Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1901-04-06
lCoNTlNuED.i

Her evident admiration of Old Put APP
pealed TO me, and | thought | would
give her the little compliment. Women
like such things, and again | felt as if
] could afford to be generous.
She put her hand upon his nose and
stroked it gently. 1t was a white, well
shaped hand, with pretty tapering fin
gers Old Put must have admired it
He 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 q new friend, a good friend,
and he knows it. He is almost as fond
of me as he is of you"
l 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 this English girl, who had
shown herself to be unworthy of any
trust whatever. Poor Old Putt Another
masculine dupei 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.
II do not think it is necessary for IS
to walk any MORE" | said. THE horses
are now thoroughly rested from their
race and are willing to do their part.
which is to carry u.s."
She looked at her ugly brown hack
in some dismay.
Hes such a rough traveller | / believe
w rather walk, she said.
He certainly had a most irregular,
make him al 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. I'VE
can ride slowly, in a walk. If he mis-
behaves, use hat switch you have picked
mp"
She walked steadily on.
"Now, if he were like this one, she
cdItl, StlOhllS Olu L Ut hOoS, Il WOhAb
be glad to ride again.
Suppose | change the saddles. them"
! said. land let you ride Old Putt"
1t was a 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 a slur
upon the character of Old Put, n Of
the gentlest and best bred eff horses, to
insinuate that he would behave badly
with a lady ON his back.
mo 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 timid fashion. All her courage
seemed to have gone. Again say you
have only to be stern with u woman to
keep her at your feet.
"Nonsensel' | said, a 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 |
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-
ton!
/ held out my hand in most gallant
fashion. She leaned ON it for a moment
to give herself a support and sprang
into the saddle. Then, giving Old Put a
cut with the switch which she had
picked up, she galloped away.
"Goodby, Mr.. Marcelr' she shouted.
Il 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.