The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1901-02-22

always do. We'll stop soon, and then
I'll find you something to eat
He whinnied again and rubbed his
nose on my sleeve, for he understood
"He looks like a good horse, said
the girl.
Never better" replied and with
emphasis.
81 like good horse, - she said.
$50 do l. That's the reason I'm SO
fond of Old Put.
81 wonder if he would be as friendly
with me?'
81 don't know. He usually likes old
friends best, but still Old Put is horse
of fine taste. "
Her evident admiration of Old Put ap-
pealed to me, and thought would
give her the little compliment. Women
like such things, and again felt as if
l could afford to be generous.
She put her hand upon his nose and
stroked it gently. 1t was a white, we'll
shapa,l hand, with pretty tapering fin
gets Old Put must have admired it.
40 assisted in the rubbing task, sway
ing his nose gently to and fro, and he
whinnied once softly as he did when he
was talking to me. He seemed to have
forgotten the blow she had given him.
"See," she said triumphantly. "He
has found a new friend, good friend,
and he knows it. He is almost as fond
of me as ne is of you.
I was surprised, greatly surprised.
Heretofore Old Put had always proved
himself to be an excellent judge of
character, and now he was putting his
trust in tlsis English girl, who had
shown herself to be unworthy of any
trust whatever Poor Old Put Another
masculine dupe! He was growing old !;
he was falling into his dotage felt a
certain sadness at these signs of mental
decay in my faithful horse. But they
marched on, his silky nose pressed
closely against her arm, and meanwhile
the sun was sinking and the shadows
were deepening and lengthening
81 do not think it is necessary for us
to walk any more" said. 1.-THE horses
are now thoroughly rested from their
race and are willing to do their part,
which is to carry us. ="
She looked at her ugly brown hack
in some dismay.
''He's such rough traveller 1 believe
IFl rather walk" she said
He certainly had most irregular,
jumping kind of gait, which would
make him an unpleasant mount for
anybody, but there seemed to be no re-
course. Horses were not running loose
around us for me to catch.
"But we can't help it," said. 1--WE
can ride slowly, in walk. If he mis-
behaves, use that switch you have picked
up"
She walked steadily on.
'Now, if he were like this one," she
be glad to ride again.
Suppose l change the saddles, then,
I said. land let you ride Old Putt"
1t was great concession for me to
make, but her appreciation of my horse
had touched me for the moment.
"Do you think he would let me?"
she said, looking at Old Put doubtfully
and timidly.
Now was indignant. 1t was slur
upon the character of Old Put, one Of
the gentlest and best bred of horses, to
insinuate that he would behave badly
with lady ON his back.
"No man except myself has ridden
him in years, | said. Perhaps no
woman has ever ridden him at all, but
that is no reason why one should not
ride him now.
But l am afraid" she protested
again in tilnid fashion. All her courage
seemed to have gone. Again l say you
have only to be stern with q woman to
keep her at your feet
"Nonsense' said, little roughly.
"We'll stop talking about this and do it
at once -
halted the horses and changed the
saddles, while she looked doubtfully on.
Old Put submitted like an angel, and I
drew the girth tight. Then said:
'Now, if you would know what a
real saddle horse is. Miss Howard, just
jump up there
''Will you help me?"
Another proof of her subdued condi-
tion!
l held out my hand in most gallant
fashion. She leaned on it for moment
to give herself support and sprang
into the saddle. Then, giving Old Put
cut with the switch which she had
picked up she galloped away.
"Goodby Mr.. Marcell' she shouted.
81 ride the better horse now"
She turned Old Puts nose to the
southwest, and away she went at the
very best speed of which my good horse
was capable, and that was much. Her
yellow hair flew in the wind, as before,
like the streamers of a defiant battle
flag, and either with or without intent
the red cap she wore was set rakishly
and saucily on one side of her head.
ITO be continued
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