. .'
"When Trampfast starts fur the paddock, his eyes has begun to roll 'n'
he's walkin' proud.
"'He thinks he's the Zar of Rushy,' says Chick. 'He'll be seein' pink
elephants in a minute.'
"I don't find ole man Sanford till they're at the post. He's standin'
by the fence at the wire.
"The start's bein' held up by the Tramp. He's sure puttin' on a
show--the hop's got him as wild as a eagle. It's too far away fur the
ole man to see good, so I don't put him hep it's his hoss that's
cuttin' the didoes.
"Just then Chick comes up.
"'I hear you get a nice bet down on your hoss, Mr. Sanford,' he says.
'I sure hope he cops.'
"'Thank you, ma boy,' says ole man Sanford. 'I only placed a small
wageh, but at vehy liberal odds. Ah shall profit materially should he
win his race.'
"'If he gets away good he'll roll,' says Chick. 'There's no class to
that bunch, 'n' he's a bear with a shot in him. But he's a bad actor
when he's hopped--look at the fancy stuff he's pullin' now!'
"'You are mistaken, ma boy,' says ole man Sanford. 'This hawss has had
no stimulant _to-day_.'
"Like a nut I've furgot to tell the boys the ole man ain't on. I tries
to give Chick the high sign, but he's watchin' the hosses, 'n' before I
can get to him he belches up the glad news.
"'If _he_ ain't hopped one never was!' he says. 'We put a fierce shot
in him. Look at him act if you don--'
"I kick his shin off right there, but it's too late, ole man Sanford
gets pale as a rag.
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