The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1903-07-24
b JOHN FINNIMORE.
CHAPTER /.
HOW IFARED ON THE ROAD

tgOAs VI - AASOAs I'll n ~ SOOA0NA VA
Salop and Radnor, towards Rhayader.
on the further side sc Radnorshire. /
was not greatly apprehensive of pur-
suit. for. on leaving Butley Croft in
Worcester, / had ridden northeast
nearly as far as Shrewsbury, then had
turned n back almost parallel
on my track. making the last part OF
i my journey chiefly by night, and fol-
lowing unfrequented roads.
I was now making directly across the
borders and heading for the heart Of
Wales, where j had an expectation OF
finding a sure refuge. Soon after en-
ltering upon q road which / was told
would lead me direct to the town OF
Rhayader. It became very rough and
uneven, rising and falling over small
er hills, while far before me, low and
purple, rose loftier mountains. I trav-
eled at g moderate pace, for I was de-
strOus OF spartng my good mare White
sock, q being unaccustomed to such
roads underfoot, and her comfort as
dearsto me as my own.
Near mtdday,sfor the sun was hard
lyat the zentth,I came to a small inn,
IWhere several roads met. Here I rest
ed q couple OF hours, bafted my mare,
and refreshed myself, though with no
great relish, for the bread was dirty
and showed signs that the mice had
had the run OF the flour sack, and the
rest Of he provender was to match.
u the afternoon I entered on a
and furze, the road a mere track, split
ting into a dozen where there was
bad patchGto cross, and every traveller
had followed his own judgment.
UP TO this point the way had been
quite solitary. but on breasting a gentle
rise$I saw, some half-mile in front, and
ascending the next slope, g. tiny caval-
CAdA-fUn urnrnon $ nj {,,1 -. S,o~So~E.
led pony and a man on foot. They
were going at a walk. and I refined in.
to q walk also. Perhaps these people
would turn aside soon and leave. me
the road to myself. But just as they
reached the crest Of the hill something
frightened the led pony. Making a
bound like a cat, Thu active little crea-
ture tore the halter from the hand Of
man who was leading tt.sturned and
came down the hill like a greyhound.
The heavy saddlebags with which it
was loaded humping and Tapping
against Its sides. and Increasing at once.
It's terror and its speed.
The two women wheeled their ponies
and ave instant chase. But the fugi-
tive had less to carry and a good start.
~andRshoWed them a clean pair Of heels.
! resolved to stop 1T as it9came up the
hill, where the ascent would blow it.
but In the bottom it turned to the open
heath and fled Whinnying with delight
e h turf.
ucn Whttesock with my heel, I
at an angle with Its course. and
was soon up with it. But it was no
easy thing to catch. It lodged, twist
ed, doubled like a hare, showed as
many tricks as a fox, and finally. see
Ing there was nc escape, trotted back
to the nearer rider as sif 1t had been
e tame lamb.
|@3gGT 1rpau, <ho ncx,... - 80 I. s5E.
Weli...lt was not the first time by many
that ! had seen the wonderful cunning
and cleverness OF a Welsh mountainn
pony, Tor every spring the dealers come
with droves OF them to our market
town. The nearer horsewoman now
gave me q volley Of words which
proved pure Hebrew to me, showing
broad smile which shone all over her
freckled face.
It was clearly tha swa,sh 49,
which h was speaking. and as I had
no Welsh to answer her, I could hIIt
nod and smile back. When she saw
Wen, thank YOU. Indeed J, mt sn 3d.
II and stihiy was 1t spoken that I had
much pains to recognize the familiar
words. I made her a proper reply then
cantered pack to the highway
The second rider had taken a some
what inherent direction, and I did not
approach her. Az I regained the road.
the maj fastened up-a queer, tan old
Fellow, J In well-worn greasy home
spun and carrying a long carbine over
MS shoulder. The sight Of this weapon
brought to mind what / had heard
= disturbed condition of this
part OF the country. and, as / rode
Slowly up the hill. / drew the charges
rom my pistols. and reloaded them.
LOT some Two or three miles the way
Ienalned solitary; then. at a turn OF
Inc Toad.5Where It wound among thick
sts OF nazel and bramble and holly, I
Was assessed by a young woman
ggr1saLnaalns IN the middle of the track.
mnitesocK was walking, for the going
! vas very d and as I came slowly
.n louu the slough to the dry spot
wAs.s.ns young woman stood. the lat
- .oileo her big black eyes at me
leu toguisnly ana smiled and kissed her
| IN ! af
= st tn Was 9 lass of 20, may
~. = 49, = req petticoat and bodice.
nr han ..eavins ner bosom half bare.
~ r rs. appeaIance ! judged her to be
..N Ne p.a
ra.ssnp SIZE eaptaln - said p with a ca
1t,sinn h sn.ales am g country maid,
ls1le apU ~, IVe mics beyond here. I