New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-29

stall he turned upon Burke and asked ii ques-
ton. 1 saw Burke answered very reluctantly
Won Schlange burst into harsh Earring laugh
and advanced toward me. making a low sweep
ing bow he He looked wicked. as if
about to say something unpleasant. Burke and
Claude evidently thought the same. for the lat
ter fastened to out himself in the way, asking
if Mr. Won SthIange would lunch before he left
NO. damn your the brutal retort Get
out of my road till ] speak to that meddling
madam yonderi I'd not have come on this fools
errand if I'd remembered how tight Erranti was
tied TO the apron strings of his But he did
not finish his sentence.
At the first mention Of Burke had paed
and clenched his fists but l hardly had time to
notice him. Claude's behavior became so re-
markabe. At the words 'meddlng madam he
doubled up his fists and whirled his arms about
like a windmill gone mad \ child might have
seen that he did not know how to fight. ] was
the more startled when Of his fists came
into violent contact with Won Schlange's nose,
causing instant and disastrous results, Terror
stricken at what he had done. paling at the
sight Of the blood he stood rooted the spot.
staring at his disabled enemy who. cursing
more violently than before, fumbled bndly for
his handkerchief.
Served him right shouted the usually quiet
Burke. beside himself with excitement. "Praps
now you'll keep civil tongue in your head."-
turning to Won Schlange. But don't on any ac-
count if you'd rather not. sir for I'd like moth
ing better than to pu.lch the life out O. YOU at
once myself sir!''
For the Lands sake" cried Claude, finding
his voice. come 10 the house and wash UP be-
fore you go. You need clean shirt, and the
Boss viii wish you should take one of his
Amt you awful, swearin' like that! 1 should
think you'd be ashamed! oh. you needn't look
a me
can. am, and won't take no sass from no
nasty little Dutchman, you just better guessY'
Then, with an historical giggle: But I've
drawed enough blood for day. I hope.'
Mr.. Won Schlange. yielding to necessity, fol
lowed him to the Hall. Burke came to me-
That's mans going straight to town to see
Mr.. Errsnt, Miss Dean he said. eff he gets
there before the Boss knows your wishes he'll
have the mare"
was silent. looking to him for advice
IF you'll just send telegram. Miss Dean.
I'll see that the Dutchman misses his train, and
Mr.. Errantiu De to get it before he
arrives"
I was forced TO acquiesce. and Burke brought
a telegraph blank so quickly 1 knew it had been
at hand since Won Schlanges coming wrote
this message:
"I keep the mare-and ride tomorrow.
Larry. mounted upon Captain Kidd, rode
swiftly away with it. The die was cast.
I went to the house, to Madam's room, where
I should have been earlier. She cried out at
sight of me. I suppose did look badly.
Mon Dieui" she exclaimed. What has hap
pened? Thy face is terrible! White drawn,
awful-a Medusa faCe"
She covered her own face with her hands,
and peeped at me through her fingers. tried
to smile. to smooth out my rigid features.
Nothing that need alarm you has happened
dear Madam" I said. "Czarina is not quite
we'll; but Larry says she will be by tomorrow"
The volatile old lady took her hands from her
face to smile at me-
Pretty Czarina!" she cried. I know what
has happened. Thou didst not ride and rest
less Czarina has hurt herself jumping about her
stall! No secrets from me, Athena" She
laughed in triumph. mo, no. find them out!
bird tells me-so always confde in me. ma
cherie, best first as last: The riding. Athena?
That soon begins again"
Tomorrow morning.
Madam pleased.
I thought Philip would be triumphant.
dreaded meeting him. When L left my room
Just before dinner 1 found aim waiting for me IN
the upper hall He was looking from the great
end window but hearing my door open came u
meet me. His face expressed no exultatlon over
my defeat, but much sadness
Don't speak TO me, Athena he said. I
don't deserve you should. I've behaved like
brute! I'm sick with shame. The moment Ia
given that little beast permission TO try the
mare l regretted it. 1 was on the point OF
starting home dozen times to-day 10 cancer
the agreement wish to God had!' he broke
off, to pace up and down the hall; then, stop
ping before me, recommended his set-reproach
'All day long your fathers sad face has come
between me and my work. Athena was
your friend it said, yet how do YOU treat my
child?' Yes how? BY making her suffer for
my fault. one day, Athena, he came TO my Of
flee quite worn out. l knew he had not lunched,
that he needed food, but dared not ofer TO get
him some till I thought TO pretend l, 100 was
hungry. When the meal was served, ABSORBED
in his conversation-how well he talked, Athena!
i forgot to eat and he found me out. l snail
never forget he reproach in his eyes as he sald'
I'm not an object of charity, Erranu Yel-he
forgave me- Athena, you shall not ride again
/ won't have you made miserable. The mare Is
yours-there. don't say no, child For coos
sake let me at least try to atone!"
Philip knew me we'll. Because of his kindness
to my father. I forced myself to speak gently
when / would have kept silence to attempt a
renewal of friendship when 1 wished TO turn
away.
Let us try to forget" I said. since we may
not blot out the past. ] will ride again with you
tomorrow morning. Philip
God bless you, my little Athena!
(To be Continued)