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


! = HAshAA - AhA hbANlhhs
Preston Flat, as we have said. was q
long strip Of country almost complete.
/ ly isolated from the rest Of the world.
II was divided into four school districts
lying east and vest, up aud down the
creek. These districts constitute as
many distinct neighborhoods Each
had congregation that assembled
once a month at the school-house. for
the purpose Of hearing the word OF
God. The Flat could only support one
| preacher, and il took him one month
| TO make the round. Rev. Mr.. Ban
croft was one of those pioneer Metho-
dist ministers, who sought by long,
loud sermons and honest hard work to
drive religion into his congregation.
ltwas the third Sunday after Walter s
residence with the Miles family that
Mr. Bancroft was to preach at their
school-house. Great preparations were
made the day before in their way OF
cooking, baking and having the house
work completed, so there would be but
little to do on the day following.
''Ye are going to meetin' to-day are
ye not?" asked John Miles Of Walter.
one Sabbath morning.
Il suppose So"
The day was one Of those mild,
beautiful autumn days that follow the
first frost. The sun had lost its fierce
heat, yet retained enough warmth to be
comfortable.
Guess, then. We want a horse 10
ride. 4" said John, thoughtiully.
"HOw far is it?'
"Nigh ON TO two miles.
'Do you all 60 on horseback or in
the wagonP"
"Oh, father and motherll 20 IN the
buggy; but these young folks prefer a
horse. Ye see a feller then is independ-
ent like; he can just ride wherever he
pleases."
Walter did not thoroughly under
stand Johns meaning until he had
passed n Sabbath at the country
church.
He was furnished a fine, dark bay
horse, saddle and bride aud trap
pings. such ms delight the hearts Of
country youth. John and Ben Miles
saddled the most fractions horses on
the farm.
Nothing so delights a young country
gentleman as TO ride a horse. The
wilder the better, and they usually have
them so well trained that the moment
they come in sight of young lady the
animal. to use their expression, ''be-
gins cuttin' up"
A more sober animal was saddled for
Pinkey. AMI Walter was sure ihi her
beauty was enhanced By the long ilOw-
ing riding habit and jaunty hat.
John and Ben were both busy trying
to mount their half broken steeds. 1t
was no easy matter and required con-
siderable ''w0a" "wOalng," and stand
still. you little fool" before the feat
could be accomplished.
Walter. seeing that neither one OF the
brothers could aid the sister 10 mount,
led her horse around 10 the stile. where
she stood ike a statue Of beauty, and
assisted her into the saddle
Mr.. and Mrs. Miles were in the open
ouggy driving down the road at an
easy pace. and both John and Ben,
having mounted their steeis, galloped
away more as II they were on fox
chase Than going 10 church. Their
reckless conduct set Pinkey's horse to
prancing and Walter sprang into his
seddle and riding az her side took the
rein near the biz and soothed the ami
mai until ho became quiet
pinkey smiled graclously, and
thanked Walter They rode along To-
gether just behind the buggy. which
sent up clouds Of dust from the royolv-
ing whcols
"Nhy do Yopr brothers pde suoh
y. .r..- ~ ........'|