Young Leonard Wolfe, returning from town two days later, approached Mr. Willing with visible excitement.
“What’s the matter?” demanded the latter, eyeing the young man curiously.
“Matter enough, sir. I saw Jones in town.”
“What!” exclaimed Mr. Willing. “I didn’t think he would have the nerve to show his face in these parts again.”
“Nevertheless he was there, sir.”
“Did he see you?”
“No, sir. I’ll warrant he is up to some mischief.”
“Undoubtedly,” replied Mr. Willing. “We shall have to be watchful. Gabriel must be guarded every moment of the day and night.”
“My idea exactly, sir,” replied Leonard.
Shirley approached, and noticing the uneasiness of Leonard and her father, she asked what was the trouble. Leonard explained.
“He is surely planning more mischief,” exclaimed Shirley.“Gabriel must be guarded closely.”
“Exactly what we had decided upon,” declared Leonard. “Somebody, armed, must be near him all the time. I am willing to stand one watch.”
“Good,” said Mr. Willing. “Jimmy, too, is ready. Now I believe the best thing to do is to split the day and night into three parts—each watch eight hours.”
“But who will stand the third watch, Dad?” asked Shirley.
“Frank,” declared Mr. Willing.
“But Uncle Frank is so old,” protested Shirley.
“He’s not too old to use a shotgun,” replied Mr. Willing significantly. “Besides, I feel sure I can trust him.”
“I am sure of that,” replied Shirley.
“Call him for me, daughter,” said Mr. Willing.
Shirley went on this errand, and a few moments later “Uncle Frank,” an old negro, stood before them.
Mr. Willing explained the situation in a few words and Uncle Frank announced himself as not only willing but eager to stand one of the watches.
“Leonard,” said Mr. Willing, “you stand the first watch, from six o’clock in the morning until two. Jimmy can watch from two until ten, and Frank, you stand guard from ten until six in the morning.”
Mr. Willing glanced at his watch.
“It is now almost noon,” he said. “Leonard,you go to the stable and relieve Jimmy until two o’clock. In the meantime, I’ll get out my double-barreled shotgun and clean it up a bit.”
Leonard did as Mr. Willing requested.
The next two days passed quietly, and every one had about come to the conclusion that there was nothing more to be feared.
Gabriel was being given a short workout every day now, to prime him for the great Derby. Each morning and afternoon Jimmy put him through a stiff run along Willing’s trial track, and Mr. Willing, after examining the racehorse carefully, announced that he was in fine condition.
“He’s on edge right now,” he declared. “We mustn’t train him too fine, but we must give him enough work to keep him from growing stale.”
The date for the big Derby was fast approaching. Experts and racing men from all over the country came to the Willing farm almost daily, seeking to have a look at Gabriel, who had been picked almost unanimously to win the big race.
In spite of the fact that Gabriel had never been entered against horses of such class before, his fame had gone before him, for in some manner, in spite of the fact that an effort was made to keep his time in trial runs secret, it had leaked out, and there was little question that Gabriel would be the favorite upon the day of the Derby.
But to the experts and racehorse men who pleadedto look at the great black horse, Mr. Willing turned a deaf ear.
“You’ll see him in action in the Derby,” he said.
With this the visitors had to be satisfied.
“Monday,” said Mr. Willing to Shirley and the others, “we must start for Louisville. We want to be on the ground at least a week before the day of the race. Besides, Gabriel must have that time to recover from the effects of the trip.”
“Have you made your arrangements for stabling at the track?” asked Leonard.
“Yes. I shall have the same quarters as in years past. This year, however, I shall take no other horses, as has been the custom heretofore. I do not feel that I have another horse in my string that is sure to win a race, so I shall content myself with winning the Derby.”
“And Gabriel will win,” declared Shirley.
“Let us hope so,” said Leonard sincerely.
This conversation took place the Wednesday morning before the Monday set for the departure.
“Daddy,” said Shirley the following afternoon, “I haven’t ridden Gabriel for a long time. Can’t I work him out to-day?”
Mr. Willing hesitated.
“Why, I see no reason why you cannot,” he said finally. “I know Gabriel loves you, and perhaps will do more for you than he will even for Jimmy.”
Shirley clapped her hands and ran toward thestable, where she informed Jimmy of her father’s decision.
“All right, Miss Shirley,” smiled Jimmy. “I know Gabriel will be glad to have you ride him.”
“I wish I were going to ride him in the Derby,” declared Shirley.
“If you did,” said Jimmy, “the result would never be in doubt. With you on his back, Gabriel would be the first under the wire if he dropped over dead a moment later.”
Leaning forward upon Gabriel’s neck, Shirley patted the horse gently. Gabriel did not respond to this loving touch with a whinny of pleasure, as was his wont.
Instead he shook his head angrily, and stamped his feet. His jaws worked up and down violently and he champed at the bit.
“What on earth ails him?” demanded Shirley in surprise.
“I guess he is just anxious to be on the go,” was the lad’s reply.
“I never saw him act like that before,” said Shirley.
“Nor I. But I guess he will be all right after he gets out on the track and gets to going.”
Jimmy walked ahead of Shirley and opened the gates for her.
“Don’t let him out too much,” he warned her.“Just a nice even walk-out is all he needs. Don’t run him too hard.”
Shirley nodded that she understood. Jimmy stepped back, and Shirley, leaning forward once more, again patted the noble animal’s head. A moment later they were off down the track at a swift trot.
They had hardly disappeared around the first turn when a man appeared suddenly from behind a big tree and laid his hand on Jimmy’s arm. Jimmy whirled about.
“Jones!” he exclaimed in the utmost surprise.
“Yes, Jones,” said the other with a smile. “I just came out to have a look at Gabriel. Before I go back I just wanted to tell you that I do not need your services for the success of my plan.”
Jimmy stepped close to Jones and doubled up his fists.
