The daily Alaskan., 1905-07-14
BOLDNESS
 OF THORPE

The early frosts bad done their work thoroughly, and on either side os tho road the trees Haunted gorgeous habiiiments Of gold and scarlet
 As Thorpe, with his hands thrust deep into his trousers pockets and a brier plps Of honorable age between his teeth, strOle along the road in the mellow sunshine Of early afternoon he hummed gay arias and thanked his stars that he was alive
 He laughed boylshly when a startled chlpmunk scampered nimbly across bis path and from the safe seclu- sion or a friendly maple beratcd the Intruder roundly In shrin chatter; he took an imaginary shot at par. fridge which rose abruptly from a ciump of bushes; be sent a mocking challenge to a flock of hon6ing geese wiEging their way southward,
 Presently he came upon fallen tree lying mvitlngly by the roadside Thorpe accepted the tacit invitation and, seating himself upon the log, had become engroSscd In friendly guar rel between two bclated blackbirds when he heard the chatter Of hcofs and the rattle of wheels coming down the road.
 He peered cautiously around a bar berry bush which ohStrUctcd his range of vision and beheh a trap approach ing smartly. On the elevated driving seat was girl. correct In every detail Of her park form. and beside her, looking decidedly stuntcd by reason of his much lower seat was a trim, faultless and impressive groom.
 ThOrpe chuckled dellghtedy.
 aRv Georcev" he said, rising and sneaking behind the barberry bush. By Georger
 When the turnout reached his re treat Thorpe sprang from the bushes and caught the horse by the bridle.
 stand and deliverr' he cried, wav- ine the ancient brier menacingly.
 The onslaught was so sudden that the girl gave a little sQueal of alarm. which she instantly tried to cover with a nervous laugh, while the groom en- deavored to 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 ycn after all,' said the girl. smlllng down at him com posedly from the elevated seat
 "Only meyr he exclaimed. "Now, see here, I imagined I was very terrify- ing personality In my Claude Duval role. I'm disappointed You've hurt my feelings by not displaying proper alarm"
 The girl laughed
 eyen. sir. Kindly notice I'm stand inc. Now. what would you have me dc livery she asked.
 Thorpe dropped the bride and came round to the side Of the trap.
 q think I'd be satisfied with a ride back Co town" he said,
 The girl raised her eyebrows
 q don't see where we can stow you" she objected
 q think Hasklns needs exercise " said Thorpe, eylng the groom critic ally and with a meaning wink.
 Thorpe thrust his hand Into his pock ct In manner whose meaning could not be mistaken, whereat the grinnine Hasklus sprang out with alncrlty.
 "Yes. sir. Quite likely, sin" he said as he began with much ostentation Co 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. q suppose l must obey"
 'NIy temper Is uncertain" he rcmind. ed her.
 The girl licked the cob lightly win the whip, and they sped down the road. Thorpe suddenly gathered the reins In. to his own hands and headed the cob In the opposite direction.
 That Isn't the way tO town" the girl observed
 'T know it," Thorpe returned calmly. Had you any Idea wanted to return lo town at onceT'
 sYou said you wanted a ride back Co tou-n." she reminded him.