The Andrew County Republican. [volume] (Savannah, Mo.) 1871-1876, 1874-06-05

to other points about The valley.
One day they were slowly riding tow
ard home, and Bradbury was urging
his suit, and pleading for an answer to
end his suspense. They were nearly a
mile from the rancho, neal which grew
two large live-oak trees, standing very
near each other. Said Adaliza
eff you will pass those twin live
oaks before 1 do, 1 will go with you to
California some day"
Bradbury prided himself upon his
craftsmanship, and accepted the chal-
lenge with a wave of the hand and . Ia
comic, "I'm ycur man !" dashed spurs
into his steed and sped like an antelope
over the plain. The girl was taken by
surprise at his Sudden movement, but
gave her horse the word, and he too
"stretched neck and stretched nerve tih
the hollow earth rang" 1t has already
been intimated that Bradbury was well
mounted /; his companion was no less so,
and they rode on as only those can ride
who are at home in the saddle.
Bradbury's sudden movement had
given him the advantage by a few rods,
but he soon realized that it would be no
easy matter to maintain it. The girl
was urging her horse by whip and voice.
and having been the winner in many a
holly contested race, he bent to his
work in true race-horse style, ''reach-
ing long, breathing loud like a creviced
wind blows"
Little more than one half the distance
was passed, when Bradbury became
aware that his competitor wa pressing
hard upon his flank, and he knew that
his weight was beginning to tell on the
noble beast, which seemed to realize the
value of the stakes for which he ran.
For Il quarter of a mile he held his own
Miss Boise, however, coming once or
twice very near, but not maintaining
her position at Bradbury's side. The
goal was almost reached and he was
| confident of victory. But he had not
counted on his opponents skill as a
race rider. She had restrained her
horse for the final dash and now came
on with a burst Of speed that placed her
fairly a: Bradbury's side and seemed
sure to give her the victory. Indeed,
the victory seemed already hers, for
with long and steady leaps herhorse was
sweeping past at the moment they were
to pass the goal. At this period, how
ever, the fore-feet Of Bradbury's horse
went down in the burrow of a gopher,
he stumbled upon his knees, the girth
parted and Bradbury went over the
horses head and into the air like a
rocket, landing beyond the goal and a
yard or two ahead Of hisfair competitor.
Striking upon the mellow earth he per
formed a series of evolutions, but re-
gained his feet with no injury save a
pretty severe shock from the abrupt
manner of dismounting.
He had sufficient presence Of mind to
eyclaim with his first breath 81 be-
lieve you're mine p while Adaliza, rein
ing in her steed with a steady hand.
sprang lightly to the ground, and in a
moment was at his side anxiously in
qniring if he were hurt. His horse re-
gained his feet and stood near with a
sheepish expression, as though he were
the veriest culprit on earth.
Bradbury found himself able to walk,
and before he and his companionreached
the house she had promised that when
Christmas should come again she
would become his wife, and go with him
settled that mt that time he should come
for her. With this understanding he
again clasped hands in parting, and set
ont for his home in the Siskiyou. He
found his partners eagerly awaiting his
return, and all were soon busy with
pick, shovel and hydraulic.
AS autumn approached and the water
il the creek become too low for mining
purposes, Bradbury set about erecting
a housesomewhatmore p~retentious than
the limited quarters occupied byhimself
and partners.
A pleasant site near the town was Sc
lected, and though the house was far
from being an elegant OF imposing
structure, it was neat and comfortable
and far superior to a majority Of the
homes of pioneers.