“You get off this place immediately,” he said angrily.
Jones laughed at him.
“I suppose you will put me off if I don’t,” he sneered. “Oh, well, I am going, so don’t worry.”
He turned on his heel and stalked away.
And at that moment Shirley flashed by on Gabriel. Down the track she had seen Jimmy in conversation with a stranger, and as she whirled by she caught sight of Jones’ face, and recognized him.
“Strange,” she muttered. “What can he be talking to Jimmy about?”
And as she continued around the course Gabriel’s actions steadily became more peculiar. Twice Shirley urged him to renewed efforts, but after a short spurt he slowed down quickly. And as he ran he shook his head violently from side to side and champed more fiercely at his bit.
“Something wrong,” thought Shirley. “One more round and then back to the stable.”
On this last round Gabriel slowed down considerably and in spite of all Shirley’s urging he refused to increase his pace. At the gate this time Shirley turned out, and made for the stable.
Jimmy had preceded her there, and was waiting as she rode up. Mr. Willing, Leonard, Mr. Ashton and Mabel also stood near.
“Well, how does he go, daughter?” demanded Mr. Willing, as Shirley flung herself to the ground.
“There is something the matter with him,” said Shirley.
“What do you mean?” asked Mr. Willing quickly, and stepped forward.
He glanced searchingly at Gabriel, and just then the noble horse staggered.
Mr. Willing sprang forward with a cry of alarm.
“Help me get this bridle off immediately,” he shouted.
Jimmy and Shirley sprang to do his bidding.
The bridle came away in Mr. Willing’s hands a moment later, and the latter examined it carefully. Gabriel, in the meantime, walking very slowly, made for his stall.
Mr. Willing turned from his examination of the bridle. He held the bit in his hand.
“I was sure I could not be mistaken,” he said quietly. “I have seen too many such cases.”
“What do you mean, Dad?” said Shirley in alarm.
The others also turned to him anxiously.
“Gabriel’s bit,” said Mr. Willing calmly, holding it aloft, “has been painted.”
“Painted!” cried Shirley.
“Yes. That is the reason you noticed there was something wrong with him. That is the reason he staggered a moment ago. He is sick. Now, who is responsible for this piece of treachery?”
For a moment there was no reply. Then Shirley, taking a long breath, stepped forward.
“Jimmy,” she said quietly, “did I not see you talking with Mr. Jones a few moments ago?”
“Yes, Miss Shirley,” replied the boy, realizing what was coming.
Mr. Willing stepped forward with a cry of anger.
“Jones on my place again?” he demanded. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t want to worry you, sir,” replied the boy.
“Didn’t want to worry me, eh?” Mr. Willing’s face grew red with anger. He pointed sternly toward the pike. “You,” he said to Jimmy, “get your clothes right now and get off this place before I throw you off.”
Shirley buried her face in her hands.
Jimmy opened his mouth to speak, then bowed his head and turned away.
“Don’t be too hard on the boy, Willing,” said Mr. Ashton, taking a step forward.
“Hard on him!” repeated Mr. Willing. “How can I be too hard on him? The little scoundrel has sold me out.”
“Perhaps he is not to blame,” said Leonard.
Mr. Willing turned upon him.
“There have been too many of you trying to run my affairs,” he said angrily. “In the future, I shall attend to them myself.”
He turned and strode rapidly toward the house where he immediately telephoned for a veterinary to come out and look at Gabriel. Then he went to his own room, where he sat down, pulled out a cigar, and smoked in silence.
“I wish I hadn’t spoken,” moaned Shirley, as her father walked away. “Poor Jimmy! Perhaps he is not to blame, after all.”
“Still,” said Mr. Ashton, “appearances are much against him, particularly after what has gone on before. Certainly Jones would not have approached him again unless he had reason to believe that Jimmy would accept his offer.”
“It does look that way,” agreed Leonard.
But Shirley refused to be comforted.
“It’s all my fault,” she cried, and ran to the house, where she threw herself down upon her bed and gave way to tears.
There Mabel found her half an hour later and tried to soothe her.
“There, there,” she said, stroking her friend’s head. “It will all come out right in the end. If Jimmy is guilty he should be put off the place. If he isn’t, it will be proven.”
“I know he isn’t!” cried Shirley. “I knew it the minute I spoke. Oh, why did I say anything?”
“You did perfectly right,” declared Mabel.
Suddenly Shirley sprang to her feet.
“Has Jimmy gone yet?” she asked, drying her tears as she spoke.
“I don’t know,” replied Mabel.
Shirley hurried out the door.
“I must see him before he goes,” she exclaimed. “Come, maybe we can find him.”
The girls left the room hurriedly, and made their way to the front of the house. There, trudging slowly toward the pike-gate, with a bundle over hisshoulder, they made out the slight form of Jimmy Smith.
“Jimmy!” called Shirley, but the boy did not look back.
Shirley ran after him, and Mabel followed her friend.
Hearing footsteps behind him, Jimmy turned and looked back. Perceiving Shirley, he faced about again and would have gone on had not the girl called to him.
“Wait a minute, Jimmy.”
Jimmy halted and waited until Shirley came up to him.
“Jimmy,” cried the girl, “can you ever forgive me? I know you are not guilty.”
“No,” said Jimmy quietly, “I am not guilty. It is true I talked to Jones, but he did not even suggest treachery to me.”
“I know it! I know it!” declared Shirley. “And it is my fault that Dad has acted so.”
“It was your duty to your father, Miss Shirley,” declared the lad.
“It is good of you to say so,” declared the girl, “but what shall we do?”
“I shall find employment in town,” said Jimmy. “Some day, perhaps, your father will learn that he has misjudged me.”
“I’ll make him see it,” declared Shirley. “You shall yet win the Derby with Gabriel.”
Jimmy smiled sadly.
