The Savannah morning news., 1901-07-21

*
Observation-Disclosures vsxy,wSr<S7wxrxgk
loosened hair was against his cheek
and shoulder its perfume in his nos
trils. and the contour of her 1.-THE and
perfect figure against his owns He
helped her back into the coach-with
the aid of the cushions and shawl ar
ranged a reclining couch for her on
the back seat, and then resumed his
old place patiently. BY degrees the
color came back to her face-as much
of it as was not hidden by her hand
kerchief.
Then a tremulous voice behind II
began a -smothered apology:
Il am so ashamed, Mr.. Boyle-I real
ly could not help 1t! But it was so
sunderland so horrible--I shouldn't
have been afraid of it had 1t been
really an Indian with a scalping knife
instead of that beastl l don't know
why I did it-but I was alone-and
seemed to be dead-and you We're dead
too-and they were coming to eat me!
They do. you know-you said so just
now! Perhaps was dreaming.
don't know what you must think of
mel had no idea l was such a cow
ard"
But Boyle protested Indignantly. He
was sure If he had been asleep, and
had not known what wolves were be-
fore, he would have been equally
frightened. She must try to sleep
again-he was sure she could-and he
would not stir from the coach until she
walked, or her friends came.
She grew quieter presently, and took
away the handkerchief from a mouth
that smiled, though 1t still quivered.
Then reaction began, and her tired
nerves brought her languor and finally
repose. Boyle watched the shadows
thicken around her long lashes until
they lay softly on the faint flush that
sleep was bringing to her cheek; her
delicate lips parted, and her quick
breath at last came with the regular
ity of slumber.
So she slept, and he sitting silently
opposite her. dreamed-the old dream
that comes to most good men and true
once in their lives. He scarcely moved
until the dawn lightened with opal the
dreary plain, bringing back the hori-
zon and day, when he woke from his
dream with sigh, and then a laugh.
Then he listened for the sound of dis
tant hoofs, and hearing them crept
noiselessly from the coach. A COM
pact body of horsemen were bearing
down upon it. He rose quickly to meet
them, and throwing up his hand
brought them to a halt at some dis
lance from the coach. They spread out,
resolving themselves into a dozen
troopers and smart young cadet-like
officer.
IF you are seeking Miss Cantire," he
said In quiet business-lile tone. "she
is quite safe in the coach and asleep
She knows nothing yet of what has
happened, and believes it is you who
have taken everything away for Sc
curity against an Indian attack. She
has had a pretty rough night-what
with her fatigue and her alarm at the
wolves-and l thought 1t best to keep
the truth from her as long as possible,
and l would advise you to break it to
her gently" He then briefly told the
story of their experiences, emitting only
his own personal encounter with the
Indian. A new pride. which was per-
haps the result Of his vigil, prevented
him.
The young officer glanced at him
with as much courtesy as might be af-
forded to a civilian intruding upon ac-
tive military operations. II am sure
Maj. Cantire will be greatly obliged to
you when he knows it, he said polite
ly, "and as we intend to harness up
and take the coach back to Sage
Brush station Immediately you will
have an opportunity of telling him.
II am not going back by the coach to
Sage Brush" said Boyle, quietly. 81
have already lost twelve hours of my
time--as we'll as my trunk-on this pic.
mic, and reckon the least Maj Can
tire can do is 10 let me take one of
your horses TO the next station in time
to catch the down coach. can do
1t, II set out at once"
Boyle heard his name with the ia
military prefix of "Dickyy given to the
officer by the commissary sergeant,
whom he recognized as having met at
the agency, and the words Chicago
drummer" added. while a perceptlble
smile went throughout the group.
VERY well, sir" said the officer, with a
familiarity shade less respectful than
his previous formal manner. you can
take the horse. as believe the Indians
have already made free with your sam
pies. Give him a mount. Sergeant"
The two men walked toward the
coach. Boyle fingered a moment at the
window TO show him the figure of Miss
Cantire still peacefully slumber.ng
among her pile of cushions, and then
turned quietly away. A moment later
he was galloping on one of the troop
er's horses across the empty plain.
Miss Cantire awoke presently to the
sound of a familiar voice and the sight
Oh HkuTeS l1dt she knew. but the
young officers first words OF explana-
tion--a guarded account of the pursuit
of the Indians and the recapture of
the arms, suppressing the killing OF
Foster and the mail agent-brought a
change 10 her frightened face and a
wrinkle 10 her pretty brow. But Mr..
Boyle said nothing of this to me-" she
asked, sitting up. Where Is her"
Already on his way to the next sta
ton on one Of our horsesl Wanted to
catch the down stage and get new
box OF samples fancy. as the braves
had rugged themselves out with his
laces and ribbons. Said he'd lost time
enough on this picnic" returned the
young officers Wits a laugh Smart
business chap; but / hope he didn't
bore you"
Miss cantire felt her cheek flush, and
bit her lip. II found him most kind and
considerate Mr.. Ashford" she said
coldly. He may have thought the es-
cort could have Joined the coach a lit
tie earlier. and saved all this: but he
was too muci Of a gentleman 10 say
anything about u 10 me-" she added
dryly. with a slight elevation OF her
aquilino nose.
Nevertheless, Boyle's words. as re-
ported by tho young officer, stung her
r.