University of Virginia Library

JAKE.

“Who is to ride the Fisher?” I asked of Mr. Belmont this
morning at the Union.

“Why—Jake, the smartest boy in the world.”

“Who's Jake?”

“Jake is an Island boy,” continued Mr. Belmont. “I got him
pardoned out of the House of Correction. Don't you know
Jake?”—and the red-hot Prussian was as indignant as Bret
Harte's Jim when he said:

“Jake,” said the natty Belmont, “is the brightest boy on the
track. I've got twelve different boys, most of them from “the

Island,” but Jake can steal them all poor. He has the best whip,
the best spurs, and is sure to steal the best place on the track.
But Jake divides with the boys, and they like him. Last summer
he stole two pet chichens from my trainer, and the next day
the little rascal presented him with one of his own chickens all
dressed!