“I am afraid it is impossible,” he replied. “Should you ever need me, Mr. Wilson will tell you where to find me. I shall leave my address with him. Good-bye.”
He turned again, and before Shirley could protest, had continued on his way. For long minutes the girl looked after him, and then, stifling a sob, she made her way back toward the house.
A sudden cry of anguish came from the direction of the stable. Shirley listened intently, and heard another scream.
Shirley dashed in the direction from which it had come.
Reaching the stable she paused for a moment, listening. Nothing but silence. But as she was about to move on again, a low groan caught her ear. Again she listened. It came from Gabriel’s stall.
Shirley hastened forward.
From Gabriel’s stall protruded Gabriel’s black head. His eyes flamed angrily and he uttered snorts of rage.
“What’s the matter, Gabriel?” asked Shirley, and ran forward.
Gabriel gave a low whinny, and the fire left his eyes. Shirley opened the stall door and stepped inside. And she drew back with a cry of fear.
In the far corner of the stall lay a human form,twisted and out of shape. Shirley ran quickly toward it, and started back with a cry:
“Uncle Frank!”
There was no reply from the silent form. Stooping hastily, Shirley laid hold of the shoulders and dragged the body from the stall, closing the door behind her. Then she bent over the still figure.
The face was caked with blood, and the arms and limbs hung limp. A moment and Uncle Frank’s eyes opened and he gave vent to a feeble groan.
Shirley laid him down gently, and ran toward the house.
“Dad!” she cried. “Dad! Gabriel has killed Uncle Frank!”
Mr. Willing roused from his reverie with a start and hurried to the stable. Others who had heard Shirley’s words followed him. Soon every human being on the place was crowding around the stable.
Mr. Willing arrived first, and bent over the form of his old servant.
“What’s the matter, Frank?” he asked gently.
“Gabriel,” gasped the old negro, whose senses had now come back to him. “Gabriel! He dun kill me!”
“Oh, it’s not as bad as all that,” replied Mr. Willing hopefully. He turned to the crowd of negroes gathered about. “Telephone for Dr. Thompson, quick, one of you. Here,” motioning to two others, “help me carry him to the house.”
Gently the old darky was picked up and carried to the house, where Mr. Willing laid him upon a sofa on the porch.
Uncle Frank was perfectly conscious now.
“How did it happen, Frank?” asked Mr. Willing. “Surely you knew Gabriel wouldn’t allow you in his stall.”
“Yessah. But I went—I went in anyhow.”
“Why?”
Uncle Frank did not reply. He began to cough.
“Take off his coat, Dad,” exclaimed Shirley.
Gently they raised the old negro, and Mr. Willing took hold of his coat. Uncle Frank protested vigorously, but Mr. Willing drew the garment off anyhow, and threw it to a chair across the room.
It left a trail of greenbacks upon the floor.
Greatly surprised, Shirley stooped and picked them up, and, unthinkingly, counted them.
“Five hundred dollars,” she exclaimed. “Where in the world did he get all this money?”
She considered the point for some minutes, and then exclaimed aloud.
“Look, Dad,” she said, and handed him the roll of bills. “These dropped out of Uncle Frank’s pocket.”
Mr. Willing looked at his daughter in astonishment.
“Where on earth did he get that money?” he exclaimed.
Shirley smiled slightly.
“Unless I am greatly mistaken,” she said, “this is the same five hundred dollars Mr. Jones offered Jimmy Smith if he would ‘pull’ Gabriel in the Derby.”
Mr. Willing seemed staggered.
“Impossible!” he exclaimed. “Why, Frank has been with me for years. He is as faithful as the day is long.”
“Will he get well?” asked Shirley abruptly.
Mr. Willing shook his head.
“There is no chance,” he replied. “I knew enough to see that. Hardly a rib in his body but is broken. Also, he is badly crushed internally. No, he will not live.”
“Then,” said Shirley, “he must be made to clear Jimmy before he dies.”
Mr. Willing was silent for a long time.
“It is hard to believe,” he said at last, “but you must be right.”
He approached the bed.
“Frank,” he said quietly, “why did you sell me out?”
The old negro rolled his eyes but did not reply.
“Frank,” said Mr. Willing again, “you are going to die.”
“No! No!” cried the old negro.
“It is true,” continued Mr. Willing. “Now, Frank, haven’t I always treated you all right?”
“Yessah!”
“Then tell me why you sold me out.”
Still the old negro was silent.
“Frank,” said Mr. Willing, “did you put the painted bit in Gabriel’s stall?”
The old negro nodded.
“Yessah.”
He turned his head and sobbed.
“Don’t question him any more, Dad,” said Shirley, also with tears in her eyes. “It is enough that we know Jimmy is innocent. Let him die in peace.”
Suddenly Frank half rose in the bed, and a fit of coughing shook him.
“The end is near,” said Mr. Willing quietly. “The doctor will be too late.”
The old negro drew himself up high in the bed, and gazed at Mr. Willing. Then, slowly, hesitatingly, he extended an old and wrinkled hand.
“Good-bye, suh,” he said, in a low voice. “I’se sorry.”
Mr. Willing took the hand without a word. A smile lighted up the old negro’s face. Then, suddenly, he fell back.
Mr. Willing bent over him.
“He is dead,” he said, and his voice broke.
Shirley turned quietly toward the door.
“Where are you going?” demanded Mr. Willing, in a low voice.
“I am going to bring Jimmy back.”
Arrived in Paris, Shirley went at once to Mr. Wilson’s drug store.
“Yes,” said Mr. Wilson, in response to Shirley’s question. “Jimmy left me this address.”
He drew a card from his pocket and passed it to Shirley. The young girl glanced at it and then uttered an exclamation of surprise.
The address was the same hotel as that in which Jones had stopped when Jimmy fell into his power.
