The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1904-06-23

When June came l. like Il knight of
old, mounted my steed and rode forth
in search Of adventure.
The steed was cycle in my case,
and the adventure was the attempt to
win the fair Miss Preston. was pre-
pared to risk bruises and even broken
limbs for her.
My plan was to have a niishap near
her dwelling at Irvington. Make the
worst of it and. il possible. secure IN
introduction to her through this. Af-
ter that should leave it to luck. Nine.
Zemora's prediction and my appear
ance to do the rest.
In due time. mounted on my wheel, I
reached Irvington, secured rooms. gos-
siped with the landlord, and managed
to gain all the information I required
as to the residence of Miss Preston.
The following day I rode in that d..
rection. and discovered that The Pop.
lars" stood about quarter OF a mile
out Of the village, at the foot Of a rath-
er steep hill. Luck certainly favored
me; it was just the place for spill,
especially if attempted. As passed
the gates l saw a female Oh the lawn
playing with terrier The dog: see
ing a stranger, barked. This caused
the lady to glance by way. !!
| Sure enough it was the original Of
/ the photograph. Fair hair. slim EGure
and as pretty as, or more so, than the
camera had pictured.
The next day determined to win or
die. Riding through the village I ar
rived at the top of the hill which would
take me past ''The Poplars." Dis
mounting. l loosened The screws con-
| nected with the brake. putting it out
Of order. Then, mounting, I started
down the hill.
The machine seemed endowed with
life as it bounded forward. AS the
| speed grew; greater my courage grew
| less. CT course could nave used my
| foot as a brake, but mishap had to
happen somehow. and as we'll this way
as any other.
! Faint heart nc'er Won fair lady,
| and like 4 knight riding full speed
down the course to charge his rival-so
down the hill few. The gate posts
of The Poplars'' seemed to rush to-
ward ME. set my teeth and prepared
| to break is few limbs as possible.
Steering the machine so as 70 catch the
gate post took my hands from the
| handle-bar to break the fall. Smash
and rs the machine rebounded. fell
in a heap in the gateway. Ny arm
| pained me, and I felt dazed as I lay
and Groaned.
The terrier had evidently witnessed
my unfortunate affair, and came bark
| ing to the gates. Presently, I heard
steps coming near, then a voice:
Robert, Robert! come here quick,
some one has had an accident!"'
I groaned to let them know I was
alive. The gate opened, and through
| my half-closed eyes I saw Miss Pres
ton and a man servant. Then sweet
| voice said:
Poor fellow. he's unconscious. Undo
his collar. Robert, while I get soAe
| restorative"
Robert obeyed. and Miss Preston
| brought the stimulant. pouring some
Through my clinched teeth.
[ 1 felt ashamed of the part I was
playing, but considering the risks run,
I would 80 through with it.
I'VE must get him into the house,
| Robert. Can we manage it, or had you
better fetch SAM
Robert thought it would be TOO
much for his young missus. SO, to save
further trouble. gave big sigh and
| slowly opened my eyes.
| Where am I:' I gasped.
you've had a nasty fall: but let US
help you into the house." said Miss
! Preston in a persuasive voice.
Thanks I muttered. slowly a.
suming a sitting position. Then, as
| I attempted to lift my left arm, gave
a cry of paint was genuine cry this
| time-Iny arm was useless.
Miss Preston's voice trembled as she
asked: Does your arm hurt: Is 1t
brokeI>:"
Yes. I think it is I exclaimed, as
with Roberts help I got to my feet.
1t seemed to be the only serious DAM
ace sustained, and I reviled myself
for being such fool.
Perhaps nothing would cone OF 1t
after all. but 50 far my scheme had
worked just as I should have desired,
barring the broken arm.
Go for Dr.. Burncy at once. Robert -
Then. with blush. she said. "Will you
let nc help you across to the house:'
Taking my sound arm. she assisted
ME across the lawn. and into large
room. Then she placed comfortable
chair for me near a low table, where
| could rest the broken limb.
I'm afraid I'm putting YOU to lot
of trouble" remarked.
"Oh. don't thinl; that: I'm pleased 1
was at home ard able to give some
! help. How cid it happen:"