Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1890-11-14
A COUNTRY CIRCUS.

AEAEMAANn ANNLMMNAAN NNNAAANNN AAA NNt AAA
tions, with that fair maiden following
close in pursuit, her checked s%unbonnet
waved above her head like an ensign Of
war. Ieander stood and watched the
pursuit with the cool, impartial smile
CT a disinterested spectator until the
speckled fugitive ~bethought herself to
dart headlong into the sunny angle Of
the stone wall, where the scarlet spheres
Of ripening tomatoes basked ON n rude
wooden frame. AT the supreme second
he swooped noiselessly down from his
unseen vantage point and seized Old
Speckle by her futtering wings.
'Here's your fowl, Terebinth, said he.
'sWell, I d~eclarei' said Miss Terebinth,
according a reluctant admiration to the
dizziness Of the capture. "And I've been
chasin' the creature this ten minutesl
I'm goin' to have a ~fricassee for dinner"
Company comin'?"
Il mean to ask Elder Atkinson and his
wife"
Don't ask EN-" said Leander. put
it off till some other time, Terebinth."
"For goodness sake. why2'
Leander drew three squares Of yellow
pastebOard from his pocket.
Look" said he; I've got tickets for
the circus to-night-for you and me and
Ally Ames."
Miss Terebinth's careworn visage
frightened up. To these simple coun-
try folk the annual visitation Of the cir
cus signifed opera, Theatres polo and
athletic games all in one.
"Goodr' cried she. releasing the strug-
Cling hen. "Then I'll let Old Speckle go
this time. But, Leander, have you asked
AliceY"
I'm going there now"
"Are you sure she'll GOT -
"Of course; why Shouldn't sheSa
TNebsnth heaitatolrqsne tied the sun
boz fet strings under her chin.
fHerhaps that young English tourist
that bounds at the hotel-Capt. Cassell
they call him, don't they
Leander's handsome, sunburned visage
larkened.
What Of himT' said he, sharply.
De may have asked her. Don't be
Vezed, Leander," she added, pleadingly.
Folks do say she's dreadful took up
with him. and l don't knows l wonder
80 Lunch arter l heard him talk t'other
hight to MAY BailOy's Chinese party.
Hes Travelled most everywhere; and If
you could hear hfm describe the tigers
he killed in CeyloA and she elephants
he's hunted on the Niger riyer'-
''Oh, hang the tigers and the ele-
phants!' impatiently broke in Leander.
Il don't believe a word Of it. l dare say
he's all very well; but, for my part, /
haven't much opinion Of a fellow that
loafs around hotel piazza in hay max
ing time, doing nothing, with a white
scarf on his hat, and a sash, for all the
world like a girls, fled around his
waistr'
cts the fashion" said Terehinth.
"a queer fashion, ! think" comment
ed Leander.
Hes a very brave mana regular
hero" went on Terebibth. He served
in her majesty's White Heeled Horse
once during a Londor riot, and"-
"And did wonders l don't doubt, in
terrupted Leander Bat don't see
what all this has II do with us and Calu-
NETS circus"
He took up his hat from the grass
where it had been reposing among but
tercups AID white clover blossoms all
this ta4e, and started off at a brisk
WAX Terebinth looked dolefully after
MIN.
Poor Leander," said she, half aloud.
I'm afraid he's going to be badly disap-
pointed,
Alice Ames was sitting OF the porch
rnder the green, shifting shadows Of the
hop vines Smelling Lima beans to dry as
Lesnder Rockwells fine, tall figure came
swinging mp the path. He was very
handsome. thought the girl, bat he lack
ed the ease and polish Of the dapper lit
tie captain of "her majesty's White
Horse" His clothes bore evil
dence Of country cut--his boots were
powdered with dust, and his face was
bronzed with August heats.
How do you do. Allyn said he, and
Alice, remembering the d~eferential man
ner with which the captain always adj
dressed her as miss Ames, answered,
a toss Of her head:
"Im pretty well, thank your
~ "NNA kNANA oNAAH lAllAllH AoI Lue ]
tonight, Ally said he, plunging
amore into his subject .'Win YOU
90 with meg'
'Ihanll You, eYer 80 much" said she,
topping for a fresh handful Of the vel
green pods, "but I've promised
APT. Cassell 70 go with himl'
"Humphg" observed Leander. $50 I'm
90 later
Eyes, a little too late"
is II 30 be always so, Allyf"
II don't know what yon mean, Lean
en-"
"iou used to care Tor me a little be-
ore this Boosting captain Of horse came
like you well enoughnow, Leander."
well enough 10 marry me.
II don't think you're justified in ask
q me any such questions" said Alice,
linping up and ~rotreaiing huriedly
ltO the house.
y understand, remarked Leanler,
rimly. II don't stand any chance
longside Of the tiger hunting hero. It's
pity we haven't . few wild beasts la /
loae woods to hlL The captain must
iisa his Occupation Wen, good after. I