Valentine Democrat. (Valentine, Neb.) 1900-1930, 1904-11-10
another stile," said I, cheerfully.

Dear me, tnaC the 1Ourtn. Sa1u
Chloe, resignedly. Il do wish they'd
| make gates between the fields
"A stiles more picturesque" said I.
VERY possibly" said Miss Bohun,
indifferently. It's certainly not as
convenient"
"Ah," said I, smiling, there's one
thing, at any rate, in which men are
superior. They can negotiate stile."
'Indeed.' said Chloe, loftily. 81
should have thought the feat was not
impossible for woman" pursed up
my, lips. "Any woman can get over
Stiles" she said, warmly, seeing my
| skepticism.
''Oh, I've no doubt said I, politely.
ITS nonsense your saying that
when l can see you don't believe it,
| said Miss Bohun. You're simply
pleased to be sarcastic all along"
l shrugged my shoulders. She march
ed coldly and confidently toward the
stile. 1t took off a high ground, which.
| l suppose, accounted for the absence
Of a step. But there were two cross
bars to assist the climber. I thought
Chloe's face fell as she noted it.
LET me give you hand" l said.
"Nonsense.' she replied. Il don't
want any assistance. It's quite easy"
She put the hand which was not en-
! numbered by the sunshade on the top
bar and placed one neat foot on the
lowest. Then she hesitated.
Perhaps I'd better take the sun
shade" suggested.
She did not answer at once: then, ''if
you wish it," she replied. nonchalSnt-
ly. though it's OF no consequence"
| took the sunshade and waited.
Chloe's two feet were now on the
lowest bar. She peered over. The
stile let down beyond in a big drop
into kind of hollow Or ditch.
"Oh!' said she. Il didn't"
was still waiting.
Il wish you'd go on and not stare in
that atrocious way" said she, with
asperity.
I begged pardon, vaulted the stile
with one hand and strolled on. Pres
emily looked back. Miss Bohun was
seated astride the top bar, clinging
with both hands to it. Her face was
deeply flushed.
DO go onr' she called out, vehe-
mently. l went on leisurely. But,
somehow, I could not make up my
mind to walk briskly. She did not
join me, so 1 flung myself on the grass
and pulled out a cigarette. Then l
heard my name called in a distressful
voice. 1 stood up and looked around.
Miss Bohun was astride the top bar
and she was pinker than ever.
please come-don't be so unkind"
she cried with tears in her voice. I
hurried back like the wind.
ooh, just give me your hand"' pant
ed Chloe, nervously lifting one from
the bar. 81 can't-its such a long
drop. 1 can't get my"
"Wait a Bit" said I, considering
you're half way over now. You've
only got to lift that foot off the bar
duu--
Il shall 60 over l know I shall go
| over" she said, pathetically.
mo, you won't" said I. "It only
requires confidence. Imagine you're
on horse and--"
But don't ride horse this way"
said Chloe, miserably.
NO" said I, but men do; and wom-
en- are just as good as--''
Its cruel of you-it's beastly. when
I'm in such PERIL" sobbed Bohun. She
clutched wildly for me with the trem-
bling hand she had disengaged.
seized it and her.
Now just lift that foot enjoined.
Chlee's weight lay limp on my Shout
der.
Il can't get it free. It's stuck" she
said pitifully. l moved closer, still
with my burden on my shoulder, and
lOosed the dainty foot. 'FNow," 1 said.
She lifted it gingerly. Don't mind
your ankles" l said.
ooh, but l 'am--' Her foot went
back. "Shut your eyes, please" she
entreated. l shut my eyes. The next
| instant the weight on me was doubled
and two arms went StranpIingly about