The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1894-06-02

I
long ago-bsr life. Early this morning
I mounted Victor and started for hunt.
intending to b out al day. Soon altar
noon I became aware that storm was
brewing, and Immediately turned my
horse's head homsward.
II had proceeded only short distance
when was compelled to seek shelter be-
meath the thick foliage Of gigantic oak.
There cat for three long hours, watch
ing with interest the pouring rain. At
last the clouds broke away, and ! found
as rode along through the forest direct
ing my course toward the high road, that
the fteshet had forced tho creek, which
in dry weather u . mere rivulet Or BE-.
yond its banks.
"suddenly there came louder than tho
torrents roar, the sound Of crashing tim.
bers, mingled with = cry Of distrsss.
Urging Victor on, soon witnessed =
scene that seemed to freeze The very
blood in my veins.
"The rushing waters had forced the
bridge that spanned tho creek ftcu it,
hold, and borne II away upon the rapid
current; and Ross, Imagine, If you can.
my feelings-bat no, that would b i'm.
possibls-when I Jaw Nina Leighton
standing upon Il!
Fortunately my weekly explorations
of that locality in search Of game had
acquainted ne with my surroundings,
which, together with the discovery that
the railing on oos aide of the bridge had
been broken Of, leaving = single post
standing, enabling me to quickly deter
mine upon course of action.
as the bridge passed me I shouted:
| "'Courage, Nina! Cling to the railing
that remains, and l will save you at the
| BEND
"Then began the race for life. With the
speed of a deer my noble Victor bounded
along the bank, leaping over fallen trees
and bitches. With joy found upon near
ing the bend that my side of the creek
was almost clear of trees, also that the
currents strength spent against the op-
posite bank.
"Victor had won the race. Soon, how
ever, the bridge, with the slender form
of poor Nina standing like statue upon
it, her face the hue of death, her eyes
rivited upon me, swept by.
"Will catch the post with my lasso
and gallop along with you to the bend
and be ready to draw the bridge ashore.
Brace yourself firmly called.
"With q whizzing sound my lariat cut
the air and settled around the post. As
we approached the bend l spurred Victor
forward, then, wheeling him suddenly to
the right of large tree, brought him
back on his launches. The noble fellow
grandly sustained the trial of his strength
as stronger and stronger came the strain
on the lariat until the headlong course
of the frail raft was entirely checked.
After grounding it and securing the lasso,
! soon had the unconscious form of Nina
Leighton safe in my arms"
+ X
The rays of the setting sun fell upon
Nina, seated near the parlor window,
thinking of the terrible experience she
had passed through that afternoon. and
of the man who had saved her life, re.
membering with thrill Of pleasure how
his awkwardness had vanished in his un-
conscious devotion to her.
"No," she reflected, II will not rebel
against fate. To-day he saved my life,
and-I love himl''
But, who was the elegant, we'll dressed
stranger she saw coming up tho path
There was something strangely familiar
to her in his appearance, yeti could
not be! All, but it was! For in mo.
ment her hands were clasped in those of
the visitor, and she was gazing into the
roguish face of Ward Cameron.
"And how is my little teacher after her
unpleasant venture2' he mlscievously
asked, smiling down upon her.
Unable to bear the quizzinR expression
of those dark eyes and the rush of men,
cries Wards question brought her, she
covered her face with her hands as she
faltered:
"Then you are not an ignorant COW.
boy, after alls'
"Well, no, not exactly, since / am
graduate of old Harvard" replied Ward,
coolly. "Miss Leighton-Nina," he earn
estly continued, as he knelt at her side and
drew her hands from her blushing face.
II plead your pardon for ny wicked de-
ception. Hearing much praise Of the little
teacher from my Aunt Helen, masquer-
AIDED a. did through pure love of fun"
"For shame, siri" pouted Nina, with
burning cheeks. "Think Of my patient en-
deavors to educate'a Harvard graduate"
!. Sweetheart, l have learned lesson 90
dangerously fascinating that I cannot un-
learn it. And now, dropping the impris-
oned hands and drawing the girlish form
toward him, twill you not be his wifes"
"You saved my life to-day, Ward; it
is yours" she whispered, ~ she tremu-
lousy turned to meet her lovers kiss.