Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1897-09-09
o. THE VOICE OF THE CHARMER. o.


he went.
He declared she was a better judge
of stock than his bailff himself and as
for her knowledge of horsefiesh, who
was there about the place who could
compete with her? And how she rode
too! Many and many a time, when ac-
cOmpanying his niece in her rides, did
her uncle regret that his salad days
were over, and that he was no longer
able to pilot her over this place and
that, instead of looking on from the
broad back of his favOrite cob while
she larked about at her own free will,
for she was uncommonly fond of riding
over Il country. was Miss Gladys.
AS her groom said. "The fence was
never made yet that could stop his
young lady when the hounds were run
ming"
True to his promise, after breakfast
| the squire unbOsOmed himself to his
niece with regard to his refractory ten
ant at the Lea farm-"the only farm,
by the way, my dear" he added, where
| have not introduced you, for the very
good reason why, because | have such
strong personal dislike to its tenant.
even avoid shooting over the place as
much as possible, because | can't bear
the sight Of the fellow. Just fancy, my
dear, afraid even to walk over my own
property-my own property, forsooth.
Nasty a
up the squire in his wrath. 81 wish
somebody would knock him on the
head. do indeedr
"F'ie, for shame, sir" exclaimed his
niece, laughing, putting her pretty
hand over his mouth as she spoke.
And his name is Wilder?" she con-
tinued, land | knew such a dear old
man OF That name years ago-he was
one of poor papa's tenants. indeed.
Il wonder now," she mused could
it be the same man? He left to go to
Australia. so | understood-for was
only little girl at the time. And we
were such friends. tool
Uncle" exclaimed the girl. flush of
excitement coming over her face, IF
you don't mind | will ride over this
morning and see for myself.
IF it is the same man-and I have
very great idea it is, do you know-I
Will undertake that every bit of that
horrid wire fencing is taken down be-
tween this and tomorrow morning.
Say, | will even have II bet with Won
on the subject Come, sir, what odds
will you give me-"
Il won't bet. utterly decline to bet.
youlittle gambler" returned her laugh
ing uncle, FOR | hate losing money.
but | will tell you what will do. NV
Gladys, if YOU only succeed in your un-
dertaking. will give you the very best
hunter or the prettiest bracelet that
can be bought for money. | believe its
Il real good thing for you, too. Won
mink, YOU" he added, pulling her ear,
for now | come to think of it | be-
lieve did hear that this objectionable
tenant of mine had been in Australia
before he came down here to sit upon
my shoulders like the old man of the
sea"
Don't say another word. dear un.
cle,' cried Miss Gladys. Il haven't my
betting book about me, so l seal the
bargain with this kiss (sulting the ac-
tion to the word), and now I'm off TO
put my habit on and order my horse"
"Good-by, dear. we shall meet again
not on the Ralto. but at luncheon.
and bestowing another kiss on the on.
rapturcd old gentleman the lively girl
rushed from the room.
ii.
The stable clock was lust striking
halt-paSt |, simultaneously with the
rumbling of the gong announcing the
tact that luncheon was ready. as Gla-
dyS Onslow with her attendant groom
came canterng through the park.
The squire, who had been waiting for
her for the last half hour. seized n hat
and rushed hastily out into the stable
yard, where he knew she would dis.
mount, to await her coming with min.
gied feelings of delight at her return
and curiously to know how she had
succeeded on her mission of diplomacy
with his refractory tenant.
Here am, uncle. safe and sound
you see, and I've had. oh! such lark,
Brilliants legs are full of thorns. I
fear, poor dear" exclaimed hapny
GLADYS her face flushed with pleasure
and excitement, and looking prettIsr
than ever.