Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1894-09-15

to hate HIM. The thought was madden
ing. and his breast was rent with pain
full emotions at the reflection that
he might never again hear the loved
tones Of her voice or gaze into her soul
full eyes.
With sigh that seemed almost q
groan of agony he closed the glass and
returned il to its case. ard WAS about
to spur his horse forward when on rails
ing his Dyes he saw. but f,w rolls dis
tant. Col. Sanford riding toward him.
Strengthening himself in the saddle he
awaited the officers approach, and rs
he came up respectfully gave the mill
tary salute. The colonel returned the
salutation with official dignity and
said
MY man, ride and ovcrtalte Lieut..
Vandevcr and Miss Sanford. Give
them my compliments and say to them
that am out for n ride. and II they de-
sire good-loolSing old fellow for COM
pany would he pleased to have them
wait for me. am too old to go thun-
derinr after them as would once have
loved to do. ] was great rider in my
day, Int old age and rheumatism have
called halt on that sort of work"
What could he do but obey? With a
parting salute he turned his horses
head toward the young couple and
dashed away. confused at the en-
barassing task assigned him. Rather
would he have faced 4 thousand yell
ing savages who sought his life than
the gentle girl and her somewhat eff
Terminate escort, believing, us he did,
that through the officers representa-
tions she had come to hate him. As
every leap of his powerful horse
lessencd the distance between himself
and the young people, his heart
throbbcd faster and faster, and he
would have made any earthly sacrifice
to be relieved of the duty upon which
he had been sent. He at last deter
minded that he would ride up and de-
liver his message rs though to perfect
strangers and hasten away again. and
touching his horse with the spurs he
urged him TO greater speed that the
unpleasant task might be the sooner
performed.
When within quarter of mile of
the couple Brown was astonished TO
sec Vandcver suddenly wheel his horse
FROM the trail, and gnllop furiously
across the plain in the direction of the
western borders Of the garrison. while
Miss Sanford turned her pony's head
and rode back toward himself.
It may be appropriate to here give
the conversation between Alice and
Vandever, that his abrupt and hasty
fight from her side may bc explained.
It may also show the stability Of the
foundation upon which Browns tortur-
ing fears were built.
A. the dinner table that dny Alice,
after much coaxing. had drawn from
her father n promise to 90 riding with
her. hi; 1T the hour Of starting a man
from SaI Marcial he'd called on some
government contract bunincss, md the
girl was compelled TO start alone. The
business was adjusted much more
quickly than the commanding officer
had anticipated, and, recalling how
eager his daughter had been to enjoy q
ride with him he determined she
should not be deprived of the pleasure,
and, ordering his horse, he started
after her. As he rode through one Of
the sallyports In the line Of earthwerlrs
which surrounded the garrison hesaw
Lieut. vandcver join her out on the
plain, and ride away by her side. They
started after little while In gallop,
and seeing the futility Of attempting
TO overtalxe them the colonel concluded
10 ride slowly ahead and meet them on
their return