The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-07-10


than was usual, and the management
more liberal. A whisper had reached
them that he thought of leaving, and
they were doing their utmost to bind
him 50 as to secure him for another
season.
He had left Annie early to make the
necessary preparations-but met hel
again as soon as he dressed-dressed in
the most magnificent garments he had
ever worn and her gift--the work OF
her own hands-and drawing aside as
much as possible they talked gayly, mucl
more than was customary for her to do
for she appeared to have forgotten all
fear for his safety.
81 feel, darling," she whispered
"that Tonight is to lie the grandest
triumph of your life."
"And the last.''
'"The lastH" appeared to be echoed b,
a stern voice, and they turned hastily
| around, but could discover no one near
and believing their ears had deceived
them, she continued:
"How L shall glory in your success
Fred"
"And l in outdoing myself for youn
dear sake.''
"Besides, it is so much pleasure 70,
one to know that it is for the last
time.'
'"The very lastp was whispered tc
their ears as if by the lips Of the wind
that found its way through the little
rents in the canvas.
Both started more fitfully than they
had done before, and released the hand
they had been pressing.
n hOrSe-one of the finest in the stud
had been led out and was standing
near the curtain that concealed the
ring and spectators, ready to make /,
dashing entree. BY it's side, but the
opposite one to them, a woman was
standing, black haired, brunette in
complexion, with a tall, supple figure,
and eyes that flashed with almost more
than human brightness. For single
instant Annie caught the expression Of
her face, and saw the line of sharp,
white teeth that broke the intense red
OF the full lips, and drawing back with
a shudder she could not repress, asked
''Who is that, Fred"
''She is known by the name of the
Cuban Queen'-is the best woman
rider L ever saw-brave, fearless and
dashing."
elias she been with you all srlmmer?''
~ es; but why? Are you jealousp'
mo, but" and she blushed under
his earnest glances.
"Well," he continued with a smile.
you might have had reason if you had
been with us. Certainly 1 might have
had her for wife, had but given her
the slightest encouragement.
"Does she love you?" and the voice
of the girl was as low and sad as the
beating Of the waves upon the reaches
of the silver sand.
81 believe she would have done so if
L would have let her. But there was
no danger of that, darling" and he
called her attention to the beauty of the
horse.
The Cubaness had also been engaged
in conversation, though very brief
one-only consisting in asking one of
the riders if that was the girl the trape-
Zlst was to marry, and receiving an
Affirmative answer. Then she hid her
face-one famed for it's tragical beauty,
but now almost deviliSh with the spasm
Of jealous rage that distorted it-for a
moment in the tlaring mane of her
steed, conquered her emotion with a
powerful effort, wreathed her lips into
the studied smile of the artist, and
stepping toward Fred, said in a skill
fully modulated voice:
Let me congratulate you in advance
upon the success Of your benefit"
And let me thank you for the kind
ness you have shown in the matter.n
lie would have introduced her to
Annie, bht the girl had turned away,
and SO he continued:
"Iou know that this night ends my
connection with the company. BE
assured, however, that if, in the future,
can do anything to promote your sue
cess or happiness 1 will do 50, and hope
you will feel free to call upon me-"
''Y You are to be marricd?" she asked
without even a word of thanks.
"Y es. Will you not come and dance
at my wcdding?"
NCertainly-when you are married. :"
lie did not notice the emphasis upon
the latter part Of the sentence-had no
time to do so, for even as they were
uttered the bell summoned the fair
rider, and she leaped, unassisted, upon
her horse and dashed into tho arena.
Then hc called Annie again to him.
anu they took a place where they could
see her speeding around the circle,
While the air rang with plaudits. And
we'll it might; such matchless riding
had never before been .seen--probably
never would be again-and the horse
she rode, goaded far beyond it's trained
ana regular pace, ran and lcaped as if
entirely unbroken.
1.-The devil is in that woman to-
night" said one groom to another.
Yes, and in the horse, too. | never
knew her to ride with spur bcfore.'
"A spur!" was echoed in astonish-
ment.
eyes, saw her get one of the ring
master, and that she is using Il YOU
can tell by the fiery leaps of the horse.
lie never would stand such thing, and
If he doesn't break her neck he will
his own. BY heavenl just look at her
face. Her eyes are flashing like balls
Of fire and her teeth are set hard. l
believe she is either drunk or crazy.o
Pshawl it is only her hot Spanish
blood. Something has gone wrong,
you may depend. But if she makes
thet leap over the garters with the
horse running at that mad rate she is
gone. Mol She is safe. 1 never saw
anything to match it in all my life"
She was indeed safe, though she had
taken desperate chances sufficient to
break down a dozen necks, and as she