CHAPTER XXVI.--OFF TO THE DERBY.
Mr. Willing's anger at the manner in which Jimmy had been injured knewno bounds. It was late when Shirley reached home, but her father wantedto go to town at once and put the police on Jones' trail.
"I don't think it is necessary, Dad," said Shirley. "I feel sure he willtrouble us no more."
"But who will ride Gabriel in the Derby?" demanded Mr. Willing.
"Perhaps Jimmy will be well enough to ride when the time comes,"suggested Mabel.
"I shall call up the doctor the first thing in the morning and ask theextent of his injuries," promised Mr. Willing.
"If possible," said Shirley, "I think it would be best to take Jimmy toLouisville with us. We can attend to him carefully there, and help toget him in condition for the race."
"A good idea," agreed Mr. Willing, "if the doctor will consent."
"I am sure Jimmy will be all right," said Shirley hopefully. "By theway, Dad, how is Gabriel?"
"Better than could be expected," was the reply. "The veterinary said hewould be perfectly fit in a day or two."
After a few further words, all retired with the exception of Leonard,who made his way to the stable, where he was to stand watch, for Mr.Willing had not selected a man to take old Frank's place.
In the morning Mr. Willing learned that Jimmy's condition was not asserious as had been feared. The doctor did not oppose the plan of takingthe lad to Louisville on Monday.
"The trip will not hurt him," he declared. "But keep him perfectly quietafter you arrive. With careful nursing he should be in shape to rideGabriel to victory."
The days passed slowly, but at last the time for departure came. Besidespacking her own clothes, Shirley also packed Jimmy's things, and onMonday afternoon Mr. Willing, Mr. Ashton, Leonard, Mabel and Shirley,with Gabriel tied to the rear of the double carriage, were driven toParis.
Mr. Willing had already shipped his large touring car to Louisville, forhe believed he would have need of it there.
Leonard had asked to travel with Gabriel and Mr. Willing, after somehesitancy, had accepted his offer.
The party went first to the freight depot, where Gabriel was led into acar that had been reserved for him. He was tied up at one end, andLeonard took up his position at the other. Besides Mr. Willing's shotgunthe young man was armed with a brace of heavy caliber revolvers.
"The first man that sticks his head in this car is likely to get it shotoff," said the young man grimly, as the others prepared to leave.
"I am glad that you are here," said Mr. Willing slowly. "I am glad tohave some one I can trust in charge of Gabriel. We will be waiting foryou when you reach Louisville."
They shook hands all around and left Gabriel and Leonard alone.Immediately the car door was closed, and a few moments later a switchengine hooked onto the car and soon it was coupled to a long train. Halfan hour later the train began to move.
In the meantime the others had made their way to the hospital whereJimmy lay. The boy was much better than they had expected to find him,and the doctor, who was at the bedside, assured them that he was well onthe road to recovery.
"Just be careful with him," he told them.
Jimmy was carried to the depot on a stretcher and made comfortable in aPullman car; and soon the party were on their way.
At Lexington there was a long delay, and it was nearly midnight beforethe train pulled out. Shirley and Mabel took turns watching over Jimmyduring the night, but their vigilance was unnecessary. For the lad, oncehe had closed his eyes, did not open them again until the train wasnearing Louisville the following morning.
"Where shall we stop, Dad?" asked Shirley, as they prepared to leave thetrain.
"Guess we may as well go to the St. Charles," was the reply.
On the platform he summoned a porter, who picked Jimmy up and carriedhim to a taxi. Mr. Willing climbed in alongside him, and Mr. Ashton andthe two girls occupied another.
At the hotel Mr. Willing engaged a suite of six rooms, where all couldbe comfortable.
"I'll stay here until Saturday," he told the others. "Then I shall stayat the track."
This was Tuesday morning, and the Derby would not be run till the nextMonday. In the days that followed, the two girls, when they were notcaring for Jimmy, spent their time sight-seeing around town.