“There was a man with him when he gave me the card,” Mr. Wilson continued.
“Please describe him,” said Shirley anxiously.
Mr. Wilson did so, and Shirley maintained her composure with difficulty.
“Jones,” said Shirley to herself as she made her way from the store.
For a moment she hesitated, but for a moment only. Then mounting her horse, she set out resolutely for the address given. She climbed the dark stairs and went at once to the room Jones had occupied the last time she had been there.
Just as she was about to knock she caught the sound of voices from the inside. One she immediately recognized as Jones’ and the other was Jimmy’s. Shirley listened.
“Well,” said Jones, “I am glad to see that you have come to your senses at last. It’s about time.”
“I guess you are right,” said Jimmy, and to Shirley the voice sounded somewhat listless.
“You will find,” said Jones, “that in the long run the only friend you have is yourself. You see how quick Willing jumped onto you—also his daughter. No matter how honest you may be, at the first sign of dishonesty you are kicked out, guilty or innocent.”
“You’re right,” said Jimmy. “I guess I might as well have the game as the name. Now what is it you want me to do?”
“Well,” said Jones, “we worked the painted bit trick too soon. The horse will have recovered in time for the race. We must find some other way of getting at him. Do you know when Willing will move him to Louisville?”
“Yes. He will be driven into Paris Monday morning, and shipped that night.”
“Good. Then it will be your work to try and slip into the car unobserved. I shall give you a certain powder which you can give the horse. I’ll guarantee a dose of it will lay him up for a month.”
Jimmy shuddered slightly.
“It seems a shabby trick to play on Gabriel,” he said.
“Well, it’s a shabby trick Willing played on you.”
“So it is,” agreed Jimmy. “But suppose there is another guard with the horse? I may not be able to get in.”
“In that event I’ll take you to Louisville. A chance will turn up there sooner or later. You see the trouble is that no one but you can go close to him.”
“Then how will Mr. Willing race him?”
“Oh, he’ll find a jockey some place. They’ll bridle the horse some way, and once on his back one jockey will ride him as well as another.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” said Jimmy, “but maybe you’re right.”
“I know I am. It has been done many a time. Well, how does the plan strike you?”
“And you say,” said Jimmy, “that if I am successful, you will pay me $500?”
“Yes; as soon as the race is over.”
“Then I accept.”
“Good. I thought you would come to your senses.”
Shirley had listened in horror to this conversation. She could scarcely believe her ears. She had never dreamed that Jimmy would come to this. And she scolded herself roundly, for she believed it was all her fault.
“I brought him to this,” she told herself. “Now I shall have to save him.”
With a sudden movement she pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Jones, who had sat with his back to the door, jumped to his feet and faced the intruder. Jimmy, at first sight of Shirley, had turned white; but he kept his seat.
“Jimmy,” cried Shirley, rushing up to him, “surely you do not mean what you have said.”
Jimmy did not reply.
“Of course, he means it,” declared Jones, striding forward. “Why shouldn’t he, after the way you people have treated him?”
Shirley ignored Jones, and again spoke to Jimmy.
“We have done you a great injustice,” she said simply, “and Dad and I are both as sorry as we can be. I have come to take you back home.”
Jimmy looked at her in great surprise.
“Take me home?” he repeated. “Has Mr. Willing discovered his error?”
“Frank has confessed,” said Shirley quietly. “He is dead.”
“Frank dead!” echoed Jimmy, springing to his feet.
“Yes. Gabriel killed him.”
Jimmy bowed his head.
“It is retribution,” he said slowly. “The same thing might have happened to me.”
Shirley now drew a roll of bills from her purse—the five hundred dollars she had picked up in her father’s bedroom when it fell from Uncle Frank’s pocket. She had brought it with her unconsciously.
She threw the roll of money on the table, and turned to Jones scornfully.
“There,” she said, “is your blood money. Come, Jimmy.”
Slowly Jimmy rose to his feet.
But as the lad started to follow Shirley through the door, Jones sprang forward.
“No you don’t,” he said. “I have had enough of this foolishness.” He stepped back quickly, and from his hip pocket produced a revolver.
“Now,” he said, “you sit down in this chair, or I’ll use this.”
Jimmy was a lad of discretion. He sat down.
Shirley turned back from the door.
“Now,” said Jones, “I want you to understand that I am not to be trifled with. You are not going to ride Gabriel in the Derby, not if I have to shoot you. Is that plain enough?”
“It’s plain enough,” said Jimmy.
Jones leaned back in his chair and laughed; then he laid the revolver on the table.
“Good,” he said. He turned to Shirley and waved his hand. “You see,” he said, “Jimmy elects to remain here.”
“I don’t believe it,” declared Shirley.
“No, Miss Shirley,” said Jimmy, “I don’t want to remain here, but it looks as though I should have to.”
“You don’t want to, eh?” said Jones angrily. “Well, I’ll make you want to remain.”
Leaning suddenly forward, he threw out his right hand and clutched Jimmy by the collar. With a violent jerk he pulled him from his seat clear across the table.
Jimmy squirmed and wriggled, but he could not shake himself free. His kicking feet sent the revolver from the table to the floor, but Jones did not notice it.
Holding Jimmy high in the air with his left hand, with his right he deliberately struck him three heavy blows in the face. Then he let him drop to the floor, where the lad lay unconscious.
“There,” said Jones, “I guess that will settle you.”
“And I guess this will settle you,” came Shirley’s low voice.
Turning suddenly, Jones stepped back. Shirley stood facing him with one outstretched arm, and in her hand she clutched the revolver, which she levelled directly at Jones’ head.
Jumping quickly around the table just as Jones had dropped Jimmy to the floor, Shirley pouncedupon the revolver and rose with it in a steady hand, as Jones turned.
“Now,” she said quietly, keeping the weapon levelled squarely at the man’s head, “pick Jimmy up and walk out of here ahead of me.”
