AND OTHER SKETCHES 113 



Mr. Parish's horses were all under the skilful handling 

 of Shaw, who for many years conducted a noted estab- 

 lishment on Long Island immediately opposite the famous 

 Hiram Woodruff's place. The morning after the match 

 was made a legal gentleman waited upon Mr. Eomaine 

 with the ''articles," and both principals' names were 

 attached to them. When it became known that such a 

 match was made a lively interest was roused and outside 

 speculation commenced. The betting was pretty even up 

 to within a day or two of the race, at which time it leaked 

 out that Americus had been highly tried and found to 

 answer all expectations, then Parish stock went booming 

 and soon $100 to $75 was freely offered and as freely 

 accepted. 



The weather for a week before the race was above 

 reproach and on the eventful day it was as if ordered for 

 the occasion. For two hours before a steady stream of 

 Yorkites were pouring in the direction of the Don, and 

 when the saddling bell sounded, fully five thousand peo- 

 ple were on the course. The chief notables of the province 

 were on hand, and many a charming Miss that day sport- 

 ed the colors of her favorite, and so numerous were the 

 boxes of gloves wagered on the event that Kay's stock 

 of kids was exhausted within twenty-four hours after 

 the judges' decision. 



The race itself was memorable for the desperate nature 

 of the struggle throughout. In neither heat from the 

 drop of the flag to the finish was there more than a 

 couple of lengths between them. Entering upon the last 

 half mile of the first heat Americus was leading by two 

 lengths. Gosport here accepted the challenge, and after 

 a terrific struggle round to the home stretch, succeeded 

 in showing his head in front. Down the straight run it 

 was a fierce struggle and the excitement of the multitude 

 was at fever heat. Fifty yards from home Gosport made 

 a supreme effort and gained the verdict by a scant half 

 length. The second heat was almost a repetition of the 

 first. Americus piloted the way for two miles and three- 

 quarters, when Lewis on Gosport, made his move and 



