194

O'NEILL, Neb., June 17.-Stephens, or
"Rattlesnake Pete," as he is more familiarly
known, Doc Middleton and Gillespie,
is the order in which the first record of
the day in cowboy race was made.
They came up smiling at 1:30 for
registration and rested themselves
and horses for nearly four hours during the
heat of the day. "Rattlesnake" is becoming a
formidable rival of Adonis Albright
and has had the advantage so far of being in the
lead. Nothing but the later's extreme
beauty can hold him his place in the
affections of the susceptible members of
the fair sex. Middleton, who is an extremely
modest man, groans when he thinks of the
demonstrations that have been the rule in
this race and then says he will try to slip
through the larger towns at night.
At 4 o'clock the three rode off for Sioux
City and expect to arrive there Monday
some time. Gillespie has both of his horses
trained to follow so he is not bothered by
leading. The horse following has also an
occasional opportunity to get a nip of grass
and all these opportunities are improved,
showing that they are in good health.
Albright and Smith came up for registration
at 5:55. Both stopped to get supper
and feed for their horses. All were doing
well except Smith, who had sprained his
ankle slightly. Albright had lost a little
time by getting into a small lake in the
road, but was none the worse for wear.
Messrs. Talro and Fontaine are in good
spirits. Thus far they have had
nothing to do except to inspect
the horses, and they have seen the horses,
without exception, showing first-class care
and humane treatment. One of O'Neil's
most interested spectators was
M. P. Kinkaid, judge of the
thirteenth judicial district, which
covers all the countries through which the
riders have come. The judge expressed
himself as well pleased with the progress of
the race and is confident that it would be
finished as it was laid out. The humane
society agents fully coincide with the latter
opinion now.

===> not finish it yet!