Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1904-09-03

spirit. and she would not bulge an
inch. This Infatuated the man. and he
beat her over the head with the butt
of the stock whip he carried. Still
she did not move. Then. as he con
tinucd to beat her. in hsr agony she
stepped backward. plunged and rear
ed. the cart tipped back, the mare was
drawn up and In her struggles broke
the shafts. the tank fell out, the cover
rolled off ana the whole of the 500
gallons of precious water was swal-
lowed up by the burning sand. Hill
took the horse fl IN the cart and, in
sane with rage. commenced to thrash
her again.
Then there was sudden rush Of
something white. as though cloud
were flying down the hill. and Muriel
threw herself between Hill and An
gel clasping the mares head In her
arms. and the heavy whip descended
on the delicate shoulders. which show
ed pink and then scarlet through the
thin muslin of her gown.
Before Hills raised arm could fall
again 1t was grasped by strong hand,
and fierce voice Kissed:
"Nladman. would you strike a wom-
amp
For n moment Hills glance met the
stern eyes of the overseer, then 1t
wavered ana fell on the girl.
"Muriel. are you there? Did hit
you! I didn't mean to-" he said weak
~. ibid II hurt?"
"Hurt" cried Patton. his eyes fairly
blazing. DO you know that you might
have killed herr"
''She shouldn't have interfered." said
Hill sullenly.
Not another word or by heaven
I'll kill YOU" said Patton. Hill shrank
from the fury in the other mans eyes
and skunk away to the house.
"My darling" said Patton in n voice
so fraught with love that the girls
heart quivered with JOY that was
almost pain. did he hurt you very
much:" And his lips tenderly pressed
the bruised shoulder.
cit does hurt most awfully. but
really think that he did not know
was here" answered Muriel, CHANGING
up through her tears. But. oh. look ut
poor Angel"
The chestnut. lying huddled in the
sand, was truly pitiable sight. She
had won out. indeed. but at what a
cost! Her head was cut and bleeding,
her eyes swollen and closed, and she
painted and groaned with pain.
"Oh, do you think she will die, Will
fred?' asked Muriel.
NO; but you'll get sunstruck here.
go back to the house, dear. and get
Mrs. Hill to battle your shoulder. I'll
tend TO the mare And. Muriel, l can't
stay at Coward now. I've been repeat
edly offered the management of Murta.
but-I-I could not leave until / knew
If you cared. I'm not worthy, know,
I've such vile temper Muricl shook
her head. But now. nOw-you'll let
me come for you when l get straight
ened out over there. won't you?"
Again Muriel looked up. and his eyes
drank deep from the radiance of hers.
And Angelo" she whispered.
''Oh. I'll buy her from Hill. He
won't refuse to sell her for the price
I'll offer. l know"
Three months later Angel was one
Of the leaders in the four-in-hand be-
hind which Patton drove his bride to
her new home. 1t was a new world
through which they Travelled, for the
rain had come and green grass COW
cred the once arid earth; flowers
bloomed on every side and birds sang
in the trees. And it was new Angel,
who. with arched neck. led the team.
proudly conscious Of the precious bur-
den she carried and of the confidence
reposed In her by her new owner