The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-05-07

variety of peach. Good-natured Uncle Bob
was not blind to the present state of af-
fairs, and was half tempted to give Nan a
little scolding for being so hard on poor
Ben, but she chung so confdlngly TO him
that be had not the heart 10 reDroach her,
and left her to her own sweet will. Finally
the time for starting home arrived, and
after adjusting the well-filled haversacks
they began their pilgrimage. All went we'll
until they neared the old race-course, when
the ''atmisfeer" began to take effect on
some of the horses.
"Why, what can be the matter with the
beasts ?" queried Mr. Hilton, as Bayrdge
grew more restless and dancing in his
movements, and LizZle'S mare Delilan
seemed similarly affected.
'Cream Pet has raced over this course
great many times, but | can control him.
unless another horse starts first, then
don't know" And Uncle Bob shook his
head obviously.
''Do you suppose I could keep my seat,
Uncle Bob. should the horses start?" asked
Mamie. "0f course could, though; Cream
Pet is so easy in his motions"
Roy said nothing, but there was mischief
twlnkling in his eyes. Patsy was not con-
Quoting herself very soberly, and forgetting
the precious freight they We're carrying, he
longed to see the first horse start. As they
turned from the woods onto the course Bay
ridge went straight up into the air, and
paved and pulled viciously at the bit. Liz
Ze's Delilah also reared, and plunging, al
most unseated her rider. Patsy kicked two
or three times, switching her tail with To-
tary motion. Cream Pet moved out of his
amble, tossed his head and bore rather hard
on the bit. Fannie'S horse, White stockings,
minced along with very short steps, showing
reDreSsed excitement. Tom alone showed
SteadineSs. though there was an unusual
prcking up of his ears, as If he knew some
thing was in the breeze. There was no use
in trying to prevent the run, for Bayridge
broke clear away, and as quick as Hash
the others followed suit Away they went.
pell-mell. helter-s keller. Ben brought up
the rear with Tom we'll In hand, his anxiety
for Nan causing him to neglect his promise
to Mrs Martin.
When but quarter of the distance had
been covered he heard Nan call out, "Uncle
Hold on tight, Mamie" returned Uncle
Bob; Ppm trying to stop him, but the
harder | pull the faster he goesl'
The others had all passed Cream Pet,
which seemed to madden the animal. Ben
let Tom move up little, when, horrors
Mamie slipped and fell lengthwise in the
road almost under Toms feet. Ben's heart
stood still, but retaining his presence of
mind he dug his spurs into Toms TANKS
and called bis name In ringing tone OF
voice. The animal, half frightened and
thoroughly excited by such unusual treat
uleHb lIUlu HIS mdSb6I, LOopOuuou Sdllcl9'
All the ire OF his ancient ancestors seemed
to course through his veins at that instant,
for with bound like deer he landed just
beyond Mans curly head, which lay un-
covered in the road, her riding-cap having
fallen aside. After few more strides Ben
managed to throw Tom on his bauncheS,
and sprlnging to the ground ran back to
Mans assistance. She, poor child, was
slowly rising from the ground with dazed
look up0n her face.
20 Mamie, my darling, thank God you
are safeP' exclaimed Ben, claSping her in
his arms. "Are you sure you are not hurt?'
I" | think Pm ali right, Ben, thank YOU"
answered Mamie, slowly. She look up tim
idly, "a MICS is as good as mile, is it
nOtY' smiling family. Ben's face still
wore the look of frightened anguish, ana
Nan, flied with rem0rSe at the sight Of such
misery caused by her willfuluess, burst
into tears and s0bbed as II Ter heart would
break. This was a new turn Of affairs.
Mamie, dear child don't cry so, plead
ed Ben. ut is all over with, and you are
safe and sound, my pet; come over here
aud sit down little WHILE" And he led
her to q fallen tree where she might rest,
while he carefully brushed the dust and
trash from her habit and hair with his hand
kerchief. He concluded it would be wiser
to let her have a good cry. though it dis
tressed him very much to see her so drowned
in tears He walked over to where her rid
ing-cap lay, picked it up and shook it free
of dust, and going over to Mamie. who was
becoming quieter, placed it gently on her
head, and seating himself beside her drew
her close to him. "NOw. dear Mamie. you
have cried enough. l shall begin to think
you are badly hurt"
''Ob, Ben"-still sobbing-"I am crying
because | have caused you so much unneces-
sary misery, not that l am hurt. Can you
ever forgive my willfulneSS? If you will
only this once-I will never cause you au-
other moments worry the longest day /
and / would like to go away and hide"
And poor Nan hid her face ON Ben's Shout
der.
To he continued