Then they went at it again, each of the remaining contestants more determined than ever to wield such melody from his bow and the catgut that the compelling music should make the first prize his. Each played two of his own selections in succession. "Turkey in the Straw," which all day long had been a favorite with the fiddlers, was played as a selection by nearly everyone of the remaining seven. "Leather Breeches," "Hell on the Wabash," "Pigeon on the Gate" and "The Arkansaw Traveler" were other favorites.
When the seven had finished there was a short consultation among the judges, and it was announced that the contest had narrowed down to three. Each of the three was requested to play two of his own selections to aid the judges in the final determination. Guion chose "Pigeon on the Gate" and "Troy, Illinois," and put so much fire and brilliancy in the playing as to win an ovation. "Uncle Bent" Moss stuck to "Turkey in the Straw" and "Arkansas Traveler," while Gudgell gave "Rickett's Hornpipe," and what he announced as the "Genuine Turkey in the Straw."
