The San Francisco call., 1904-12-12

work thoroughly. and on either
side Of the road the trees Haunted
gorgeous habiliments Of gold and
scarlet.
AS Thorpe. with his hands
thrust deep into his trousers pockets
and a briar pipe OF honorable age be-
tween his teeth. strode along the road
in the mellow sunshine Of early after
noon, he hummed gay arias and
thanked his stars that he was alive
He laughed boyishly when startled
chipmunk scampered nimbly across mis-
path. and. from the sac seclusion Of a
friendly maple. berated the intruder
roundIy in a shriI chatter; he took
an imaginary shot al a partridge
which rose abruptly from q clump Of
bushes; he sent a mocking challenge
TO a flock Of honking geese winging
their way southwark
Presently he came upon fallen tree
lying invitingly by the roadside
Thorpe accepted the tacit invitation,
and. seating himself upon the log, had
become engrossed in a friendly quarrel
between two belated blackbirds. when
he heard the clatter OF hoofs and the
rattle Of wheels coming down the road
He peered cautiously around bar
berry bush which obstructed his range
Of vision, and beheld a trap approach
ing smartly. On the elevated driving
seat was a girl. correct in every detail
Of her park form. and beside her,
looking decidedly stunted BIZ reason
Of his much lower seat, was trim,
faultless and imDassive groom.
Thorpe chuckled delightedly.
BY George." he said, rising and
sneaking behind the baTberry bush
BY George"
When the turnout reached his re-
treat Thorpe sprang from the bushes
and caught the horse b. the bride.
stand and deliver" he cried. wav-
ing the ancient briar menacingly-
The onslaught was SO sudden that
the girl gave little squeal Of alarm,
which she instantly tried 10 cover with
a nervous laugh, while the groom en-
deavCred 10 atone for the momentary
unfolding Of his arms BY a magnificent
outward calm and an intent scrutiny
OF the distant landscape.
oh. so it's only you. after ALL said
the girl, smiling down at him COM
posedly from the elevated seat
Only me-" he exclaimed. Now,
see here. l imagined l was very
terrifying personality in my Claude
DuvaI role. Irl disappointed. You've
hurt my feelings by not displaying
proper alarm"
The girl laughed.
Well. sir. kindly notice I'm stand
ing. Now. what would you have me
deliver" she asked.
Thorpe dropped the bride and came
round 10 the side Of the trap.
Il think I'll be satisfied with a ride
back 10 town. he said.
The girl raised her eyebrows
Il don't see where We can stow
you she objected
Il think Haskins needs exercise" "
said Thorpe, eyeing the groom critical
ly and favoring that worthy with
meaning wink. Hes beginning -
show flesh. Now, a walk back 20
town this Afternoon would be the very
thing for him. Eh, Haskins, don't
you think so?''
Thorpe thrust his hand into his
pocket in a manner whose meaning
could not be mistaken, whereat the
grinning Haskins sprang out with
alacrity.
Yes. sir. Quite likely. sir" he said
as he began with much ostentation to
tighten a girth.
Thorpe slipped coin into the
groom's hand and climbed into the
cart.
Drive on" he commanded the girl
in stentorian tones.
You certainly are a bold highway
man." she said. Il suppose 1 must
obey"
My temper is uncertain" he remind
ed her.
The girl fiicked the cob lightly with
the whip and they sped down the
road. Thorpe suddenly gathered the
reins into his own hands and headed
the cob in the opposite direction.
That isn't the way 10 town." the
girl observed.
Il know it," Thorpe returned calm
~. Had you any idea wanted to re-
turn TO town at once?"
You said you wanted ride back
to town." she reminded him.
Il did. I'll admit" said he "but 1
didn't say I desired to take the direct
read there
We'll, where are you going?" she
asked