Cinder Path Tales

MY FIRST, FOR MONEY 19 I did have pride enough to make a brace when I reached the open air, and flattered myself I did not show how badly I felt. I was enveloped in a long top-coat, which hid me completely, but as we forced our way to the track through the spectators, who crowded around to get a look at me, my teeth were set to keep them from chattering. There were several offers of three to one, and one of four to one, as we passed; but Hacking said he had enough, andI think he told the truth and could have said "more." He hurried on with me to the start, where Simmons stood with a little cluster of his most ardent admirers. As we approached, Simmons threw off his ulster, and came forward to meet me. His eye caught mine, and he smiled in a very peculiar way, discovering immediately my condition, andheld out a long brown hand, without aword. I extended mine mechanically, expecting an ordinary handshake, but greatly to my sur­ prise he gripped it in a most vicious squeeze which brought almost a cry of agony tomy lips. I learned afterwards that this was a common trick to intimidate and dishearten, but was entirely unprepared for anything of the kind,having always run against gentlemen, where all proper courtesieswere observed.