Jones hesitated and Shirley’s finger tightened upon the trigger.
“I would advise you to do as I say without delay,” she said.
Jones hesitated for only a second longer; then, stooping over, he lifted the boy up in his arms and walked out the door.
Keeping the revolver ready, Shirley followed him.
Shirley had left the horse just outside the hotel. Jones stopped near the animal.
“Put him across the saddle,” Shirley commanded.
Jones obeyed.
“Now,” said the girl, “take yourself away from here just as quick as you can.”
Without a word Jones turned and walked rapidly down the street.
Shirley climbed to the saddle, and taking the reins in her right hand, she clutched Jimmy’s inert body with her left.
The girl had no means of telling how badly the lad was hurt, and her one thought was to get him to a doctor as quickly as possible. It was getting late now, and dusk was coming on.
“I guess I had better take him to Mr. Wilson’s,” said the girl to herself.
She turned her horse in that direction.
Mr. Wilson himself came running out of the door as Shirley dismounted, and lent a hand to carry Jimmy’s unconscious body into the store, where they laid him down gently on a sofa in the rear.
Shirley bent over Jimmy anxiously.
“Is he badly hurt, Mr. Wilson?” she asked.
“I am afraid he is,” was the slow reply. “His face is badly battered, as you can see. He must have been struck a terrible blow. How did it happen?”
Shirley explained.
“I’ll call a doctor immediately,” said Mr. Wilson and hastened to the telephone.
The physician arrived a few minutes later.
“He must be taken to the hospital,” he declared. “His condition is serious.”
“Can I do anything, doctor?” asked Shirley.
“No, not now,” was the reply.
“Then I shall go home immediately,” said the girl.
She left the store quickly, mounted her horse, and headed homeward through the rapidly gathering darkness.
Mr. Willing’s anger at the manner in which Jimmy had been injured knew no bounds. It was late when Shirley reached home, but her father wanted to go to town at once and put the police on Jones’ trail.
“I don’t think it is necessary, Dad,” said Shirley. “I feel sure he will trouble us no more.”
“But who will ride Gabriel in the Derby?” demanded Mr. Willing.
“Perhaps Jimmy will be well enough to ride when the time comes,” suggested Mabel.
“I shall call up the doctor the first thing in the morning and ask the extent of his injuries,” promised Mr. Willing.
“If possible,” said Shirley, “I think it would be best to take Jimmy to Louisville with us. We can attend to him carefully there, and help to get him in condition for the race.”
“A good idea,” agreed Mr. Willing, “if the doctor will consent.”
“I am sure Jimmy will be all right,” said Shirley hopefully. “By the way, Dad, how is Gabriel?”
“Better than could be expected,” was the reply. “The veterinary said he would be perfectly fit in a day or two.”
After a few further words, all retired with the exception of Leonard, who made his way to the stable, where he was to stand watch, for Mr. Willing had not selected a man to take old Frank’s place.
In the morning Mr. Willing learned that Jimmy’s condition was not as serious as had been feared. The doctor did not oppose the plan of taking the lad to Louisville on Monday.
“The trip will not hurt him,” he declared. “But keep him perfectly quiet after you arrive. With careful nursing he should be in shape to ride Gabriel to victory.”
The days passed slowly, but at last the time for departure came. Besides packing her own clothes, Shirley also packed Jimmy’s things, and on Monday afternoon Mr. Willing, Mr. Ashton, Leonard, Mabel and Shirley, with Gabriel tied to the rear of the double carriage, were driven to Paris.
Mr. Willing had already shipped his large touring car to Louisville, for he believed he would have need of it there.
Leonard had asked to travel with Gabriel and Mr. Willing, after some hesitancy, had accepted his offer.
The party went first to the freight depot, where Gabriel was led into a car that had been reserved for him. He was tied up at one end, and Leonard took up his position at the other. Besides Mr. Willing’s shotgun the young man was armed with a brace of heavy caliber revolvers.
“The first man that sticks his head in this car is likely to get it shot off,” said the young man grimly, as the others prepared to leave.
“I am glad that you are here,” said Mr. Willing slowly. “I am glad to have some one I can trust in charge of Gabriel. We will be waiting for you when you reach Louisville.”
They shook hands all around and left Gabriel and Leonard alone. Immediately the car door was closed, and a few moments later a switch engine hooked onto the car and soon it was coupled to a long train. Half an hour later the train began to move.
In the meantime the others had made their way to the hospital where Jimmy lay. The boy was much better than they had expected to find him, and the doctor, who was at the bedside, assured them that he was well on the road to recovery.
“Just be careful with him,” he told them.
Jimmy was carried to the depot on a stretcher and made comfortable in a Pullman car; and soon the party were on their way.
At Lexington there was a long delay, and it wasnearly midnight before the train pulled out. Shirley and Mabel took turns watching over Jimmy during the night, but their vigilance was unnecessary. For the lad, once he had closed his eyes, did not open them again until the train was nearing Louisville the following morning.
“Where shall we stop, Dad?” asked Shirley, as they prepared to leave the train.
“Guess we may as well go to the St. Charles,” was the reply.
On the platform he summoned a porter, who picked Jimmy up and carried him to a taxi. Mr. Willing climbed in alongside him, and Mr. Ashton and the two girls occupied another.
At the hotel Mr. Willing engaged a suite of six rooms, where all could be comfortable.
“I’ll stay here until Saturday,” he told the others. “Then I shall stay at the track.”
This was Tuesday morning, and the Derby would not be run till the next Monday. In the days that followed, the two girls, when they were not caring for Jimmy, spent their time sight-seeing around town.
Leonard and Gabriel arrived Wednesday afternoon, and Mr. Willing immediately quartered them in his stable at the track, Leonard announcing that he had determined to maintain his watch until the last moment. Shirley and Mabel made several trips to see the horse, and, of course, so did Mr. Willing.There was no doubt in the minds of any that the animal was in perfect condition for the race.