Leonard and Gabriel arrived Wednesday afternoon, and Mr. Willingimmediately quartered them in his stable at the track, Leonardannouncing that he had determined to maintain his watch until the lastmoment. Shirley and Mabel made several trips to see the horse, and, ofcourse, so did Mr. Willing. There was no doubt in the minds of any thatthe animal was in perfect condition for the race.
"If Jimmy only gets well in time," said Mr. Willing.
The youngster was improving steadily and there seemed little doubt thathe would be well enough to ride by Monday.
As Shirley and Mabel were walking along Market Street Thursdayafternoon, the former suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure in thecrowd. She took Mabel by the hand and hurried forward.
"What's the matter?" demanded her friend.
"I see some one I want to talk to," was the reply, and the girlquickened her steps.
And then Mabel saw the reason for her chum's haste. At the same momentShirley called:
"Dick!"
A young man, a few yards ahead of them, turned. As his gaze rested uponthe two girls he stopped, and lifted his cap.
Shirley approached quickly and extended her hand, which Dick graspedwarmly. Then he shook hands with Mabel.
"It's good to see you again," he said warmly.
"And I'm glad to see you again," said Shirley. "What are you doing inLouisville?"
"I'm working here," was the reply. "I'm office boy in one of the largenewspaper offices. Some day," he added, "I hope to be a reporter."
"And I am sure it will not be long before you are," declared Shirley."How is it that you are not working this afternoon?"
"I work all night," was the reply. "I go to work at six o'clock."
"Have you seen anything of Jones?" demanded the girl, after some furthertalk.
"I thought I saw him on the street the other day," was the reply, "but Iam not sure. However, I suppose he is here. Have you had any moretrouble with him?"
"Yes," replied Shirley, and told him everything that had happened sinceDick had left them.
"Well," said Dick, "I should advise that Gabriel be carefully guarded.Jones is a desperate man. There is no telling what he may attempt."
"I do not believe he will be able to do much damage now," declaredShirley. "Leonard is with Gabriel all the time."
"I wouldn't take any chances."
"We won't."
"And you say Jimmy will be in condition to ride?"
"Yes."
"Good; but I must be leaving you now. I hope I shall see you againbefore you return home," and lifting his hat, Dick turned away.
"Will you go to the Derby with us?" Shirley called after him.
Dick hesitated a moment before replying.
"I shall be glad to," he said at length.
"Then come to the hotel at 10 o'clock Monday morning," said Shirley.
"I'll be there," said the boy, and with another bow he was gone.
Shirley and Mabel returned to the hotel.
"How is everything at the track, Dad?" asked Shirley when her fathercame in a few moments later.
"First rate."
"Have there been any attempts to injure Gabriel?"
"No. Leonard thought he caught sight of Jones out there yesterday, buthe is not sure. I think he must be mistaken. I reckon we are throughwith Jones."
"I hope so," replied both girls.
"I'll take you all out to-morrow and let you have a look at Gabriel,"said Mr. Willing.
"What are we going to do to-night?" asked Shirley.
Mr. Willing smiled at her.
"What would my little girl like to do?" he asked.
"Well, I would like to go to the
theater, but there is no one to leavewith Jimmy."
"I'll stay behind, and you can go with Ashton," declared Mr. Willing.
And this plan, after some discussion, was followed.
It was late when the three returned to the hotel, and knowing that theymust be up early in the morning, they all went to bed immediately.
"Don't you think Jimmy should have a little exercise, Dad?" askedShirley, just before telling her father good-night.
"I had thought of that," was the reply. "If he is feeling strong enoughto-morrow afternoon, I shall take him out to the track for a fewminutes. Besides, he should have a look at the course before the race."
"He is certainly getting along splendidly," declared Shirley. "I feelsure a little outing will do him good."
Jimmy, who had overheard this conversation, smiled.
"I should like to see Gabriel," he said quietly. "I want to tell himthat we must win this race."
"Oh, he knows that now, I'm sure," said Shirley with a laugh. "I've toldhim all about it myself."
"Then there is nothing to be feared," said Jimmy. "Gabriel will doanything for you."
"Well, young people," said Mr. Willing, "you have talked enough. It'stime for you to get to bed."
And soon all were sleeping soundly.