The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-07-21

Her blood was boiling, So Bert had
been criticising her to Addie! 1t
seemed the boldest treachcry. AS for
Addie-the little Cat!-she was envious
because she had not the courage to I'M
dcrtake the long descent. She looked
scornfully over at Bert, taking tame
little flights, with Addie clinging TO him
shrieking in exaggerated fear. Betty
knew how he loved the rush Of the long
hill, with the jounce at the end that
sent them flying across the bottom.
They had taken it together many times.
Now it was unladylike Of her, was 1T
and she with her own brother!
Her indignation grew, and with it her
recklcssness. Little by little she drew
the boys toward the post that bore a
danger sign, which marked the limit
Of the coasting ground. Beyond the
post the hill was fine. but at the foot
the railroad swung up against it as it
curved to cross the river, and it was
not easy to see n train till 1t was close
at hand. 1t was plainly no place for
coasting. though n. few vcntured at
times, the spice Of danger adding Zest
to the sport.
Betty had always wanted to swoop
down and fly across the track, perhaps
catching sight Of an oncoming train. 1t
would be thrilling! But she had no in
tention Of undertaking it now, though
in the mood to go as near 1t as pos
sible.
Look out, Nedw some one called.
you're getting too close there! Better
come back"
''There isn't bit Of danger" Betty
laughed as they flashed by.
SBut you'd better come over here"
Will White urged when Betty and the
boys had climbed the hlII and were pre-
pairing to descend again
You're so close now little bump
would throw you OH the track Don't
you see that, Betty?' Alice interposed
anXiously.
"Oh, Betty wants to show off, Ad-
die sneered, and unfortunately Mt the
same instant Bert commanded:
"Ncd, you boys bring your sleds over
here at once! You're foolhardyw
With scarlet cheeks and flashing eyes
Betty snatched sled and ran to q
point directly over the railroad and
prepared for n downward flight alone.
Command her, would he? OF course lie
meant her! She'd show him! There
was an uproar Of warning shouts from
the young men and shrieks from the
girls, but Betty was too angry to heed.
AS she started another sled shot down
diagonally and midway the hill ran
into hers, throwing them both into the
deeper snow, where they rolled over
and over antS,rought up at last in a
tangle OH the brink Of plunge lust as
train swept along below.
White and shaking ut the narrow es-
cape. Betty took herself off the head of
her rescuer, sobbing:
"Oh, Bert, Bert! Have killed you ?''
AT the instant Of collision she had seen
who 1t was attempting to stay her fool
ish flight Mt the risk Of his life. She
had been too angry and excited to un-
derstand that train was coming-but
she had been silly-so sillyv'
She covered her face ss Bert sat I'M.
| saying as he brushed the snow from
his eyes:
Its got to be soon, sweetheart so I
can take proper care of my wifep'
but you called me unladylike to Ad-
die. and this would be-
ITS mistake. When Addie called
you unladylike said you were just a
good, sweet, wholesome girl and no
fnicky lady," he explained, adding
calmly: They think we are about kill
ed, we are so long stirring. They'll be
on us in minute, but we sit here till
we understand there's no going back
on what you said. You've spoken to
me, you know"
"Y-yes," she admitted family.
"And you'll fulfill your word soon ?
They're most herew
Yves" she said again, blushing
hotly.
And he swung her to her feet as the