“If Jimmy only gets well in time,” said Mr. Willing.
The youngster was improving steadily and there seemed little doubt that he would be well enough to ride by Monday.
As Shirley and Mabel were walking along Market Street Thursday afternoon, the former suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure in the crowd. She took Mabel by the hand and hurried forward.
“What’s the matter?” demanded her friend.
“I see some one I want to talk to,” was the reply, and the girl quickened her steps.
And then Mabel saw the reason for her chum’s haste. At the same moment Shirley called:
“Dick!”
A young man, a few yards ahead of them, turned. As his gaze rested upon the two girls he stopped, and lifted his cap.
Shirley approached quickly and extended her hand, which Dick grasped warmly. Then he shook hands with Mabel.
“It’s good to see you again,” he said warmly.
“And I’m glad to see you again,” said Shirley. “What are you doing in Louisville?”
“I’m working here,” was the reply. “I’m office boy in one of the large newspaper offices. Some day,” he added, “I hope to be a reporter.”
“And I am sure it will not be long before you are,” declared Shirley. “How is it that you are not working this afternoon?”
“I work all night,” was the reply. “I go to work at six o’clock.”
“Have you seen anything of Jones?” demanded the girl, after some further talk.
“I thought I saw him on the street the other day,” was the reply, “but I am not sure. However, I suppose he is here. Have you had any more trouble with him?”
“Yes,” replied Shirley, and told him everything that had happened since Dick had left them.
“Well,” said Dick, “I should advise that Gabriel be carefully guarded. Jones is a desperate man. There is no telling what he may attempt.”
“I do not believe he will be able to do much damage now,” declared Shirley. “Leonard is with Gabriel all the time.”
“I wouldn’t take any chances.”
“We won’t.”
“And you say Jimmy will be in condition to ride?”
“Yes.”
“Good; but I must be leaving you now. I hope I shall see you again before you return home,” and lifting his hat, Dick turned away.
“Will you go to the Derby with us?” Shirley called after him.
Dick hesitated a moment before replying.
“I shall be glad to,” he said at length.
“Then come to the hotel at 10 o’clock Monday morning,” said Shirley.
“I’ll be there,” said the boy, and with another bow he was gone.
Shirley and Mabel returned to the hotel.
“How is everything at the track, Dad?” asked Shirley when her father came in a few moments later.
“First rate.”
“Have there been any attempts to injure Gabriel?”
“No. Leonard thought he caught sight of Jones out there yesterday, but he is not sure. I think he must be mistaken. I reckon we are through with Jones.”
“I hope so,” replied both girls.
“I’ll take you all out to-morrow and let you have a look at Gabriel,” said Mr. Willing.
“What are we going to do to-night?” asked Shirley.
Mr. Willing smiled at her.
“What would my little girl like to do?” he asked.
“Well, I would like to go to the theater, but there is no one to leave with Jimmy.”
“I’ll stay behind, and you can go with Ashton,” declared Mr. Willing.
And this plan, after some discussion, was followed.
It was late when the three returned to the hotel, and knowing that they must be up early in the morning, they all went to bed immediately.
“Don’t you think Jimmy should have a little exercise, Dad?” asked Shirley, just before telling her father good-night.
“I had thought of that,” was the reply. “If he is feeling strong enough to-morrow afternoon, I shall take him out to the track for a few minutes. Besides, he should have a look at the course before the race.”
“He is certainly getting along splendidly,” declared Shirley. “I feel sure a little outing will do him good.”
Jimmy, who had overheard this conversation, smiled.
“I should like to see Gabriel,” he said quietly. “I want to tell him that we must win this race.”
“Oh, he knows that now, I’m sure,” said Shirley with a laugh. “I’ve told him all about it myself.”
“Then there is nothing to be feared,” said Jimmy. “Gabriel will do anything for you.”
“Well, young people,” said Mr. Willing, “you have talked enough. It’s time for you to get to bed.”
And soon all were sleeping soundly.
The following afternoon, in the touring car, the entire Willing party was driven to the track. They went immediately to Gabriel’s quarters in the training field, where, after a sharp knock upon the door, Leonard admitted them.
“Anything new?” asked Mr. Willing, as he entered.
“Not a thing,” replied Leonard with a smile. “Everything’s quiet and serene.”
“Good. I’ve brought you some visitors.”
Leonard stepped back, and Shirley, Mabel, Mr. Ashton and Jimmy stepped inside.
Although somewhat weak and a trifle pale Jimmy seemed to be almost himself again. He walked slowly, but said he was feeling splendidly.
“Where is Gabriel?” he asked.
Leonard pointed and Jimmy hurried forward as fast as his weakened condition would permit.
Gabriel received him with a whinny of delight, and throwing his arms about the big black horse’s neck, Jimmy talked to him long and lovingly.
Then he rejoined the others.
“Gabriel has promised he will win the race,” Jimmy whispered to Shirley.
“Then it is just as good as won,” declared the girl.
“Jimmy,” called Mr. Willing at that moment, “would you like to have a look at the course?”
“Yes, sir,” replied the boy, and went forward.
“I’m going too,” declared Shirley.
“And I,” said Ashton.
“I’d like to have a look myself,” said Leonard. “I haven’t had a chance to get out and look about since I have been here.”
“But who will stay with Gabriel?” asked Mr. Willing.
“I’ll stay,” Mabel volunteered.
Mr. Willing hesitated for a moment, then consented.
“I think it will be all right for a few minutes,” he said.
“Mabel, don’t go too near Gabriel,” said Shirley. “He might not like it.”
“Don’t worry,” was the laughing rejoinder. “I won’t go in his stall. I know as well as you do that he wouldn’t permit any one but you and Jimmy in there.”
