Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1895-06-06
CHAPTER II.-Continued.

Ruby while you dress. and tell Jenkins to
sput her into one of the front seats while
the show 10 On. Afterward you can let her
ssee the horses, and put her up to thing
.or two. Do you understand mel"
Ruby sat down In the dressing tent and
Eaxed wonderingly at her surroundings
Ruby subsequently sat throughout the
performance. She scarcely spoke and
hardly took her eyes from the ring. Soon
after it was over Vic and the little novice
were again together. Tom Darrow, a
clown. approached the two girls. He was
. thin, pale fellow, but there was kindly
l0ok on his face and an earnestness which
drew Ruby to like him at once. He glanc-
ed at the beautiful, refined face, and
then ut her neat attire When he did
speak it was to address Ruby. $50 you
are Ruby? Vic has been telling me all
about you. Won't you shake hands and
be friends, little lady?''
Little lady, The courteous tones
the first the poor child had heard since
her arrival--struck her forcibly. and al
most made the tears start again. But
she put out her hand rs a token Of her
willingness to be friends.
That's 1t, my dear" and he gave her
firm and fast; il you chum with Vic it will
be jolly
They took Ruby over the stables, but
shc only answered in monosyllables to the
kindly meant observations of her COM
panions The homesickness had overcome
her again-overpowered her, and crushed
the very life within her.
That night when the Signor inquired
- y1~,s Il 4
To be great rider. she answered him
almost rudely:
''NO; / don't care about the horses.
They're horrid spotted looking things; not
half 80 nice as my pony was. only want
To 60 home again. I hate this wicked
place. and I hate you, because you keep
me here-that dor
The Signor was disappointed. He had
meant to be kind, but apparently it was
useless to try and win her by gentleness,
40 he substituted severity.
Look here. my lady, if you use that
tone with me I'll make you smart for it.
DO You underestimate He shook the girl
angrily. ''Once for all, this is your home.
can't help your cursed relations putting
you here; but here you are, and here you
are going to remain. The best thing you
can do b to hold your tongue, or it will
be the worse for you"
Vic, with bitter experience of her own,
was afraid Ruby would exasperate her
trainer to the last degree. The thought
that it would never do for him to thrash
her the frst night flashed through her
mind, and she rose from her seat and
iAeadsds for the stranger. ''Dou't be an
CRY, sir, I'ms sure she does not mean to
be rude. We're all strange to her. Don't
touch her. sir: please don't"
Look here, 80 to your room, both Of
you. and II hear another word tonight
Ill thrash the pair of you. Be off now,
this minutev'
Vic took hold of Ruby, who was now
crying, and led her hastily from the room.
A few days later Enrico started, with
his pupils, for . protracted tour, and then
the misery Of Ruby's life began in earn
est They joined a circus, and for weeks
together travelled from one town to an
other. Hour after hour he kept her ut
work. At 8 every morning he began her
instructions: at IL there was q short ten
minutes for lunch and rest, and then they
commenced again. After three months
he considered her sufficiently accomplish
I'D to commence riding in the ring, and
he appointed night for her appearance.
I'm to wear that skirt before the peo-
piev' she said to EnricO-''then l won't"
He took up the short skirt. which count
ed its length by inches, and the lace, flow
ers and ribbons fell lightly and grace
fully over his arm as he held it. Now,
then, are you going to put this on or not p
The child hesitated. Tears were slowly
-cOursing down her cheeks. She was tired
and weary, and very frightened, but she
could not assent. II cannot put it on"
she answered quietly.
In . moment he held her firmly-so
firmly that she could not move. She
knew In q moment what was in store for
her. and great terror took possession of
her childish mind. She tried to speak,
to beg for mercy; but she could not frame
the words. She closed her eyes
that she should not see him. He gave her
sharp cut, which raised vale; then
another and another, then shower Of
Fthem In quick succession. The agony
.caused her to moan and cry, but it grew
70 intense ut last that she became stupe-
zfed, dck and faint.
Will y0u di1Ohey me again? Will you
do ~ l tell your No answer. ''Speak."
Still NO answer from the fainting child.
Another lash ON the now bleeding body.
win you do ~ tell your
Yes" she murmured family.
Oh, you wal. will you? That's good
business. Now we understand one an
0fhef."
When she stood attired he glanced at
her. you'll dor and he added an oath.
"Now remember. next time you show OF
! your temper Ill give you another dose. y
He left the room, and the child took OF
the tawdfy. sti6ened dress. But the pain
she was suffering hampered her move
ments, and It was some time before she
was able to get to her room.
Oh, Ruby, dear Ruby!' cried Vic, an
she entered: what has he done to you p
Ruby flushed crimson at the recollection.
She could not tell even Vic the degrading
punishment he had inflicted upon her. But
Vic was sharp enough to guess, and she
refrained from further questioning.
"Never mind, my pet: Vic loves you
the best in the world"
The words Of honest, hearty love broke
Rnby's reserve; she flung her arms around
Vic and burst into passionate weeping.
II wish I were dead; indeed do! Even
tsod has deserted me. love him 50 much,
and yet he has brought me to this
Don't cry, don't cry; oh, don't sob sos
said Vic s1,Orno and lie IN tho hod