Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-01-06
wv HERE Is an old German re-
! frain that runs somewhat as
follows:
1.-THE paradise of earth
10 fo1lnl on horseho nt

& .sTno follows: s:,..,,., - o,r.,
Is found on horseback"
That morning it required to me, why
I know not, for l had heard no GeP-
man for years. Anyway, as 1 say, it
required to me as walked along IN
the spring sunshine, clad in faultless
riding attire, toward well-llnown
riding stable where 1 intended to pro-
cure mount for long ride.
1t WIS still quite early, and found
the groom lazily pillowed against the
stable door. whistling softly to him
self. He glanced at my high boots
which reflected the morning sun, and
smiled while l explained my intention.
l chose q beautiful roam, called Darl-
ing. "a horse that was as gentle as
lamb" pertinently added the groom.
II generally pay in advance" 1 re-
marked, 'do you charge by the hour
or by the morning? expect to be out
q couple of hours"
The groom parried my question.
eve know you, sir, and will charge for
the time the horse stays out" he con-
cluded maliciously, with a friendly
pat on Darling's flank that sent him
flying down the street.
I Ind intended to ride along the
drives, where the shade was thick and
the young ladies wandered up and
down during the morning hours, but
Darling held other views, and carried
the day with gentle persistence. What
could do with the beast? And, after
all, what difference does it make
where one rides so long as one does
ride? So we FASTENED to the outskirts
of the town where the sun was hottest.
That was Darling's choice. Darling
paused before the first inn and abso-
lutely refused to bulge, so, to give
myself d cuuntenance, I ordered n
glass Of ale from the waiter who hur-
ried out, and found it as poor as had
expected .'.r'
Wonderful what them beasts do
know, SIR" he commented, pattlng
Darling's glossy neck. "Now, this
one allus gets sugar here and he knows
it, sir, he do"
So Darling munched bis lump of
sugar and then consented to trot along.
This earthly paradise presented
many pitfalls for me. At first Darling
skirted never-ending wall so closely
that the polish vanished from my left
boot and my leg felt as If it had been
plunged IN an electric bath. Then he
carried me under a row of low-spreau-
ing apple trees that coquetted with
my hat, which saved only at the risk
of life and limb, and rumpled my we'll
brushed hair. I breathed with relief
as we cantered into grove where the
trees arched high above me, and walls
were a thing unknown. But, alas!
there was q pond, and Darling paused
dreamily beside its reedy, swampy
shores. I wns terrified. Suppose the
horse should suddenly decide to take
u bath! 1 patted, coaxed, twitched at
the bride, all In vain. Darling refused
to advance. At last my patience gave
out, l plunged my rowels into him,
setting the springs Of his rear legs into
violent disorder. The turf flew around
my ears, but always in the same spot.
Fortunately l had thoughtfully pro-
vided myself with sugar at the inn,
and with its aid succeeded in calming
Darling so far that he consented to
stand still.
1 soon discovered slender figure in
the distance, approaching at a swift
gallop. l tugged at the reins-una-
vailingly, Of course; then, to make the
most of my sorry lot and lend some
shadow of reality to the ridiculous
figure l must cut stationed before this
swamp pond. fastened my eyes upon
the swaying branches, apparently lost
in meditation. Trot, trot, echoed be-
hind me; the lady was close at hand;
in an instant she would have passed
me. But Darling whirled suddenly,
almost flinging me over his head into
the water, and flew along after the
ether horse. l consoled myself that at
tlls pace we should soon out-distance
her; but as we came neck to neck my
mount slowed up and trotted along,
contentedly suiting himself to the 9th
er's pace.
l knew the young lady by sight and
felt forced to bow. She nodded stiffiy,
and urged her horse on, while l en-
deavored to check Darling. As well
try to curb the thunderbolts. l was
powPrless. She dashed on, following