Mabel sat down in a chair to await the return of the others, who now went out the door.
Gabriel, with his head out of his stall door, eyedthe girl searchingly; and looking up suddenly, Mabel caught his eye and smiled. Gabriel’s ears twitched, and he didn’t seem half as ferocious as usual.
“Strange,” mused Mabel. “He never let me get that close to him before.”
At that moment the door behind her slammed with a bang. Turning quickly Mabel started back with a cry. She was face to face with Jones.
“So,” said Jones with a sneering smile, “we meet again! Now you listen to me, and do as I say. I haven’t much time and I don’t want to waste any. You get out of here just as fast as you can. Do you hear?”
Mabel made no reply, but backed toward Gabriel’s stall. Jones took a step forward.
“Do you hear me?” he cried angrily.
Mabel was badly frightened, but tried not to show it.
Raising her hand, she pointed to the door.
“Leave here at once,” she commanded. “Mr. Willing will be back here in a few minutes and he will attend to you.”
Jones smiled again.
“I have plenty of time to do what I came for,” he said. “Get away from that stall.”
Mabel only shrunk back closer.
Gabriel, his head protruding from his stall, watched this scene with dilated eyes and quiveringnostrils. He stamped angrily, and uttered several snorts.
As Jones took another step forward, Mabel advanced, as though to meet him. Then, as Jones halted, she put her hand behind her and opened the catch to Gabriel’s stall. Quickly she pushed the door back, and leaping suddenly inside, she closed it again.
Jones, with a cry of rage, leaped forward, but as he did so Gabriel tossed his head angrily and the man stepped back in fear.
“Now,” said Mabel quietly, “unless you leave here immediately I shall open this door and let Gabriel at you.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” sneered Jones.
He glanced quickly about him, his face alight with an evil smile. He took a few steps back, and stooping, came up with a gun in his hands.
“You had better get down out of the way,” he said. “I’ll take a shot at Gabriel with this. It won’t kill him, but I guess it will do enough damage to keep him out of the race.”
He brought the revolver to his shoulder and took deliberate aim.
“Get down quick!” he commanded. “You might get hurt!”
Mabel glanced about her.
Hanging on a nail from the side of the stall she saw a curry comb and brush. With a quick leap sheseized them, and then, running forward, she threw them with all her strength.
Her aim was perfect, and true to its mark the heavy brush shot forward, catching Jones squarely in the forehead.
Jones staggered back and dropped his weapon.
But the blow was not hard enough to knock him down, and he sprang up again with a cry of rage and stooped to pick up the gun.
At that instant Mabel opened wide Gabriel’s stall.
With an almost human cry, Gabriel, who had been jumping about angrily, charged through the door straight at Jones. The latter saw him coming, and leaped aside, and Gabriel, striking out with his forefeet, missed.
Jones ran quickly toward the door and laid hold of the knob.
But before he could turn it the horse was again upon him. Snorting, he shoved out his head, and his teeth met in Jones’ arm.
Jones shrieked with the pain of it.
Mabel, cowering down in the stall, began to cry.
Three times Jones, his arm dripping blood, dashed around the place with Gabriel in pursuit. The man was badly frightened, but fear lent fleetness to his feet. He avoided Gabriel’s teeth narrowly several times and so far had succeeded in dodging the flying hoofs.
But such a struggle could have but one outcome.
Suddenly Jones found himself in a corner from which there was no escape.
Gabriel reared high in the air, and his forefeet, in their descent, struck Jones squarely upon the head. The man went down in a heap. Gabriel, seeing his foe prostrate on the floor, stood off and made ready to leap upon him again.
But at that moment the door opened and Jimmy dashed inside, closely followed by Shirley and the others.
Jimmy leapt for Gabriel’s halter, but missed.
Once more the animal reared high in the air, and his heavy feet would have crushed out Jones’ life had it not been for Shirley’s prompt action.
She jumped in front of Gabriel and into the air, caught him by the halter; then, springing aside, she drew herself clear of the heavy hoofs just as they came down with a crash.
But she had succeeded in her object, and Gabriel’s feet missed Jones’ head by the fraction of an inch.
Shirley clung tightly to the halter.
For an instant Gabriel’s eyes continued to flame, but after one quick glance at the girl who had him, he became quiet. His nostrils still quivered with anger, but the fire had left his eyes. He stood perfectly still.
Leonard bent over the still form of Jones. Stooping,he lifted the man’s head to his knee, and at the same moment Jones’ consciousness returned.
He took in the scene before him, and staggered to his feet, blood covering his face. He glanced once at the faces about him, and then made for the door.
Mr. Willing intercepted him.
“I have had enough of you. The next time you cross my path I shall turn you over to the authorities. I have a notion to do it right now. Get out of my place, and stay out!”
Without a word, Jones slunk to the door and disappeared.
“Where is Mabel?” demanded Mr. Ashton in great anxiety, at this juncture.
Mabel was not in sight.
All glanced about, and then, from the direction of Gabriel’s stall, came a faint moan.
Shirley ran forward ahead of the others, and in an instant had her friend’s head in her lap.
“Water quick!” she commanded.
Leonard hastened forward with a bucket of water.
“Is she hurt?” asked Mr. Ashton, excitedly, pushing the others away.
Shirley made a careful examination of her friend.
“No,” she replied. “I don’t see a mark. She must have fainted.”
Mabel moaned again, and a moment later openedher eyes. Seeing Shirley, she threw her arms around her friend’s neck and broke into tears again. The excitement had been too much for her.
A few minutes later, however, the flow of tears ceased and Mabel sat up.
“Tell us all about it,” said Shirley, stroking her chum’s hair.
In a few words Mabel complied.
“You are a brave girl,” Shirley told her. “Gabriel might have killed you when you entered his stall.”
