The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-10-04
WINNIE ALISON'S WILD RIDE

peared before her. and half her jour-
ney was over.
With benumbed hands she took from
her dress the packet, took the SQUIRE
letter, and delivered il to the hard fea-
tured old lawyer Like master, like
man. She asked for a reply, fearing
that the squire might see in that omis-
sion some loophole of escape for his
stingy soul, and. having received fl,
wrapped all together again and re-
placed the parcel inside her waist Too
proud to ask entertainment where none
was offered, she painfully mounted the
pony and started on the homeward
track.
Luckily now the wind was at her back.
but both girl and beast were thoroughly
faded and benumbed with cold. and even
with the winds help they made but little
progress. The pony put her foot down
uncertainty, stopped, trembled. advanced
a few steps and then fell heavily to the
ground
A warm breath on her face caused
Winnie TO open her eyes. II was Ginger
looking sorrowfully down on her. She
attempted TO raise her right arm; the
wrist hung limp She looked at il re-
proachfully for failing her, then curl
ously examined the other. That was all
right, at any rate. Raising herself by
means OF Ginger's name, she looked
about. scarcely yet realizing who or
where she was. Slowly and with every
movement causing the most exquisite
pain she mounted.
The hole into which Ginger had stepped
doomed up Overwhelmingly at her. and she
shuddered at the thought of others lying
in ambush. Letting the reins fall on the
pony's neck, she let the plucky little
then q word of encouragement. The
pony understood. and. as though asham-
ed of her careless step, took redoubled
precaution until her feet struck the
flinty village road and the ride was
over.
Slipping from the pony's back to feet
that would scarcely hold her, Winnie
demanded admittance TO the squire.
With trembling fingers she took the
packet from her dress, and, drawing out
the lawyers letter, laid 1t silently or
the desk. The squire read 1t through
with evident satisfaction; then. turning
abruptly. he said. who brought this
letter, girl?"
II did, sir" was the answer.
The squire shifted contemptuously.
What's your name. girl?'
"Winifred Alison"
He wheeled about and gave her a
searching glance. who is your father?''
he demanded
Jacob Alison" Winnie replied.
The old man arose and went TO where
she was standing. "And she's Jacob Ali
sons daughter, and she took that ride
for me. l wonder II she knows" he
unused.
1T was my father / took the ride for,
and / do know. This check will just
cancel that note of fathers you hold.
Will you please give IT TO me and let me
go?" Her pride forbade the words Il
am very tired"
The squire came to her with the pre-
cious bit OF paper in his hand, and,
turning her face TO the light. looked at
her long and said: Before you go, my
girl, want to shake hands with you
You've got a long head. and that's more
than your father ever had"
Not that hand. please said Winnie.
shrinking back.
why not, pray?' he asked jocularly.
do you Alisons shake with your left
bands?''
Yes, when our right wrists are
broken Winnie said grimly.
Long head and grit. too. in an ALI
son-Egad." said the squire.