Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1891-09-07

EoluHs
BE It so; il is bargain, shouted
Basseit in return.
he was no less excited, but more self
contained than Denis, and he doggedly
resolved to win or die in the attempt.
Goodbye! You may wish me joy
already, old fellowl" screamed Denis, a
moment later, as his marc put ON a squirt
and gained lead of dozen yards.
Bassett made no reply, but his face
assumed look of deadly determination,
and he concentrated his attention on his
horse, which soon regained its place be-
side the black mare. An instant later
they swept round a curve in the road, and
right ahead of them lay the entrance 10
Garryhougla; but the gate was shut.
Involuntarily Denis slackened speed
and looked at his companion; but Tom
Bassett's face was rigid, and without a
word or sign he held his horse straight
for the gate. 1t was a. long, white wooden
gate nearly 8 feet high, and frightful
jump TO face; but the gallant boy cleared
it in splendid style.
A shout of mingled rage and admira-
ton burst from o Halloran as he witnessed
the daring exploit, and reckless of the
consequence, he endeavored to initiate
1t. But Shylie Bawn was wiser than her
master, and refused to jump.
After clearing the gate Tom Basset
drew bride and turned to watch his
rival. He saw the mare balk, and, fling
ing himself from the saddle, he rushed
to the gate just as Denis faced it second
time. But again the mare refused.
Don't punish her, O'Halloranl"
shouted Bassett, as he saw Denis raise his
whip. "The mare knows she can't jump
1t. You would only break both your
necks Come on in, man; what are you
waiting for?" he finished, as he threw
open the gate.
But Denis held back.
No; it's of no use going any farther, {"
he answered gloomily. "Pve lost. the
race, and I'll keep my word. Kathleen
is yours! don't know that you'd have
won, though, but for that confounded
gate being shut.
Exactly so; and Tn not going to take
advantage of it. There are not many
horses that would face that jump, can
tell you; so do not look so glum, O'Hal-
loran. Come on, and try your luck,
man; Kathleen may refuse me, after all,
you know, /" said Bassett heartily.
BY jingo, you are trump, Bassettl
You deserve to winl" cried Denis, recog-
nizing and responding to his rivals gem
erosity.
Tom shut the gate, mounted his horse,
and the two men rode on together.
say, Bassett, Denis remarked, after
a moments silence, both of us have
come here to-day with the same intention,
evidently; but feel / shouldn't be using
you well if didn't tell you that I've
come by special appointment. Kath-
leen promised TO see me to-day at II
o'clock, to say either Yes or No"
My case precisely" returned Tom, in
astonishment. "She made the same ap-
pointment with me, at the same hour, and
for the same purpose.
The deuce she dld!" exclaimed O'Hal.
loran amazingly.
The two men stared at each other for a
moment in silence, and then simultan-
eously burst into a laugh
She did it on purpose, I'll swearln y
cried Denis, half laughing, half angry.
"The little saucy witchl She is making
fools of usl"
ut looks like it, - returned Bassett.
She meant to put us both of, I'm
| afraid"
-We'll play her trick, then, said
Denis. "We can turn the tables nicely
upon her by both of us going together
and asking her to choose which of us
she'll marry. She'llhave to say No to one
or both of us. What do you say. Bas-
! sett ?D
All right-Pm agreeable, " responded
Bassett briefly; and they cantered on to
the house.
A few minutes later they were in Miss
O'Meara's presence and exchanging salu-
tations. When the usual civilities had
been gone through, Tom Bassett spoke at
once, without circumlocution, as to the
object of his visit.
Kathleen, you know what both of us
have come here for to-day, he said, put.
ting his hand on Denis's shoulder, so
which is it to be, O'Halloran or me
Choose between us or against us. :"
She was completely taken by surprise
and lost her self possession. She had
never dreamed of being taken by storm
! in such a manner. She stood looking al
her visitors with crimson cheeks and
confused mien, utterly unable to collect
her scattered wits.
The two men waited patiently and in
silence, neither by word or look advo
eating his cause. At last, when the
situation was becoming painful, Kathleen
put an end to it by advancing a step and
holding out her hand.
Il don't want to choose either of YOU.
she said, laughing and blushing; but
since both Of you insist on it, / think i
must be Tom Bassett;" and she placed
both her hands in his.
Denis O'Halloran bore his disappoint
ment manfully, and acted as best man
at the wedding, He set all the guests al
the breakfastatable in roars of laughter
by graphic description of his race with
the bridegroom and Toms wonderful
leap.
For many a year afterward the white
gate at Garryhoughla was pointed out a
Tom Bassetts Leap.
Pronounced Hopeless, Yet Saved.
From letter written by Mrs. Ada Z