Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 September 1891 — DOUBLE DICK AND JOE; The Poorhouse Waifs. [ARTICLE]

DOUBLE DICK AND JOE; The Poorhouse Waifs.

BY DAVID LOWRY.

CHAPTER XVll—Conttnjpd. The lookers-on marveled as Dick set |ils teeth tight, and, accommodating his movements to those of the mare, they pped around the vast Inclosure in circles that Increased in dimensions. “Jump! Jump for your life,” shouted MltchelL “No, no,” shouted Ben Instantly. “Hold hard—hold hard, Dick,” Dick did hold on. The white mare cose In the air—pawed the air. Still Dick clung to her. She plunged repeatedly, still the boy sat on her back. Her heels flew up like lightning, and still Dick was not tossed over her head. On the contrary, as she reared again and pawed the air, Diek hit he? on the right ear with his fist with all his might. The mare dropped on all'fours, then reared again, was hit again and again dropped on all fours. But, now, Dick did not lose time striking her. His hand struck her a score of times or more as fast as he could move his arm. The mare stopped and shook her head. She turned and glared at her rider. In that interval Dick had grasped a loose strapfiom the top of a wagon near him. This strap was now raised in the air. The spectators saw it come down on the head, shoulders and flanks of the mare—it rained blows on her. The mare galloped across the field in a frenzy, still the blows were showered on her without stint Oge struck one eye—that made her frantic with fear and rage; she sped round and round — 9 way to the end of the large field, back, to and fro, and still the strap was plied unmercifully. “If she stumbles it is death to both, • said Mitchell. “Yes; and there’s five hundred dollars gone at a clip,” said Mr. Bucket!, whom the cries had brought from the road at a distance, where he was superintending the movements of the foremost wagons. “I'd gtve a thought to that plucky boy,” said Ben drily. “So I do —so I do, ” said Buckett. “Here, too, * said Mitchell. At that instant the mare stood stock still. The lookers-on could not see what happened. What they saw surprised them beyond expression. The mareturned about, and instead of galloping like mad, trotted—yes, trotted slowly and gently back to the group near the green-room, where she stopped. As Dipk looked at the crowd smiling, Buckett exclaimed: “The boy’s a witch!” “I can’t understand it, * said Mitchell, as Dick slid to the ground wfth a laugh. “You are a wonder!” said Ben. But his wife kissed Dick’s cheek, whereat he blushed like a girl. “There’s nothing you can’t back after that, ” said Buckett. “O! I’ll put him on a zebra or tiger after that, ” said Mitchell, taking holt} of the mare, which stood docile. “Now ter us have some breakfast,” - said Buckett. “Yes,” Ben said, with a laugh, “ft gave me an appetite just to look at Dick and Firefly. ” It is necessary for me to say something of the mare Dick mastered. Black Bess was as mettlesome an animal as we have seen. There were very few who could go near her. However, Black Bess had been driven, ridden —was’well-known in the ring. Only she was uncertain, “devilish uncertain, ” as Mitchell said. Dick did wonders with her. Firefly—well, to twist an old saying, she was a mare of another color. The white steed was the most nntractable horse known in the State where she was foaled. She was a heeler —a spitfire—a murderous beast. Beautiful —butcrueL She had a terrible record. Buckett knew her strain well—knew all about her, but he took a strange fancy to buy her, and paid more money for her than others, who knew the mare, would have been paid to take her home and promise to risk limb and life feeding her. You never heard—l never heard of a man or a woman, or a horse with a bad record, that dia not somehow present an offset in the shape of extenuating circumstances. Firefly had killed4wo men. One she threw over her head, breaking his neck, the man who fed her two years. She killed him ten minutes after he placed the bit in her mouth—the only bit she ever felt in her mouth. The excuse then was, < her owner did not know how to manage horses. The bereaved family got rid of her speedily. A man who knew all about horses took hold of Firefly. Why, he had commanded a cavalry regiment. He mounted her one day; she took the bit in her teeth, ran away, threw him, and he died a week later. The excuse then made w«s that Colonel Smith was not sufficiently mindful; that he let the beast get her head when he ought to have been watching her. ‘ Firefly was fed carefully through a hole tn the stable after that Nobody cared to no maimed or killed by venturing into her stall. This was the blooded mare Buckett bought just for an experiment. This was the animal Dick subdued. It was wonderful. A boy. a mere boy who was raised in a poorhouse, bringing a beast that the oldest hands were afraid of. There is a great deal of superstition among “show people. ” More than sailors reveal; much more. Buckett all at once conceived this boy was thrown into his path to paralyze the public with Firefly. At the breakfast table be said, in a loud tone: “Your boy, Ben, has accomplished what no one else would have undertaken for me. ” “I wouldn’t do it, for one," said the clown, coolly, as he helped himself to another egg and a piece of bacon. “Nary time, Mr. Buckett” “I didn’t think you’d confess it,’ said Mitchell. Ben looked at him. “If you meant' that for a sneer—it don’t hurt I believe there are men—and animals—that are too mean to live. Thieve! and murderers—and horses spoiled by keepers, that were no good when they were foaled. There’s plenty kindly horses— I’ve handled all you’ve brought thia way —can handle Firefly—but ” “Well?” said the ringmaster.

