Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1903-09-22
FOR LOVE AND LIFE

into tie saddle, 1.-The wood road up the
valleyT
Neither" she answered with decis-
ton. I'VE viii go on the cliff path
before Carol left for Europe, and the
last chance he would have to be alone
with her, and to ask again a certain
question.
Now they had come out on the cliffs,
With the lazy waves breaking against
the rocks 100 feet below them. AS far
as the eye could see the ocean stretch
ed sparkling and dancing in the sun.
The road was a mere path skirting
the edge of the cliffs, quilted and worn
by storm, and Merton was right in call
ing it dangerous.
Isn't it gloriousn the girl exclaim-
ell, but Merton did not heed the view.
II wish you'd answer my question"
he said.
please don't commence that again,
Howard. Is it any use? Don't spoil
this last ride"
Its just because it is the last ride.
Spoil the ride! How about spelling
my life? Do you ever think of that2
Can any man give you more of love, Of
devotion?"
Il do not know yet" she answered,
lightly. 20, dear! why will you con-
tinue, Howard? l know all you are
going to say 1 tell you that 1 like
you. Why isn't that sufficient?"
Because happen to love you. Will
you ever know what love is?"
Carol turned and gazed off at the
ocean, as if considering NO" she
replied, 'I've read of it, and heard Of
It, but 1 can't understand, and never
shall, I suppose. We've been good
friends this summer. We've had a
jolly time together-uatil you fell in
love with me and spoilt it ALL"
Il couldn't help it; and I've thought
at times that there was some hope
fancied that you really cared. You
shall carer he cried. you mustv'
The girl flushed and her mouth hard
ened bit 81 won't!' she replied. 'I
don't want to care. If loved you,
then good-by to freedom, good-by to
my own will You would control me as
do this horse Of mine-or you would
seek to, and there would be continual
confict."
But you needn't, and besides, If you
cared"
IF 1 cared? suppose wouldn't
mind then, but do 1 careE"
That's what 1 want to know"
I'm afraid l don't-at least not
enough to give up my own will to
yours. / want to continue as / am.
Here 1 am, young, free, with all the
great, wide world before me to see,
and you ask me to give it up"
II don't ask you to give it up. Go
abroad, see the world, take your pleas
are; only leave me some hope"
The girl gave an impatient shake Of
Aer head. 81 should feel as if were
tethered animal if did," she said. II
Aate the thought of being mastered"
And yet one of us must control"
That's It. If we were married 1
would want to rule in everything-and
II you let me l would hate you. All,
well. let's not talk of it any more. I'm
Cor a gallop."
Along here! Nonsense"
But 1 will. 1 want to-"
Its too dangerous"
Are you afrai6?"
''Yes, for you. and l won't let you
risk your life"
You can't help it," Carol replied.
I'm going to. Danger is the spice of
ife." And as she spoke touched her
horse lightly and trotted ahead. Mer-
ION quickened his pace.
Don't, Carroll" he cried; hut she only
laughed. I'm tell you what" she
said. looking back at him, heres a
proposition. l will race you to Bald
knob, and IL you catch me the prize
shall be-the promise you asked of me.
AIy freedom against yours. Who loves
me follows me-"
She flung the words back at him, and
before Merton could gather up his reins
she was speeding forward over the
cough bride path, her body bent for
ward over the horses neck.
For a moment Merton heSitated, the
oext he dashed after her, all his
thoughts concentrated on the flying fig
DER ahead. She turned once and smil-
ed mockingly back at him. Her scarf
Streamed out behind her, her hat was
off. and her hair, unbound, whipped
aer neck.
love. how she can ride thought
Merton in admiration. What courage!
What will. All. II man could but
conquer her-could but win herr
He drove the spurs into his mare
and she leaped forward. The road
flew past like 4 narrow, white streak;
all he could hear was the quick thud
OF his horses feet. Faster flew the
black horse and his rider as they
heard the sound of the nearing hoof.
beats, and faster flew the bay mare.
Little by little Merton gained. Near
or and nearer he came. watching for n
chance to pass the girl, and then claim
her promise Bald Knob was in sight.
1utting out into the sea, and Merton
made a last effort
He pressed forward. urging on his
mare by whip and spur and spoken
word, and then. as he came abreast,
he saw that the girl was Juggling at the
reins. trying her best TO stop her
mount. The black had taken the bit
IN his teeth and bolted. II was no
longer a race, but a runaway on a
narrow, stony path. bordered by steep
cliffs.
If Carol could keep her maddened
horse in the path she would be safe
unless he stumbled-if not
Then OF a sudden Merton's heart
gave jump. He remembered that the
elif at one place ahead had given way.
leaving a chasm right across the road