Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1882-03-09

DeyOnu nuEnhu cOuPHchehoioHt aS fA
certain, but his anger was positive
enough. Believing and tearing up the
ground, he came furiously after the
lovers. Poetry and sentiment collapsed,
and the first law of nature promptly
asserted itself.
Both put their horses to their utmost
speed, but tho prospect was not cheer
ing. In fact the question was this,
Would the bull or the horses have the
best of il in race over two miles OF
open prairiep
"He is gaining on us, Duvel, and |
am turning sick and faint. Oh, what
shall do"
"Let us separate. He cannot fol-
low both, and perhaps he will select
me-"
Suddenly the shouts of the men be-
hind attracted their attention. Imo-
gene glanced fearfully around. The
two horsemen she had noticed were
coming on at laundering pace and
before she could check or turn her
horse one OF them had risen in his stir
rups and thrown n lasso around the
furious animal. 1t was now evident
that Governor De Forest was one of
these horsemen the other, who still
held the rope, was quite unknown both
to Duyal and Imogene.
The governor quickly dispatched the
ball with his rifle, and then, as the
herd were evidently growing uneasy,
the whole party rode rapidly home.
Thanks and introductions were prac-
tically delayed, although the stranger
knew that no thanks and no introduc-
tion would ever be more satisfactory TO
him than the glance and smile he had
received in the swiftest moment from
Imogeue.
Duval was very unhappy. He won
dered il he had behaved in q cowarlly
manner. The whole affair had been so
sudden and rapid he could neither ana.
lyze his feelings nor his actions. Imo-
gene had only said that she "quite ex-
cused him" Had there been anything
TO excuse? Aud then this stranger /
He was quite as inexplicable. Cover
nor De Forest had simply introduced
him as Mr.. John Winthrop He was
a little man, with plain, positive face.
His skin was tanned, his hair light and
his eyes of that steely blue which al
ways annoys weak and incapable per
sons.
Mr.. Winthrop made very light Of the
adventure, and gave all the credit of
the rescue to the governor, except per-
haps for one moment, in which Imogene
and he once more changed eyes. The
news soon spread through the little
town, and Fontaine was very indignant
at fate. "It only he had been with
Miss Imogene Managing wild cattle
was a triae to him. He would rather
have enjoyed such an encounter than
otherwise. He had half a dozen plans
always ready for such emergencies,
etc. And really he did look so gallant,
so handsome, that most girls would
have been willing to face herd of wild
! buffaloes under his protection.
Duval felt Fontaine's bravado a per.
sonal slight, but he did not wish to
make Imogene the subject of quarrel,
and after a rather unsatisfactory visit
the two men went home together.
However, next morning Captain Fon.
taine had the most graceful little note
from Miss Imogene, asking him to
bring his guitar and assist her in enter.
tanning a few guests that evening.
DuvRl had also one, equally hattering !;
for it touchingly referred to their mutual
danger and escape, and hoped he would
come prepared to finish the exquisite
poem which had been so terribly inter
rupted.
The evening was a remarkable one in
many respects. Scarcely ever had the
ex-governor's mansion been so profusly
decorated and so brilliantly illuminated,
and to the magnificent feast prepared
ell the principal magnates of the neigh
borhood had been invited.
Imogene had never looked so Devil.
dering unreal and poetic. Her oval
face, With its creamy color and soft
dark eyes, was crowned with great
waves OF black hair and snowy flowers,
and her long drapery of some soft silky
tissue seemed to simmer and glance
like fairy robe, as with winning smile,
and gracious, graceful manners she
fitted to and fro among the guests.
e John Winthrop vas among them. He
did not dance, and he did not sing, and
he smiled queerly at the very idea Of