The St. Johns herald., 1902-01-04
Don and Dan.
"a HE loved them both-only differ

D ently-Don for his quiet devotioni
 Dan for his brainy achievements. She had tried hard to decide between them, but her heart had failed her com pletely.
 They had both proposed, but so diff ferently. Yet neither failed in his ef- forts to show himself the true lover. Don was decidedly clever as an artist, while one could see at a glance that Dan would not be long in making his mark in the world. So there was re- ally no apparent choice for the poor girl. She had weighed them carefully in the matrimonial scale, but they both balanced at love, and she was at her wits ends.
 Don had called several times of late, only to find Dan comfortably seated on the sofa beside Sue. After stammer- casions, he made nasty exits, often hearing Dan break forth into peals of laughter. Sue was silent through 1t all. Never letter inviting Don to call on certain evening, so he decided that Dan spent all his spare moments with Sue.
 If 1t were thus, surely Dan was the favorite, so Don relieved bis aching heart by devoting all his spare mo- ments to painting a beautiful canvas of Sues head-for old times sake. So Don's visits became less frequent, and Dan felt confident of bride, until, one day, something strange happened, as they always dc in love affairs.
 Twas a perfect day that found Dan and Sue enjoying a horseback ride along the speedway. Sue looked the very acme of grace and poise in her riding habit, and Dan could not crowd down the conceit that rose in his breast when he thought how he had won her away from all rivals, especially Don. Then he began arguing to himself that there were good reasons for it. He was better looking. He moved in a smarter setset. He was more popular. So with an overstock of self-pride, he rode be- side Sue with what might be termed, In slang, an enlargement of the hat band.
 All the while that Dan was picturing his better points on the relief, Sue was thinking of Don. Surely what had be- come of the boy? He had not been at her house in over week. Nor had he sent a single word of excuse, and she, in the whirl of her numerous social du- ties, had neglected to write him. She was slightly worried about the state of affairs. although she would not admit 1t to her conscience-that seemed an- noyed of late-so tried in vain to crowd it out of her busy little brain.
 There was sudden click of steel, q quick jerk that threw Dan from his saddle, and his horse was off like a wild beast, clearing everything before 1t. Dan was bravely clinging to the stirrup strap, but 1t was terrible posi- ton; only a question of seconds when his strength would fail him; then he would be dragged to death. All efforts to stop the horse seemed to enrage him the more.
 Sue sat in the saddle like one petrif1ed with fear. She was powerless to move. Suddenly, almost as soon as the horse started, cyclist whizzed by. It was Don. On, on, he flew, until abreast of the mad horse One final burst of speed and the wheel crossed the horses track. Don rose on his pedals, grasped the curb bit and threw himself on the horses neck. Twas an acrobatic feat fit for circus As he did so Dams hold on the strap relaxed, he fell backward and dragged along the roadway, until Don brought the nervous steed to a standstill. It was a brave deed from start to finish and Don came out with out a scratch, but minus a wheel.
 AS Don was being complimented on all sides, Sue came into view, dismount- ed and elbowed her way through the crowd. leaving her horse in charge of an urchin. She took Don's hand with out a word and shook 1t warmly, then stopped to examine Dan. He was un- conscious and needed medical aid. Handkerchiefs, cold water, few fiasks and various other things were freely offered by the sympathizing crowd, and all were intent on reviving Dan, when the sharp clang of the ambulance bell dispersed them.
 Dan was carefully slowed away in the ambulance, while Don mounted the front seat, after promising to call on Sue that evening.
 
 The front doorbell rang. She rushed to the door and threw 1t open. Don stepped over the threshold and found himself in the arms of Sue.
 "Oh, you dear. brave soul-'twas just like you.''
 "Oh, twas nothing" stammered Don. 'I knew you loved him, and I hated to see your happiness in this life die be- fore your very eyes,"
 ''Love him? Nothing of the sort. I love you"
 "SueP'
 A lump came into his throat and tears Into his eyes. He kissed her-such a glad kiss.
 
 Six weeks later Dan went south, not