The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1899-03-09


ably going on at that very moment in
the antique library of her fathers
house; would that polished forehead
grow unlovely with frown, or would
new smiles come coyly around those
rosy lips? 1t was a delicious problem.
Pondering upon it, he grew distracted
nor needed how restless and uneasy
foaming at the mouth, starting uneas
lily aside, and at last actually rearing,
while his fair rider, pa.ting his glossy
neck, said chidingfy.
SO, so, my foolish Jet, why do you
chafe so restlessly, when We are fresh
upon the ride? What ails you. Jet?'
The animal turned his head at the
familiar voice, but in a moment, with
shrill neigh of terror, he sprang for
ward and darted madly away. The
truth was, as she had passed closely to
some wild rose bushes TO gather one,
Lady Violante's long riding dress had
swept away bee, which at last escap-
ing the smothering folds, had revenged
itself on the TANKS of the innocent
steed.
Wheeling around abruptly, the goad-
ed beast dashed by the startled train
and frantic with pain paid no regard
to rein or call. With wonderful pres
ence OF mind Lady Vioante kept her
seat and held on firmly, while she was
borne furiously along and only when
the animal dashed away from the high
way into lane leading to a precipitous
cliff, descending abruptly to the river,
did her wild shrek for aid ring out
imploringly, and startle every ear.
Count German and several others
put spurs to their horses, but the very
attempt to reach her served only to ac-
celerate the speed of the terrified horse,
and in despair they desisted, and aimed
toward the river, hoping to intercept
her before the precipice was reached.
But her cry had reached and reused
a holder spirit than theirs. The youth
who had been left leaning gloomily
against the chestnut tree had heard
and seen all. Like an arrow shot from
trusty bow, he had flown forward, leap
planted himself before THE fearful leap,
toward which he saw the horse was
coming.
1t was moments work to shout in
firm, courageous voice
Il will save you, throw yourself
toward me. and you are safer as he
stood planted firmly to await the shock.
Less than that time to carry out the
critical design, Lady Violante compre-
hended his meaning, and with the ener-
gy OF desperation, as she few madly
past, she threw her arms toward him.
He caught them, held her in a resolute
clasp, and tore her from the saddle.
AS the horse dashed on, both fell to
the ground, for the moment stunned
and bruised, while poor Jet went down
headlong to the water.
The youth was the first TO recover
himself. He raised himself slowly,
glanced at her lifeless figure, vainly
endeavored to raise it, and then grow
ing faint, sank insensible beside her.
While the frantic companions of
Lady Violante's ride were exploring the
| river where they found the dead body
| OF the horse-a body of servants. head
| ed by the anxious father, who had re-
! ceived the alarm-examined the cliff
and came suddenly upon the insensible
| pair. Both were borne tenderly to the
| Chateau. Lady Violante soon revived
and was but little injured. Her gallant
rescuer was more unfortunate. His
steady facing of the animal had caused
him fractured arm and ankle, the
pain of which was evidently aggravated
by some feverish distress of mind.
Garry me back" said he. impatient
ly, as soon as he could speak coherent
| ~, gazing ruefully at his bandageC
limbs, and the anxious faces around
him-the worthy surgeon, the grateful
Count, and the plying countenance b
| Violante.
Garry you where?" asked the Coun
quietly.
"To the roadside, to the cliff, any
where but here" was the reply, as thu
glittering eyes turned wildly upon tn,
beautiful face beyond him.
NAY, nay, my friend. you surely can
not think We have so little gratitude a
that, You who have restored TO us on
treasure, who have saved my chill
from so terrible fate,'--and he shud
dered-'surely you have a rightfu
claim TO our gratitude and hospitalit,
at any time-and now that you are Il
and suffering from your generous dar
ing, surely you cannot think that W
will allow you TO leave us, Calm your
self pray you. and seek the repos
your shattered nerves require. You
commands will be the law of the Cha;
eau"
And thus saying, the Count drew hi