“Why, if I did, by-and-by somebody else would take her th hand and she’d kill him. I don’t want to be the one to lull people into false security. ” “Bosh!” “You all hear him. He says ’bosh,’ gentlemen. Make a note on it Tell me at the end of the season U I am right." Nothing more was said concerning the | white mare at breakfast. Very soon after the breakfast was dis- ' posed of, the clown’s wife went to the leading establishments, secured the ma- ‘ terial for Dick’s dress, and taking it te a costumer’s instructed them fully. The Monster Aggregation meanwhile moved on to the great city, where they , were to give an exhibition that night • Mrs. Brown was to follow in the cars at her leisure. | Dick was delighted. He had readbeard of New York. He had never hoped he would see the great city, and here he was on his way to it And how was he entering it As a I hero! As a prodigy! His name (it was his now) was in big colored let&rtj on startling posters that challenged the eye. j His name was larger than the clown’s— ! than Mrs. Brown’s. Why, he was the I leading—the central figure in the Mon- . star Aggregation of talent and beauty. What did it all mean? ! He wondered how it would all turn i out Likely as not Zeke Caper would come down on him as of old, and wattle | him as he carried him back to Acorn County and apprenticed him to some cross farmpr. No! Dick resolved he would die before going back to Acorn County again. The Monster Aggregation was transported to the metropolis in a few hours. The attendants were busy as bees; so much had to be done before the public would be permitted to witness its won- | ders.. New trappings were fitted, new people employed, new programmes ar- ; ranged. It was eminently proper to adhere to the old saw. Mr. Buckett w,as determined to put his best foot foremost A success In New York meant — ' we'l, it meant victory or defeat. The ■ opposition had started out from New ' York Buckett was bringing some- . thing in. He brought in a number of good rid- j ers, leapers, and specialists who had got , in first-class working order—“every man ! and woman feeling as fine as a fiddlfi,” to use his own language. Whereas his competitors had begun with a good deal of friction, and performances were rough, everything showing a rough edge. Buckett would come and go ns smooth as butter. The clown and his wife were housed at a good hotel. Mrs. Brown w>s in her room, with Dick, who had just oome in after a walk up Broadway, where he marveled at all he witnessed, when Ben suddenly entered. He looked angry. He tossed his hat on the table and began instantly with, “Would you believe it, Kate, Buckett has got Mitchell to do his dirty work again.” “How is that?” “You know—l know that Firefly will kill somebody. It wasn’t luck enough for Dick here that he handled Bess all right; because he brought the mare to time Mitchell wants him to ride Firefly. ” “He shall not ” “He never will with my consent • Dick looked at the clown. “Does Mr. Mitchell say I’ve gpt to ride her?” “He would like to, but I’ve got a say.” “But how can you, Ben?” said nis wife. “If you or I do anything, Mitchell will say 1 it’s jealousy. “Oh, yes; I’ve of that too, Kate. I’ll talk through others this time. The boy shan’t be killed. “I’m not a bit afraid. ” “I believe you, ” said Ben, admiringly; “you’ve pluck enough for a regiment you have. ” “How did you learn all this, Ben?" His wife was very much excited. “Why, I overheard Mitchell talking to Buckett. All he wanted was Buckett’s permission, and he says he will mount Dick on the she devil to-night” 4 “Oh, Ben!” < Mrs. Brown looked alarmed. “Something awful will happen—l feel it, I know it.” “I tell you what will happen. IM wallop Mitchell to begin with, and take Dick away with me, before I’ll see it done. ” ’ “No, no, Ben; you know you wouldn’t fight him. You’ve promised you would not lower yourself fighting. ” “I did, Kate—and I’ll keep my word—but somebody will whip that cur. He is a cur. He goes on all fours—curse him.” Dick laughed. “What are you laughing at?” “You punned. You said he was a cur —and cursed him. ” The clown and his wife smiled, and the smile brought back good humor. Then they talked of the matter soberly. “Mitchell has given the white mare a new name. ” “What is it to be, Ben?” “Think. ” “Oh, Angel—or something peaceful.” “Very peaceful. The new name is— Gentle Annie ” ’ “Mitchell would be nearer if he called her Death bn a Pa’e Horse, ” said Mrs. Brown. . “What will you do, Ben?” “Wed, to begin with. I’m responsible for Dick, here. ” “I don’t see it.” “Why, I put him on a horse—if I hadn't he might be hanging around blacking boots, selling cakes and lemonade. I ought to see he is not put on that brute, to be killed, maybe.” “Yes—l see, now. You must not allow it. ” ” “Aye, there’s the rub. How am I to help it I suppose the only way is to quit Buckett and lose a week's salary in spite of ail we can do. “I’d lose a month’s salary rather than see Dick hurt ” “I’m glad you’re agreed. Well—l’ll oppose it, and if the worst comes, I’ll give Buckett warning to night” That evening, when Dick was dressed as the Arabian Queen, and just before ; the crowd began to pour into the enorI mous tent Mrs. Brown called her husband aside. “Buckett and Mitchell have made up their mind —they will put Dick on Firefly in the last act ” “They wdn’t! I’ll bet they won’t, now," said Ben sturdily. “I’ll shoot the beast if they do.” Dick listened to this conversation eagerly. He wanted to assure the clown that he thought he could jump off the mare, if the worst came, but he refrained. The ’boy had been restrained he much that he could not manifest, or make known to others, his confidence in himself. He did not fear any horse—indeed, he had encountered so many mad bulls, and vicious horses that he .knew the nature of the four-footed animals as well or better than many stablemen; for Dick was thoughtful, and pondered much

