"Damn such a pen!" I said aloud, at its first scratch.
"Quite right!" boomed a deep voice. A big gentle hand fell on my shoulder and spun me away from the desk. "See here," the voice went on gruffly, "you're back too soon. We can't afford to take chances with _you_. Get out of this. The cashier'll fix you up. Don't let me see you around here again till--we have better pens," and he was gone before thanks were possible.
"I'm going to Churchill Downs to cover the derby for a Sunday special!" I sang to the sporting editor as I passed his door.
"The _Review of Reviews_ might use it!" followed me down the hall, and I chuckled as I headed for the cashier's desk.
"Well, well, well!" was Blister's greeting. "Look who's here! I seen your ole specs shinin' in the sun clear down the line!"
"It smells just the same," I said. "Horses, leather and liniment! Where's Très Jolie?"
"In the second stall," said Blister, pointing. "Wait a minute--I'll have a swipe lead her out. Chick!"--this to a boy dozing on a rickety stool--"if your time ain't too much took up holdin' down that chair, this gentleman 'ud like to take a pike at the derby entry."
Like a polished red-bronze sword leaping from a black velvet scabbard the mare came out of her stall into the sunlight, the boy clinging wildly to the strap. She snorted, tossed her glorious head, and shot her hind feet straight for the sky.
"You, Jane, be a lady now!" yelled the boy, trying to stroke the arching neck.
"Stable name," Blister explained. "Don't get too close--she's right on edge!" And after a pause, his eyes shining: "Can you beat her?"
"Neither can _they_!" Blister's hand swept the two-mile circle of stalls that held somewhere within their big curve--the enemy.
The boy at the mare's head laughed joyously.
"All right, Chick," said Blister. "Put her up! Hold on!" he corrected suddenly. "Here's the boss!" And I became aware of a throbbing motor behind me. So likewise did Très Jolie.
"Whoa, Jane! Whoa, darling; it's mammy!" came in liquid tones from the motor.
The rearing thoroughbred descended to earth with slim inquiring ears thrown forward, and I remembered that Blister had described Mrs. Dillon's voice as "good to listen at."
"Look, Virginia, she knows me!" the velvet voice exclaimed.