The Man who Could not Lose
A young couple, deeply in love, marries impulsively despite financial struggles. Champneys Carter, a struggling writer, is in debt and uncertain about his future. His wife, Dolly Ingram, comes from a wealthy family, but her controlling mother disapproves of their union. The couple faces hardship as they attempt to live on Carter's meager income from writing. Despite their financial woes, they remain optimistic and playful, often joking about their situation. They decide to gamble on horse racing, believing it could change their fortunes. Carter has a dream about a horse named Dromedary winning a race, which leads them to place a bet. To their surprise, they win a significant amount of money, which boosts their confidence and leads them to continue betting. As their luck continues, they gain notoriety, with the press dubbing Carter "the man who cannot lose." This newfound fame brings both excitement and pressure, as people flock to him for tips on horse racing. Carter's confidence grows, and he begins to believe in his ability to predict race outcomes. However, the couple's luck takes a turn when Carter makes a bold prediction about an upcoming race, claiming he knows the winner. This declaration draws attention and skepticism, as many question his sanity. Despite Dolly's concerns, Carter remains resolute, convinced that his dreams will guide him. On race day, the atmosphere is electric, with crowds eager to see if Carter's predictions will hold true. As the race unfolds, the favorite horse falters, and Carter's chosen horse wins, solidifying his reputation. The couple's financial troubles seem to vanish, and they celebrate their success. In the end, Carter realizes that while luck played a significant role in their fortune, it was their love and partnership that truly mattered. They emerge from their struggles stronger and more united, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The story explores themes of love, ambition, and the unpredictable nature of luck, ultimately highlighting the importance of trust and support in a relationship.
By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1901 · Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Drama · 16,260 words
First lines
The Carters had married in haste and refused to repent at leisure. So blindly were they in love, that they considered their marriage their greatest asset. The rest of the world, as represented by mutual friends, considered it the only thing that could be urged against either of them. While single, each had been popular. As a bachelor, young "Champ" Carter had filled his modest place acceptably. Hostesses sought him for dinners and week-end parties, men of his own years, for golf and tennis, and young girls liked him because when he talked to one of them he never talked of himself, or let his eyes wander toward any other girl. He had been brought up by a rich father in an expensive way, and the rich father had then died leaving Champneys alone in the world, with no money, and with even a few of his father's debts. These debts of honor the son, ever since leaving Yale, had been paying off. It had kept him very poor, for Carter had elected to live by his pen, and, though he wrote very carefully and slowly, the editors of the magazines had been equally careful and slow in accepting what he wrote.
What this Textopian page supports
The Man who Could not Lose is listed on Textopian as a novel by Richard Harding Davis, dated 1901 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Richard Harding Davis
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Adventure, Drama, Sports, Romance
- Length: 16,260 words
- Structure: 1 section, 327 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Fiction — The narrative is a work of fiction, exploring themes and characters that are not based on real events.
- Adventure — The plot involves elements of adventure, showcasing challenges and the protagonist's journey.
- Drama — The story delves into emotional and moral conflicts, highlighting the human experience.
- Sports — The title and themes suggest a focus on competition and the spirit of sportsmanship.
Tags
Adventure · Fiction · Thriller · Mystery · Suspense · Crime · Gambling · Sports · Boxing · USA · 19th Century · Literary Fiction