The Blue Grass Seminary Girls' Vacation Adventures Part 48

"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 leave with 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 they must be up early in the morning, they all went to bed immediately.

"Don't you think Jimmy should have a little exercise, Dad?" asked Shirley, just before telling her father good-night.

"I had thought of that," was the reply. "If he is feeling strong enough to-morrow afternoon, I shall take him out to the track for a few minutes. Besides, he should have a look at the course before the race."

"He is certainly getting along splendidly," declared Shirley. "I feel sure 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 him that we must win this race."

"Oh, he knows that now, I'm sure," said Shirley with a laugh. "I've told him all about it myself."

"Then there is nothing to be feared," said Jimmy. "Gabriel will do anything for you."

"Well, young people," said Mr. Willing, "you have talked enough. It's time for you to get to bed."

And soon all were sleeping soundly.

CHAPTER XXVII.-MABEL PROVES HER COURAGE.

The following afternoon, in the touring car, the entire Willing party was driven to the track. They went immediately to Gabriel's quarters in the training field, where, after a sharp knock upon the door, Leonard admitted them.

"Anything new?" asked Mr. Willing, as he entered.

"Not a thing," replied Leonard with a smile. "Everything's quiet and serene."

"Good. I've brought you some visitors."

Leonard stepped back, and Shirley, Mabel, Mr. Ashton and Jimmy stepped inside.

Although somewhat weak and a trifle pale Jimmy seemed to be almost himself again. He walked slowly, but said he was feeling splendidly.

"Where is Gabriel?" he asked.

Leonard pointed and Jimmy hurried forward as fast as his weakened condition would permit.

Gabriel received him with a whinny of delight, and throwing his arms about the big black horse's neck, Jimmy talked to him long and lovingly.

Then he rejoined the others.

"Gabriel has promised he will win the race," Jimmy whispered to Shirley.

"Then it is just as good as won," declared the girl.

"Jimmy," called Mr. Willing at that moment, "would you like to have a look at the course?"

"Yes, sir," replied the boy, and went forward.

"I'm going too," declared Shirley.

"And I," said Ashton.

"I'd like to have a look myself," said Leonard. "I haven't had a chance to get out and look about since I have been here."

"But who will stay with Gabriel?" asked Mr. Willing.

"I'll stay," Mabel volunteered.

Mr. Willing hesitated for a moment, then consented.

"I think it will be all right for a few minutes," he said.

"Mabel, don't go too near Gabriel," said Shirley. "He might not like it."

"Don't worry," was the laughing rejoinder. "I won't go in his stall. I know as well as you do that he wouldn't permit any one but you and Jimmy in there."

Mabel sat down in a chair to await the return of the others, who now went out the door.

Gabriel, with his head out of his stall door, eyed the girl searchingly; and looking up suddenly, Mabel caught his eye and smiled. Gabriel's ears twitched, and he didn't seem half as ferocious as usual.

"Strange," mused Mabel. "He never let me get that close to him before."

At that moment the door behind her slammed with a bang. Turning quickly Mabel started back with a cry. She was face to face with Jones.

"So," said Jones with a sneering smile, "we meet again! Now you listen to me, and do as I say. I haven't much time and I don't want to waste any. You get out of here just as fast as you can. Do you hear?"

Mabel made no reply, but backed toward Gabriel's stall. Jones took a step forward.

"Do you hear me?" he cried angrily.

Mabel was badly frightened, but tried not to show it.