Cinder Path Tales

48 CINDER-PATH TALES servative, but receiving startling information concerning Duffy and Mac when it was too late, had found it impossible to hedge. He went into the contest expecting to lose, but resolved tomake atry forhis money all the same. His contortions were wonderful, and convulsed the crowd every time he threw, although he was serious enough, and suc­ ceeded in getting into the finals with nearly ninety feet. I shall never forget how the old fellow threw down his bonnet in the dust, spit on his hands, and braced himself for his first trial. There was a little crowd around the measurer, who stood a good one hundred and twenty feet away. These MacNab noticed just before he threw, and insisted that they" gang awa oot ' dainger " before he would make his try, although there was just as great chance of his hitting the flag­ staff of the hotel. After he had finished his dialogue with the crowd, in which he held his own, and more, hegrasped the handle again with his long, bony fingers. At first swinging very slowly, then faster and faster, until with a double twistthat madehis kilt stand out like a ballet-dancer's skirt about his long, knee- kissing legs,he gave a grunt anda gasp, and let go. He watched the hammer through