The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-11-23
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the country. In fact he sui noluS Il con-
spicuous position in most cites of the
vigorous, mpetuous West.
Several days ago Sheriff Black, of Chey-
enne, was much annoyed by the persistence
and determination of sundry suitors for the
hand of his fair daughter, Miss Helen.
As is always the case in mining districts,
the male population far out numbered the
gentle sex, and Miss Helen, who was a
handsome brunette, would have been a
belle among far severer critics than the
youths of Cheyenne.
She had graduated at st. Louis, and be-
sides being gifted musician was a deY out
worshipper OF nature and fond of outdoor
exercise.
Almost any fine evening III summer a
passer-by might hear her rich mezzo voice
accompanying her guitar to some ringing
"ballad of the plains"
Unconscious was she Of the fact that the
melody iloated out from the shadows of the
cottonwood trees and mingled with the
piptt't, tllulStlip anu thaI many
a luckless youth dated hopeless love from
the last evening when he had dropped in
to help the sheriff and the old servant in
making an audience.
Miss Helen cared little for the admira-
ton of men, but accepted it as matter Of
course, having been brought up among
them. She enjoyed herself in fashion OF
her own, with her books, guitar, sketch
book and her spirited horse, Wildlire.
Two of her lovers, however seemed TO
gain moro favor than the rest. In fact
popular opinion was puzzled AS to which
would win.
One OF them was tall, athletic young
Westerner, who was az bright and invisora
ting of presence as the air lie hreathed, and
in whore clear blue eyes not shadow OF
deceit was visible. Handsome, for sure,
but so sturdy and independent that he i'm
pressed one as young giant.
He was all ardent geolo:ist, could
analyze 'lind' as well as an expert
loved his mountains and worshippcd-Miss
Helen.
But with all his devotion Joe was dis
Greet young fellow, and held his curly
head up in defiance of mankind in general
the fair Helen feel too sure Of her conquest.
The aforesaid rival was wealthy young
mine owner from Chicago-all that is con
veyed in the term "a polished gentleman. >
IIo had laughed heartily when on depart
ing for his new home his Chicago
friends had jokinely predicted that hC
would lose his heart to some Westelr
beauty. But here he was, eager to lay hi
fate and fortune at the feet of the sheriff
queenly daughter.
One bright, breezy day in September
Helen cantered off soon after dinner witt
some sketching material, ostensibly Il
make some sketches of the autumn scenery,
but really to commune with nature, the
only mother she had ever known, and tt
decide what answer she should give on the
morrow to her wealthy lover, who that day
had asked her to be his wife. She told
him that she must read her own heart be.
fore she could answer, and he hoped for 4
favorable reply.
Joe had been offended by one Of heI
hasty speeches a week before. They were
talking about Russell, and she had asserted
somewhat warmly that she knew Of no one
whose society she preferred. AS soon as the
impulsivs words were spoken she repeated
but Toe rode away with look in his blue
eyes that had haunted her ever since.
Somehow Joe's naughty head flung back
like a stag at bay Kept booming up before
her mental vision, when duty demanded
that she be thinking of Russell and hi.
flattering offer.
The hours wore on, and so preoccupiet
was she that she did not observe the heavy
clouds that were rslling black and massiv,
down the mountain side.
Suddenly large drop splashed in hel
face, and she looked about her in alarm
heavy equnoctial storm seemed almos
upon her.
Wildfre sprang forward at the touch o
the whip, and literally flew in the direction
OF the house.
The great clouds were rolling over thu
hills like giant ogres clad in mist. Thunder
and sharp, vivid lightning followed ant
then deluge.
Wildfre dashed on until they came t,
the creek, and then the girl drew back il
dismay.
The creek was foaming torrent and sh'
could not see the bridge.
Suddenly she heard q mans voice
shouting to her, and in few minutes Jo'
on his tough little mustang was beside her
He wore buffalo coat and threw larg,
cloak OF her own about her shoulders. Sh,
did not wait to ask how he happened t,
come for her. She forgot that he wa
angry and that she had hurt him. Sh,
reached out her firm, white hand ant
caught Joes extended fingers, and side b,
side the two horses were urged across thu
bridge.
They galloped home in silence, and wheI
they reached there and Helen stepped int