Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-09-18

to shame; and the young Squire was
fam To allow his horse a breathing.
"Now, Ilma," said Sir Philip, refining
back his fery steed TO the girps side, ..iet
her 20. The ditch is within u quarter OF
a mile. 1t is a good siXtcen-feet leap
You can do itv--he said, looking into her
eyes.
eyes," she answered readily, without
the least brayado, her cheeks flushing, aud
her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Away thenW
Like an arrow from bow, Zuleika was
gone. Rose and jamie uttered simulta-
neous cry OF rgled admiration aud fear.
els she running awayW exclaimed the
latter breathlessly.
"No, no." answered Rose; "Sir Philip
set her OH. lie knows what he il about.
See, he is after her, taking il more easily.
Come, let's see the leap"
In another moment lima, with unerring
hand, l!.tcd the Arabs head 10 the leap.
There was u fash, wild halloo from Eo-
land, and Iuleika landed lightly on the
opposite side of the wide ditch, and stood
painting and trembling a little. Ilma's
bright laugh rang out like n bell, as she
bent over her brave steed, carcssing her
tenderly. In another second Sir Philip
was by her side.
"Well DONE" he said, his dark hand
some face glowing with delight NJ the girls
splendid teat-"well done, lima! | knew
you would take the ditch in tine style !;
but, by my faith, never saw 30 dashing
leapv
Except your own just now" returned
the girl, her heart throbbing fast to hear
his praise. "You must have taken il al
most at stand. Oh, Sir Philip, wonder
what Rol will say now OF /uleika! She is
worthy of all you say of hcr-my beauti-
full darling! | believe sne would like to
go back again"
"And you too, ELI, You wild sprite? No;
take pity on me, and while the others are
riding round-it is more than half mile
let us have good Hop over that piece
OF rolling country"-pointing ahead.
"Oh, delicious ~ cried lima. "Sir Phil
ip-onc minute-do look at them. Not
one of their horses can take the ditch -
Tom would have fearful cropper if he
tried it,"
tom is too heavy, and has not the
stride forsuch leap" said Darrell, watch
ing with certain sense OF triumph, Ro-
land galloping of, for lie had lima to
himself for a few brief moments Of happi-
IL
had urged the girl TO the leap OF purpose,
knowing that he could reach her and that
the others could not. But what did it
matter? He was conscience-clear in this
at least, and, for the rest, lima was by his
side.
"And look" she exclaimed suddenly,
show well you fastened the flowers, Sir
Philip; they have not fallen outv'
Darrel's dark gray eyes flashed, and the
firm hand OH the bride trembled little !;
he spoke impulsiyely.
"Yet, if they fell, you would not care,
lima"
She had not looked at his face, but
started at the ring of bitterness in his
tone. Something made her instinctiyely
keep her eyes turned from him as she an
swered-
"But / should care indeed-les bellies
1eursw
eyes, les bellies, feurs," he said mock
ingly; then, wheeling his horse-"Now
then, give reinw
Zuleika needed DO more. With joyous
neigh she tossed up her graceful head and
dashed off. Darrell, who OF course could
have easily passed his young companion
kept AZ her side and away they went over
the free moorland, with the breeze whis-
Ting past them aud the hot sun blazing
down. In the mad delight of that gallop
lima almost forgot the pain Sir Philips
words aud manner had given, and scac Ja-
ly thought, but only felt, that half Ihe
happiness would be il he had not been
with her.
TO BE CONTINUED.