San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-10-08
THROUGH LANCER;
OR
LIFE IN AUSTRALIA.

mo, Florence, dearest FlOrence vnE
must not leave me until you have prom
Used. Do not fear. darling. will not
harm you, but cannot let you go until
l have your promise"
"Never!" exclaimed Flo, her anger
reused. "Mr. Archer, you are a cow
ard to speak thus, to threaten me. L
despise you"
As she spoke. by quick, sudden
movement she plucked the bride from
him. The horse reared and swerved
sharply round. A cry of pain burst
from FlO's lips, for her temple had come
in violent contact with the branch of
tree. She swayed in her saddle, then
dropped back, her senses for a moment
leaving her.
Herbert Archer had seen the accident
and, with an exclamation of alarm,
darted forward in time to prevent her
falling. In a space his manner had
changed. Terror, as he gaZed on the
pale, lovely face resting on his Shout
der, dominated all other feelings.
Florence, my Florence he ex-
claimed, speak, dearest. She has faint
ed. Yes, only that"
Lifting her tenderly in his strong
arms, he dismOunted and rested her on
the grass, supporting her head on his
arm. Would she not come to? How
still the air was; if it would but blow
on her face. How tightly the riding
habit gripped the soft, white throat.
In second his nervous fingers had
united the ribbon, and pluCked open the
first buttons of the habit to admit the
breeze. That was better, the life was
coming back.
Ali what was thatp
A slender hair chain fastened about
the throat. They were sacred, beloved
treasures worn like that.
Herbert Archer felt the blood rush
to his head, then swiftly back to his
heart.
1t was dishonorable, but that should
not deter him.
He threw one hurried glance round;
then drew the hair chain forth. AS he
had guessed, a miniature locket was at
tached.
Her fathers likeness. Perhaps her
mothers.
Something whispered to him it was
neither. Eagerly he pressed the spring.
The cover opened, and a deep curse
burst from his lips as he beheld the
young, handsome, manly face that
smiled-to him it seemed defiantly-out
of the locket.
us this my rival? Is it dead or liv
ing oner' he muttered. SIS this why
she refused me? If so-better for him
if dead, or better for both if he never
crosses my path"
A movement of Flo's, who was re-
covering, aroused him.
Closing the locket he returned it to
its sacred resting-place, buttoned the
throat of the habit, and clumsily enough
tied the ribbon; then he drew to re-
spectful distance waiting her recovery.
No sooner did recollection return
than Flo sprang to her feet.
do not be alarmed" said Herbert
Archer, "the branch of yOnder tree
struck you, and you tainted. l trust
you are not much hurt"
more mentally than physically, SIR"
she responded, cOldly. Where is my
servant? How is it he is not here?"
HE is here-see," as jock doomed in
sight. Your insensibility lasted but a
few seconds
"But for you, Herbert Archer, it
would never have occurred" she re-
Joined, haughtily. mo, sir; l can dis
pense with your help and your escort"
as she sprang into the saddle unaided.
81 can neither forgive your words nor
your behavior"
Florence, is the great love l bear you
no excusep" he pleaded. II cannot, will
not believe that, unless"-he fixed his
eyes intently on herr have a rival"
The blood mounted to her cheek, but
she replied quietly:
Mr.. Archer, you have forfeited all
right to put that question. You and l
can scarcely be friends even any longer.
Farewell"
She turned her horses head as she
spoke. He stood near his.
Florence" he said, you are dearer
to me than all women. l yet must hope
Il will"
She did not perceive the expression in
his eyes as she moved away. 1t was
that of a man who had formed a re-
solve, and would let nothing balk him.
She made no response, but, gathering
her reins, was about to ride from the
trees, when the silence was broken by
the sound of clear, rich, manly voice
singing:
81 love to hear the ringing rifle,
The shifting ak, the falling tree;
What though our life be poor and lowly,
If IL be honest, what care wef'
Flo Granger had quickly swung her
horse round in the direction of the