Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-03
XVIII.

Gilbert's prediction of a thunderstorm
seemed likely to be realized before Miss
Frayne and / were fairly started, and as
the sky darkened we quickened our pace
untll we were flying at racing speed along
the dusty highway. My companion rode
as had never imagined a girl could. She
was as much a part of her horse as any
rider of the plains, holding the animal I'M
der firm control without nervous Straming
of the arms, and sitting well back In her
saddle with the ease and confidence or the
born horseman. Even when our excited
animals threatened to make wild race Of
Il, her face expressed only intense exhila-
ration and delight in joyous response TO
the rushing wind and the glorious motion
of the gallop, and it was / who first mod
Grated the pate. = few scattered raindrops
soon FASTENED us on again, however, and we
flew forward once more in another mad
rush, which landed us safely under cover of
Il wagon-shed just as the storm broke out
I'm all the fury of tropical thunder-Shower.
Before | was able to assist her, my com
ramon jumped lightly to the ground and
began loosening her saddle-girths, and l
followed her example and then, seeing that
both horses were Steaming hot. | pushed
a farm-wagon out of the way and led them
behind IL where they would be sheltered
from the wind. a couple of canvas curtains
hanging from the rafters supplied the nee
essary blankets, and | soon had our mounts
been in their stables. When l emerged
from the improvsed stalls l found Miss
Barbara seated taiorwise on the bottom of
a big hay-wagon drying her straw hat with
her handkerchief
We'll, you look comfortable / observed
81 am. she answered. THAT galop
cleared my mind and renewed my spirits
and feel bustiugly buoyant again Don't
you?'
Bustingly buoysnt' sounds rather dam
gerous." | laughed.
1T is dangerous" she returned That's
what makes II such fun II you've never
right now
The conditions are certainly favorable"
l began.
The conditions are certainly favorable, =
she repeated, mockingly. Il love your beau
titul formal phrases, but please don't talk
Ike minuet today. l shall bunp Won
terribly If you do, for feel like Virginia
reel. Now don't look frightened, for wen
begin very mildly with a straw-ride. Jlmn
ini'
"A straw-ride without bumping?" | sug-
sested, climbing over the front wheel.
Ana without straw. Isn't that ideal?
This hay is perfectly luxurious Nothing
Ike hay for cold in the head. SAYS the
White knight but say nothing like hay for
straw ride. Don't you agree with me?"
perfectly, ! responded, dropping into
the cart. But my experience is limited
Your education has been sadly neglect
ca, she interrupted. I'm going TO take
y in hand from now on. Which reminds me
tha' we haven't settled on date for your
com4ng-out party When Is it TO be?"
As soon as am free again, / answered
seating myself opposite her
And when Will that be?''
she was repinning the ribbon which she
had removed from her hat and did not look
up as she spoke
l cannot say" | answered
Tomorrow
Il hardly think So
The next day?'' !
| noted the anxious tone of the question.
bue made no immediate answer.
Time Is for slaves. not straw rides
responded, after pause
She glanced up from her occupation and
nodded.
Your straw-r.ding experience is not so
limited but you learned that" she asserted.
knowingly.
Tell me about that one