The Valentine Democrat. [volume] (Valentine, Cherry Co., Neb.) 1896-1898, 1897-09-23
@THE VOICE OF THE CHARMER. O.


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 a 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
1 have not introduced you, for the very
good reason why, because l have such
a strong personal dislike to it's tenant.
I yen 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 w property, forsooth.
Nasty, cantankerous wretch!' wound
up the squire in his wrath. 81 wish
somebody would knock him on the
head. 1 do, indeed"
"Fie, for shame, sir" exclaimed his
niece, laughing, putting her pretty
hand over his mouth as she spoke.
and his name is Wilder?" she on
tinued, "and 1 knew such a dear old
man Of that name years ago-he was
one Of poor papa's tenants. indeed.
Il wonder now she unused, could
it be the same man? He left to go to
Australia, so 1 understood-for 1 was
only a little girl at the time. And we
were such friends, too!
"Uncle," exclaimed the girl. a flush Of
excitement coming over her face, eff
you don't mind l will ride over this
morning and see for myself.
eff ]. is the same man-and I have
a very great idea it is, do you know
will undertake that every bit Of that
horrid wire fencing is taken down be-
tween this and tomorrow morning.
Say. I will even have a bet with you
on the subject. Come, sir, what odds
will you give me?"
81 won't bet. 1 utterly decline to bet,
youiittle gambler" returned her laugh
ing uncle, 'for l hate losing money,
but 1 will tell you what l will do, my
Gladys, if you only succeed in your I'M
d%ertaking, I will give you the very best
hunter Or the prettiest bracelet that
can be bought for money. 1 believe it's
a real good thing for you, too, you
mink, you" he added, pulling her ear,
"for now l com to think Of it I be-
Iiaro 7 did hnor rhof thic oIio,4;opoI 1o
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 I'M
Gle" cried Miss Gladys. Il haven't my
bargain with this kiss (suiting the &C
ton to the world, and now I'm off to
put my habit on and order my horse"
"Good-by, dear, we shall meet again
not on the Rialto, but at luncheon"
and bestowing another kiss on the en-
raptured old gentleman the lively girl
rushed from the room.
The stable clock was just striking
half-past 1, simultaneously with the
rumbling Of the gong announcing the
fact that luncheon was ready, as Gla-
dys Onslow with her attendant groom
came cantering through the park.
The squire, who had been waiting for
her for the last half hour. seized a hat
and rushed hastily out into the stable
yard, where he knew she would dis
mount, to await her coming with min
gled feelings of delight at her return,
and c%uriously to know how she had
succeeded on her mission of diplomacy
with his refractory tenant.
"Here l am, uncle, safe and sound,
you see, and I've had, oh! such a lark!
Brilliant's legs are full Of thorns, |
fear, poor DEAR exclaimed happy
Gladys, her face flushed with pleasure
and excitement, and looking prettier
than ever.
Off her horse she jumped in her &C
customed impetuous fashion, and, hav-
ing administered her usual hug, she
took her uncle's arm and ordered him
to take her in to luncheon at nee
"Well, and how did you get on, my
child?" inquired the squire.
Not a word, sir, until l get into the
dining-room, and then you shall hear it
all" was the fair tyrants reply.
"NVhy, by Jove! 1 do verify believe
you've got over that old curmudgeon,
you artful little mink, your exclaimed
her uncle in great glee, hurrying her
into the house as quickly as possible,
all agog to hear her news.
Through some back passages they
went, and then, opening a green baize
door, found themselves in the entrance
hall.
Come, now said the squire, as they
entered the dining-room, where Mrs.
Mainwaring was waiting for them; Il
won't wait a moment longer; so tell
your aunt and me all about the result
Of your ride this instant, miss, OF I'll