Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 158: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE SPORTING ELEMENT. *‘ But take the offer! There's money in it for us.” “* How do you ““ Never mind now, but take him up.” Dolph looked searchingly at Bert and said: “You’ve got a scheme?” “ Yes.” “ Tl take that offer, Burke,” called out Dolph. ‘Very well, then. I'll be at this spot at three tomorrow afternoon, prepared to run to Harmon and back in fourteen minutes or better. I’m off for a trial heat now,” and away started Jack. “ Now, what’s all this about?” de- manded Dolph. ‘Sit down and listen to me,” said Bert Sharpe in a masterful tone. ‘* First, Jack Burke can do that distance in fourteen minutes or better.” “Go along! I don’t believe it.” ‘““T say he can. He knows the road and he knows himself, and he’s not the fellow to make a claim that he can’t make good.” ‘Then why did you have me take him up?” asked Dolph tentatively. ‘“‘ So that ] can make money on the event—for both of us.” ““ How are you “ “Listen! You think he can’t do it. Go right ahead; tell the crowd about it, let them have your opinion and make me a bet in public that he won’t do it. That will work the crowd up to bet as 39 you do, and I'll keep very quiet and. simply take all the bets I can get; for I’m willing to risk all I’ve got and more besides on Jack Burke. As for you, don’t you bet against Jack with any one but me. You'll lose, but I’ll call your bet off and divvy on the profits.” “ But, see here! Suppose you should get left.” “T tell you I won’t. I believe Burke knows his business, and I'll back him right up to the handle.” “Yes, but suppose,” persisted Dolph. “ Oh, then I’ll pay up, of course,” re- plied Bert pettishly. “ But you’re broke, and so am I.” 149 ‘“ Not exactly. Teddy Young’s going to pay me the thirty five he owes me day after tomorrow.” “And he owes me twenty,” reflected Dolph. ‘So you see we’ve got the cash to meet contingencies.” ‘‘ Providing Teddy doesn’t go back on us.’ “What are you talking about? Teddy Young is as square as a die.” “ But his folks mtght not send him that remittance he wrote for,” mused Dolph. “ Look out! here he comes. I’ve got his last fifteen in my pocket to bet for him on this match. All the same, I believe he’s a dead sure loser, and I’ve bet against him on my own ac- count,” and the astute young raséal met the thoughtless little Teddy half way and told him he was certain to win his race with Littleton. ITT. AT five minutes of three on the fol- lowing day almost every member of the college was at or as near to the gate as he could crowd. Bert and Dolph with their select crowd, “the sporting element,” were the center of the concourse. All the preliminaries had been arranged that morning. Bert had shut Dolph up when the latter suggested that some one should go over to [Jarmon and stand in front of the post office to see that Jack did the allotted distance. No, said Bert, that should be left entirely to Burke as a man of honor. Three o’clock was sounding ; before the third stroke Jack appeared at the door of the South Wing, clad in flannel trousers and shirt, rubber soled shoes, and a skull cap. “Don’t say a word about the bets, boys, while he’s within hearing,” Bert cautioned them. ‘“ He’s a bit squeam- ish about that sort of thing.” The crowd gave Jacita chetn ae! beco inn __)