Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-12-23
CHAPTER II.

| CHAPTER II.
| The Bend was a sharp curve round a
rocky ridge, which northward led TO
! Frankfort and southwar. TO the Falls.
/ The approach TO the Bend lay through a
lovely green stretch OF woodland, where
the ovcrhanging boughs almost met
above the narrow way.
''Oh. how delightful cried Marcia,
as they rode in under the leafy bower
Isn't il r echoed Vance. Let us ride
slowly and enjoy the shade" He allowed
his rein 70 drop loosely upon the glossy
neck Of Red Arrow, who was now per
fectly quiet. and reaching above his head.
gathered two or three green branches and
began to weave them into wreath.
"a crown OF victory, my dear" said
| Vance. lightly. when I finish II we will
ride a race TO the Falls, and the one who
gets there first wears the garland"
Light words. gayly spoken! But little
did Vance know that they were the last
happy, carelessly free words he would
utter. the last untroubled moments he
would spend for long. long months to
come.
The crown Of leaves was fated never
to be finished The gay race was never
run. As Vance spoke the last word.
horseman dashed swiftly round the curve
from the south, aud galloped toward
them
Startled By the unexpected appear
anee, uncontrolled by her riders hand.
Red Arrow gave a sudden, mad plunge,
then reared violently. almost standing
upright Marcia screamed, Vance snatch
cd at his rein, but before be could catch
ii be was dashed to the ground. and Red
Arrow. true to her name, few homeward
swift as the shaft sent from the bow. .
With q second err Of alarm, Marcia
refined up her horse and sprang from her
saddle, 20 hasten 70 her cousin. But
quick as she was, the stranger who had
been thu unlucky cause Of the mishap
was quicker. Before she could reach
Vance he was bending ever the fallen
rider, saying in deep melodious tones:
Il beg ten thousand pard0ns! I fear
my Needless riding frightened your horse!
I sincerely trust you are not seriously in
jured. sir. Can you rise. with my help?''
Thanks. but I do ut require help"
answered Vance, sitting upright. very
much mortified by the accident Il am
not at ali hurt. aud my fall was due only
TO MY own carelessness.
He attempted 10 rise to his feet. while
the stranger turned and bowed deeply
TO Marcia. his dark. lustrous eyes plainly
expressing his admiration. Marcia re-
turned his elaborate bow merely by a
slight inclination OF her pretty head, her
attention being absorbed in Vance.
His right ankle would not support his
weight. and after one or two attempts
TO stand. he gave il up. and sank back
with a smothered exclamation OF pain.
Marcia dropped On her knees beside him,
almost sObhing In her distress.
'Oh. Vance. vance, Where are you
hurt? What is it7 What can we do r
Nothing, Marcia, bat compose your
self. I believe my ankle Is badly sprain-
cd but chat is ALL Indeed. you must not
be 30 frightened. dear child. I can ride
home, II this gentleman viii kindly assist
me 70 mount my horse"
Your horse has taken French leave.
Mr.. Douglas" said the handsome stran-
ger. stepping forward and raising his
hat politely as he added, with daz-
ding smile: Am I not right? Haven't
Douglas. Of Frankfort"
with 4 keen look at the stranger-'.yes,
believe I do know you. Shall I be
wrong II ( say Louis lie Dru. OF South
Carolina p
Certainly right cried the brilliant
stranger. II knew You at once, though
we have not met since our college days"
II am glad 70 welcome you 10 Ken
lucky, Mr. lie Dru." said Vance, cor
daily extending his hand, not allowing
his pain to make him forget his natural
courtesy ALLOW me 80 present you to
MY cousin. Miss Douglas. Cousin Mar
cha. make you acquainted with Mr. lie
Dru. of Charleston, Gu old college mate
Of mine"
Il am happy and honored to meet Miss
Douglas" said the deep musical tones.
Fate has been both Kind and unknd
this morning. Though | exceedingly re-
gret the manner of our meeting, / could
hardly fail to be clad to meet my old
friend. and also the fair daughter Of my
fathers oldest and best friend, Squire
Douglas"
Indeed ?" said Marcia, kindly Then
you must be the son of Simon lie Dru."
Il am, at your service. Miss Douglas,
And since his name seems familiar TO
you, infer that Squire Douglas has not
forgotten his old friend"
"Oh. no. no." said Marcia He re-
members him well, aud will be glad 70
receive his son under the roof Of Doug
las Hall" she added, frankly
"You do me too much honor. Miss
Douglas" replied the eourtly lie Dru.
You will understand how l appreciate
yclr kindness when l tell you that | am
at present on my way to visit your
father"
An ingenious little fiction of Louis lie
Dru's. Up to bis chance eneoun sr with
NSnce and Marcia. he had not even re
membered that his fathers old friend
lived in the State which he was visiting
merely for his own pleasure,
But Marcia could not know this. 80
with genuine Kentucky hospitality, she
said, warmly. Nothing could give as sll
greater pleasure. Mr. lie Drug AT that
instant the rattle Of rapidly approach
ing wagon was heard, aud quickly turn
ing. Marcia added oh, how lucky
Here Is sam, with the light wagon"
Yes. Miss Marshy, il am sam, jes' in
time" cried that individual, rafting up,
stopping the wagon and springing from
it, with haste and coming close TO Vance
I'll Marse Vance! Dat beas' done
jes' what | toIe yer, did she2 She come
rarin' au' a tariu' up 70 de gate an
ies' tuck gate. pos fence an all, at one
clar jump, Is jeS' drivin' out, gwine &c
mill, an l krowod her, SO / jes' follered
her tracks hyar, fas' as l could drive
Ibid papa see herf" asked Marcia
Z snraE 4atH IN