Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1886-09-02


unruly horsesP" asked Walter. They
must be dangerous not only to them
selves, but the ladies and children who
are travelling along the road"
They are in love with danger" re
piled Pinkey. "Both are reckless a,
to consequences, and the advice
of parents or friends Is not needed"
Scarcely had she spoken ere the clat
ter of hoofs was heard coming up be.
hind them, and Walter had only time
to seize the rein of Pinkey's horse and
hold IL from running away when tive
or three farmer boys, mounted on hall
broken colts, dashed hy, Seeing that
the young lady's hus was frightened
they yelled like Indians.
81 never before saw such Gilman.
nered young men," said Walter.
Pinkey laughed and explained that
such was the custom Of the country.
"Then | wonder you are not afraid
10 venture out on horseback.
"Oh, am used to II, b" she said.
'Are you never frightenedP"
''No, sir.n
"Will not your horse run awoyP"
ale might"
Would you not be thrown from the
saddlepn
II hardly think so. 1 never was
thrown"
"You are an excellent horsewoman. -
"All girls raised in this portion OF
the country are so considered, " she an
swered
"But you do not approve of such
conductP'
''No, sir; Il is too rude to meet the
approval of any one; especially ON oul
way to church,
From every cross road and forest
path they met old folks, young folks
and children on their way to church.
Dressed in their holiday clothes, some
i'll becoming and i'll fitting, yet all clean
Some in wagons, more on horseback
and n goodly number on foot.
Walter soon learned the customs oi
the young horsemen. and although he
could not approve Of their reckless rid.
ing could not but admire Il. The
school-house was in the midst Of q
beautiful grove Of tall. straight young
trees which furnished hitching posts
for all. In this grove were wagons,
carts and buggies, and large number
Of saddle horses. He assisted Pinkey
TO alight at the stile and hitched her
horse at convenient sapling Then
he accompanied the young lady to the
door of the school-house, when she
passed in, taking a seat on the ladies'
side. and he on the other.
As usual in country churches there
were several loafers ard loungers wait
ing on the outside cf the building.
They were men and boys who attend
church merely to see who is there, but
who never hear word OF gospel
preached. Among them he recognized
Bill Martin and shu1inred as those
baleful eyes were iiNed on him. There
was more than one nod and wink
exchanged among the women with
marriaeeable daughters, as the new
farm hand entered with Pinkey.
Mrs. Goss, who sat by the side of
Mrs. Jones, wondered why Mrs
Miles wouii allow her daughter TO &c
to meeting with tramps. The mar
riageable young daughters. neverthe-
less, looked with no little envy on Pin
keys companion. His slender form
and urbane air contrasted strangely
with the rough uncouth youth Of the
ne!ghborhood. His manner was gem
tlemanly and quiet. while the illiterate,
ill-bred young man Of the country sat
chewing gum and springing up every
few minutes to run out Of doors, much
TO the annoyance OF Rev. Mr.. Ban
croft, who was endeavoring to in-
tcrest his congregation.
Wban fha enrxinaa xvara n.-ar Wa1far
stood at the door awaiting the exit OF
his companion. Some one touched hun
on the elbow. and upon looking around
he beheld Bill Martin at his side. Those
eyes with the same evil look were fixed
upon him; the pernicious grin on his
face betrayed the evil thought of his
heart and sent chill over the frame OF
our hero.
Don't be uneasy" he said. in low
tone 81 amt goin to give you away"
How hateful he seemed. and Walter
spurned him with the contempt he de-
served
Pinkey made her appearance. took
the arm a the new farm hand, and
they walked through the crowd. that
had gathered about the door TO the
Il
her riding skirt and mount her horse.
then sprung upon his own animal and
rode by her side. The woods were
alive with reckless horsemen, and their
shouts would make one think that q
grand fox chase had been inaugurated.
We can not describe that ride home.
Walter refers TO it to-day as the hap
piest hour Of his life. What did they
talk about? OF the trees, the blue
sky, the deep forest and fairy-like
dells; but be the subject what it might,
their eyes spoke deeper. holier Ian
guage than words can. The glances
given and returned were the conimun-
ings Of fond hearts. When Walter as-
sisted the beautiful daughter of his
employer TO alight, his hand trembled
as it touched hers. The road seemed
far too short, and he wished Il would
extend indefinitely, and that Pinkey
might be his companion. No words
were spoken. but each understood the
other, and Walter felt troubled al the
thought
When she had dismounted, Pinkey
ran up to her room to undress and cry.
while Walter led the horses to the
barn, and TO contemplate his own sad
fate-a cruel fate that made hun love
an object 50 far above him.
CHAPTER VII.
BILL nARTIs's VISIT.