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

It was nearly 9 o'clock the next morning
when Mr.. and Mrs. Martin stood upon the
front porch watching the preparations for
the ride to the old peach orchard. Fannie
and Lizzie were mounted upon their horses.
John Hilton had arrived on his thorough
bred, BayrIdge, man and horse looking very
natty, trigged cut in English costume and
trappings Roy, with Patsy Saddled this
time, was capering around here, there and
everywhere. Uncle Bob was putting his
saddle trifle forward on his big "racker"
Cream Pet, that Nan might have a eomforta-
Bile seat behind him. Mr. Hilton, turning
to look down the road toward Ben Clayton's
place, exclaimed, laughlngly: Here come
the twin brothers" And sure enough Ben
came into view mounted upon Tom. The
gallant animal moved freely with his strong
measured stride and a fine manly picture
they made as they came quickly up the
road. Ben was dressed in well-titting suit
of dark gray corduroy, with high riding
boots and black SLOUGH hat, and Tom had a
well-kept Mcclellan saddle, strapped on his
back, and altogether they looked very well.
Nan secretly admired them, though she
glanced but once in that direction.
"Well, my gay cavalier" said Roy, as
Ben drew rein ana raised his hat to the
ladies' You are justin time"
'That is what L aimed to be, my boy"
answered Ben. as he rode up alongside
Fannie, who received his tacit offer Of eS-
cort with pleasant SMILE
"Ben," said Mr.. Martin, edo you reckon
there will be any whole peaches when you
get back?'
1T is hard to tell. sir" said Ben. smiling;
"but, Of course. we will do the best we
can"
"Well. Ben. / shall depend on YOU to make
them ride slowly coming home" said Mrs.
Martin.
II am afraid 1 can only promise to set
them a good example," answered Ben.
cit is about time we were starting" said
Uncle Bob; Mamie, do you feel all right?"
Just as comfortable as in a rocking
chair" answered Nan.
so here goes" called Roy. and away
they went The day was pleasantly cool
and they made good time. considering the
road was rough. When they reached the old
race-courSe it seemed to be comparatively
smooth and even, so their horses naturally
quickened their pace for about a half-mile
stretch.
''On that was delightful gallopl" ex-
claimed Lizzie.
"But remember, my lady, don't you in
dulge in another such, going home, laughed
Roy.
rather detrimental TO the peaches"
After a mile or so of rough road they
reached tho peach orchard. Many of the
trees were loaded with the luscious fruit of
different varieties and stages of ripeDess.
Before the war it had been devoted to the
canning industry, but the business had been
so crippled by the rebellion that it had not
been revived as yet. and all the Superin-
tendent aimed to do was to take care of the
trees and invite the neighborhood to come
in aud help themselves. The particular kind
that Mrs. Martin wished to get was large
yellow variety, very juicy and delicious.
Mr.. White. the Superintendent, thought
they were rather too ripe to carry such a
distance on horseback. hut they thought
they would try them at any rate.
''Fannie, you can make msrmalade out Of
theuy" said Uncle Bob
"0h, yes" answered Fannie, I'VE will
manage TO save them in some way"
After eating their lunch and feasting on
peaches the gentlemen lit their cigars,
and they all strolled round among the trees
Ben sought an opportunity Of speaking to
Nan alone, but the willful young lady kept
close to Uncle Bob, and would pay no at
tention to his mute appeals. This began to
look serious. Never before had Nan held
out SO long against his overtures of peace.
Somewhat nettled, Ben went off to consult
Mr. White about the grating Of some new