over the disposition of certain fractious animals. That night, when Dick was on his way to the circus, he had overheard two lads about his age, talking of the circus* and its principal features. One of them had said there was going to be a “surprise. • The other asked the nature of the surprise* when the first replied that it would be something wonderful on horseback. He had half a mind to relate the incident to the clown, but he held his peace. So the boy had evidently overheard something, or some one in Mitchell’s confidence had-whispered what was on the cards for the evening. Mitchell’s dark face appeared in the entrance at that moment. He did not speak to Ben; as for the clown, he turned away from the master and busied himself with his own affair! He was dressed to go on, but his face was not yet painted. Diek thought his eyes flashed, and that* there was less color in his sac Dick was right *Ben Brown had iully resolved to protest against any attempt to place Dck on the back of the vicious mare—he had fully made up his mind to part from Mr. Buckett. The signa! for assembly sounded before Ben was ready. He gave his checks a few hasty touches, deepened a few wrinkles, hit the cheekbones lightly with carmine and picked up his marvelous hat The grand entry was made in magnificent style. Dick was on as a princess, of course, with a false skirt which could be removed in a se.ond, and a sash that could be tossed aside on the instant The various acts called in rotation were received with thunders of applause. The clown was in his glory. How he made the people roar with his sallies and songs and antics and art stic tr.umphs. The opening in New York was an overwhe.ming success. There couid be no doubt of it The j erformors did I heir best, and were rewarded with thunders of applause. Suddenly Mitchell appeared in the dressing-room. There was only a few Indians, Japanese jugglers, and a snakecharmer in the green-room—people Dick had been looking at wonderingly for days, but whom ho could not speak to. “Now, Dick, I’m going to ask you to stun them. Will you ride iireliy? If you do, I’ll give you 810 right now. Here’s the money, Dick. ” “I’m not afraid.” “Then I’ll have her brought in. Don’t be afraid. You bested Black Bess, and you made Firefly come to time, so I’ve no fear. You'll stun that crowd—you’ll put the the cap sheaf on the t>usiness if you’ll do as I want you to.” “I don’t like to refuse, but unless ”

Dick was talking to air. Mitchell had disappeared, and a moment later appeared with two grooms, one on either side of Firefly. The white mare glared at them alternately. She was trembling with rage. “Now, then, let me give you a lift.” Before he could remonstrate, poor D.ck was on Firefly’s back. The beast bounded. The grooms held her fast. The ring-master walked beside them s lying, “Hold her in—curse you, hold her in—and lead her twice; or three times round the ring. Don’t let her go till I tell you.” The band gave a furious flourish, and Dick—otherwise the Arabian Queen — was carried by the untamed steed fairly into the ring before he had time to think. It was all done so quick that he could not repress a smile at the look of roal horror the clown bestowed upon him as the grooms walked the mare around the ring. The people laughed at the face the clown made. They could not help it—he counterfeited horror so well. Meantime, Mitchell had mounted a painted keg, and was announcing In his metallic tones: Ladies and Gentlemen: I have the honor to announce the first appearance before an American audience of one of the most renowned equestriennes the world has ev6r seen. The management takes great pleasure in Introducing that finest ornament of the arena; from the Cirque Imperial de Paris and various European capitals. Idalia, Queen of Arabia! The audience clapped their hands. The clown stood between the ringmaster and the grooms. • Double Dick did not hear a word; he sat sat on the trembling mare like one in a dream. • him, looking with staring,/ adiafag|<t eyes at him, was a beautiful young s «dy so very like Joe—poor that he had defended at Barnesville Poorhouse, that he could not think of — not see anything else. If Joe had a twin-sister anywhere In the world, this must be her. Only she was so much prettier. Joe’s cheeks never had that bright color; her eyes were bright but they never had the soft light that shone from the eyes that were fixed on Dick’s. [to be continued.]