“No, he wouldn’t do that,” was Mabel’s reply. “We had already become friends.”
She rose, walked over to the big horse and threw her arms about his neck. Gabriel submitted to the caress.
“Well,” said Mr. Willing, “let’s get back to the hotel.”
Shirley led Gabriel back to his stall, and leaving Leonard once more on guard, the others set out for their hotel.
It was the day of the great race.
Shirley jumped out of bed eagerly, and shook Mabel, who was still sleeping soundly.
“Mabel! Mabel!” she called.
Mabel turned sleepily.
“What’s the matter?” she asked.
“Time to get up,” was the reply. “It’s almost eight o’clock. This is Derby day.”
“So it is,” exclaimed Mabel, awake in an instant now.
She jumped out of bed and the girls dressed quickly.
Mr. Willing and the others were already up and dressed when the girls came from their rooms, and they all went down to breakfast together.
It was during the meal that Mr. Willing was suddenly called by a page.
“Gentleman to see you sir,” said the boy.
Mr. Willing excused himself and left the dining room. He was back in a few minutes, however, and said to Shirley:
“The rest of you will have to come to the track by yourselves. I have some business to attend to. I’ll meet you there. I’ll leave the car for you.”
Mr. Ashton spoke up.
“I have some business matters to see about also,” he said. “I’ll go with you, and Jimmy and the girls can use the car.”
This plan was agreed upon.
“By the way, Dad,” said Shirley suddenly, as her father rose to go, “Dick is going with us.”
“Dick!” repeated Mr. Willing. “Who in the world is Dick?”
Shirley explained.
“Bring him by all means,” said her father. “I shall be glad to see him.”
At the door he turned.
“Meet me in our quarters at 1 o’clock,” he said; then to Jimmy: “Jimmy, you had better dress here in the hotel.”
Jimmy answered that he would do so, and Mr. Willing and Mr. Ashton took their departure.
The girls waited impatiently for Dick to arrive. He was announced sharp on the stroke of ten, and was shown to their suite.
“We had better leave here about noon,” he said. “The crowd will be immense and it may take us some time to get to the track.”
This was agreed upon.
The four strolled about the street until eleveno’clock, when they returned to the hotel for lunch.
Jimmy partook of a very light meal, for he wished to be in exact condition for the race. He left the table before the others, announcing that he would go upstairs and change to his jockey clothes.
Fifteen minutes later the others followed him.
There was not a sound in the room when the three entered and a peculiar feeling came over Shirley.
“Jimmy!” she called suddenly.
There was no answer, and again the girl called.
Still no answer.
“What in the world can be the matter?” asked the girl anxiously. She turned to Dick. “Will you go into Jimmy’s room and see what is wrong?” she asked.
Dick disappeared into the other room and the two girls waited nervously.
They heard Dick’s voice raised in an exclamation, and he came dashing back.
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said quietly, as the girls rose and ran to him.
“What’s the matter?” demanded Shirley, wringing her hands. “Where is Jimmy?”
“He is in there,” said Dick. “But he has been hurt.”
“Hurt!” exclaimed both girls in one voice.
“Yes.”
“How?”
“Well,” said Dick quietly, “he was struck over the head with a club.”
The girls cried out in dismay.
“He is still unconscious,” Dick continued. “I found him on the floor. I tried to revive him, but it was no use. I laid him on the bed.”
“What are we to do?” said Mabel. “Gabriel will not be able to run.”
“Never mind the race now,” said Shirley. “Let’s call a doctor for Jimmy. His life is more important than the race.”
She stepped quickly to the telephone and summoned the hotel physician. Then all went into Jimmy.
The lad had not had time to change into his jockey costume. Apparently he had been struck down the moment he entered the room.
As Shirley bent over him, he moved restlessly and opened his eyes. He saw Shirley, and smiled slightly.
“What’s the matter, Jimmy?” asked the girl gently. “How did it happen?”
“I don’t know,” came the weak reply. “Something hit me as I stepped in the door.”
Dick came up to the bed at this point. In his hand he held a short cudgel.
“Here is the weapon,” he said quietly.
“But who did it?” asked Shirley.
“It’s some of Jones’ work, I should say,” said Mabel.
“Of course,” agreed Dick.
At this moment Jimmy tried to sit up.
“What time is it?” he asked in a feeble voice.
Shirley looked at her watch.
“Quarter after twelve,” she said.
“Then I must get up,” declared Jimmy. “I must get to the track.”
A knock sounded at the door, and the hotel physician entered. He made a quick examination.
“Can I ride in the Derby this afternoon?” asked Jimmy eagerly.
The doctor shook his head.
“You’ll stay in bed for a week,” he said quietly.
“But I must get to the track,” said Jimmy. “Mr. Willing is depending on me! I must go.”
“It is impossible,” said the physician.
“Then what shall we do?” cried the boy. “Who will ride Gabriel?”
“I guess Gabriel will not run,” said the physician quietly.
“But he will,” cried Shirley, “and he shall win too.”
The others looked at the girl in surprise.
“What do you mean?” demanded Mabel.
The girl took a long breath, then said quietly:
“I will ride him!”
The others uttered exclamations of surprise.
“But you can’t, Shirley,” protested Mabel.
“But I will,” came the firm reply.
“Your father would never hear of such a thing.”
“He doesn’t need to know anything about it. But the rest of you must help me. I’ll dress here in Jimmy’s clothes. No one will know the difference. I have played Jimmy once and I can do it again. But you, Mabel, and you, Dick, must keep between me and father as much as possible.”
“What will your father say when he fails to see you at the track? He will want to know what has become of you.”
“Then you must tell him something that will satisfy him for the time.”
Shirley looked at her watch again.
“Twenty minutes past twelve. I shall have to hurry,” she said.
Quickly she went to Jimmy’s trunk and pulled forth his jockey clothes. Then she hastened to her own room.