The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-06-02

gift"
 "It would not look we'll for me to accept such costly present." she re- piled, nevertheless looking admiringly at the black pony with its proudly arched neck.
 But Bill insisted that his mother had had the pony "trigged up" for her for Christmas gift, and would feel very much hurt if-Zelma refused it. For they knew that MT. Archer had nothing but mules to ride, and Mir. Warren had great number of ponies at his ranch, and the Warrens desired to gratify wish of the young teacher, whom they esteemed so high ly. This being the case, Zelma accepted the beautiful present with blushing thanks.
 Winter sped rapidly away, and spring scattered rare wild flowers prodigally over Coyote Prairie. Sum- mer was hurrying on; school bad ex- pired and Zelma was enjoying long vacation. She was very fond of her pony, and no pleasure was greater for her than to mount and ride across the flower starred prairies.
 It was a golden day in late spring. Zelma decided to ride beyond the wide limits of Coyote Prairie and explore the wooded stream which was only a vague, dark streak far west from her home.
 She was some time in reaching the wood, but when she did the scene was so enchanting to her artistic fancy that she scarcely needed the distance she had come. At last when she per mitted her pony to refresh himself at the stream, she suddenly realized her position. She was alone in a wood which was said to be the haunt of fe- rocious wild animals and bad Indians. The girl was almost frightened to think how far she had heedIessly rid den beyond the range Of any human habitation.
 Before she had time to turn her pony's head homeward, there was a cat-like step of moccasined feet, and a brawny, painted Indian sprang from the wayside bushes and grasped the rein of her bridle.
 Ugh" he uttered fiendishly leer- ing into her scared face. "Runnin' Wolf heap too quick for white squaw. Good pony, me take; white squaw pretty; black eyes; me take. Ugh! Runnin' Wolf take both to his lodge, way off,"
 The poor girl was too thoroughly frightened to cry for help had any been within hearing, which was very unlikely. So unexpected was the ap- pearance of Running Wolf, so sudden her capture, she was deprived for time of the power to stir muscle. h. deed, she seemed fixed to the saddle.
 The Indian, with a triumphant gleam in his evil, copper -colored eyes, turned Zelma's pony into a tangled by-path, and was fast leading him with his fright benumbed mistress deeper and deeper within the wild, lonesome woodland.
 On and on Running Wolf went with his fair prize.
 At length they came to a place where the path made an abrupt turn. What was Zelma's joy to be brought face to face with Bill Warren.
 Bill had been hunting for a lost horse from his fathers ranch, and Providence had evidently led him there.
 Bills wits were always alert, and he comprehended the situation at a glance. With a yell of horror the young fellow raised his rife and fired directly at the Indian. But ere Bill had pulled the trigger, the willy Run ming Wolf had jumped aside, and the bullet tore it's way into the trunk of tree on the creek bank.
 Bill allowed the Indian to go skulk- ing off without further molestation, while he hastened 10 Zelma's side and 1 received her into his strong arms just l as she fainted from the excess of her terror.
 Water from the creek near by re- vived her, and soon Zelma was able to ride home by the side of her brave rescuer. Her gratitude was too deep for many words; besides, Bill would | not allow her to allude to the matter had she tried ever 80 often.
 After that adventure, a warmer friendship sprang upon between Bill and Zelma, and the latter never rode | far across Coyote Prairie unless Bill was in close attendance. It was difi- cult for her to realize that this at- tentive escort of hers had been, only | last autumn, her unruly pupil. But she closed her eyes to the contrast.
 One day as they halted their ponies for rest under 6 lone cottonwood tree, within sight of MT. Warren's | ranch and Mr.-Archer's new farm, Bill as he raised his honest eyes, now so steady, to Zelma's face:
 "Zelma," he said, speaking in low