Dodge City times., 1888-04-12

ing and neighing she clattered up the
avenue. bringing Gurley out of the house
followed by Tom Holmes, who paused on
the step with Mrs. Holmes III the doorway
behind him
'.Never mind" called back Gurley "She'I
let me catch her when she gets over her
fright. Something's frightened herr
Likely storyl'' exclaimed Tom Holmes.
81 knew that mare'd have some trick, and
now you see she's unhitched herself Shall
1 come and help you:"
''No,'' replied Gurley, laughing. II won I
have you. She's just up here in a corner.
Shut the door. Mrs. Holmes will catch
cold"
''You better let me help you" repeated
Tom Holmes. with merry laziness, with
drawing into the house as he spoke.
1--WE don want you rolling about here in
our way" responded Gurley. '.Ho, Bess
come here" he coaxed, walking towards
his favorite, as the closing door wiped it's
tablet of light from the ground.
But as he approached he traced another
figure beside B9,s, holding the bride.
Il have her. said Phoebe.
'You didn't come out for that'' exclaimed
Gurley
''Here she is. Hold tight to her bride,
Mr.. Gurley."
''Oh, Bess is no runaway. At least, she
wasn't before you put premium on her
capers. I am obliged to her for bringing
you downstairs. Nay be I've been perse-
cutting you with calls lately.
mop said Phoebe. earnestly.
''No? Take my arm back to the house.
won't you, There's q harrow or part of an
Old wagon-bod W-rec,col kercabouts. and the
starlight is hardly strong enough for us to
see it. l know the behring's pretty well,
though
''Mr. Gurley, will you do a great, great
service for me-"
'Don't you know would do anything in
the world foryou.''
''But this is so risky. 50 dangerous. l
ought not to ask it. l want you to take
me to Mr.. Barker's. | am afraid to stay
herer'
Afraid said Gurley. There he stopped,
without dwelling even in thought upon the
probable cause.
''You are not afraid Of Bess. anyhow he
observed, with slight laugh. ''Or her
present saddle, either. WIN you ride her
and let me lead!''
~-Oh, thank you
''Not at all, l assure you And 1 know
you can mount from the hand. That's it.
Are you at all comfortable now!"
Eyes" replied Ple3e. 1 feel safe al
ready
''Sne must le..Ea to walk. and she hates
it," said G,lrley, a3 they started, Bess Civ
ing an impatient jerk at her rein. I am
having lady's saddle made. Psyche
Fawcett offerel me hers, but it Is hardly
modern enough, 50 I'm having one made
according to my notions. You said you'd
ride with me- But 1 scarely expected we'd
set out this way
Phoebe laughed.
but I'm glad she hates to walk When
you go home. ride fast. There might be
something ON the road
Il did have an adventure below here.n
said GurIey. recoiIeceing. .'Some fellow
tried the prank Of grabbing my bride, but
l marked hin, aud he'll probably get ex-
cused from chapel for few days"
''What is that by the gate.' breathed
Phoebe, shrinking toward the horses neck.
Nothing but BUSH
''Oh. yes; I remember"
s'Our eyes will soon be accustomed to the
dark ! don't believe l know the best route
to Barker's. They live off the main road,
don't they"
eS, and II we turn INTO the woods mere
by the schOOl-hOuSe there is sled road
which will lead u.s."
Into the woods near the school-house they
accordingly turned. The night air made
far-away aeolian sound among tree limbs,
and beyond the Hollow, Guys dogs could be
heard barking at intervals.
Phoebe covered once Or twice again, but
The sentinel object ahead of them always
nY.n.-ef7 IN T,a a s3T1T~,r, i-lS+aad of Thaue She
glanced backward suspecting that he had
followed them: he had disappeared too soon
after Bess overthrow him to be far OF. As
Gurley's and Bsss' feet trod undisturbed
ahead, however, Pnoei,.'s confidence re-
turned.
III you come to harm OF - ..ssazsAn