids at 

 $i,ooo for Cresceus to $500 for The Abbot, and the 

 weight of money later made the odds three to one in 

 favor of the champion. 



About three o'clock it began to drizzle. The um- 

 brellas outside the grand stand popped up ominously 

 and the clouds hung low and threatening. But it was 

 only a scare, for they lifted, and the sun was shining 

 on the two kings when the battle opened. The air 

 remained a trifle close and humid all the afternoon, 

 but this was counterbalanced by the fact that there was 

 practically no wind. 



The track was said to be a trifle slow by some critics, 

 but as a matter of fact it was lightning fast. From 

 the stand it looked to have considerable loose dirt on 

 top, which was deceptive, for there was just sufficient 

 to form a perfect cushion, beneath which the soil was 

 admirably firm, elastic and springy. 



Both horses were seen about 2 o'clock and both re- 

 ceived ovations, differing little in degree, from the 

 crowd. It was hardly possible to criticise the con- 

 dition of either, so far as outward appearance went. 



The Abbot came first, and "He never looked better," 

 was the ripple that ran along the rail as he jogged 



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