Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1906-02-01

= AOPWtyft ASOS, w ANDy lOugldS &
G>/>>/>n/>rNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNnN<S
A flash across an open space so quick
between cover and cover as to leave
only an impression of bush tail and
pointed nose and then a wild chorus Of
discovering yelps, accompanied by q
dozen forms plunging frantically across
the open space and into the chinquapin
bushes beyond.
But fifty feet farther on was an out
cropping hedge broken by crevices and
tunnels into a natural and safe hiding
place for the hunted. From the time
the fox had been started, an hour be-
fore, its winding and doubling course
had been tending gradually toward
this asylum, as if with an idea that
after playing with the dogs until weary
of the sport or perhaps feeling the need
of rest ii could whisk into safety. For
the last few minutes the fox had tan
talizingly checked its speed until the
open jaws of the pack almost closed
upon the bushy tail: then, with a sud
den jaunty tilt, the brush rose into the
air as if In parting salute and with its
owner dropped into one of the narrow
crevices, leaving the pack yelping its
disappointment without. A few min
utes later two horses with their riders
crossed the space and came to a stop
among the dogs.
AZ am glad he escaped, even if 1t
isn't sportsmanlike," laughed one of
faalf hn erof
him at the open back there. they were
so close. 1t was narrow escape"
I'm not SO sure of that, Miss Bris-
tow" the other answered. The fox
struck me as looking too fresh for such
dangerous propinquity to be natural.
I've an idea his plans were all laid re-
garding this ledge and that he was
merely amusing himself with the dogs.
Shall / call them off and start them in
search Of new scent? Nothing can
draw this fox from his stronghold
now"
mo; wait until papa comes. His
falling behind meant that his horse
went lame, and he probably has gone
back to the stable for another. He will
join us before long"
She touched her horse lightly, urging
him to the top of the ledge, from which
they could look down into the valley.
Allan followed closely.
'It is one of the most beautiful spots
1 ever saw" he said as his gaze swept
over the broad, fertile acres of the
farm to the lofty ridges that inclosed
1t ON every side. you have the gran
deQr of wild, untouched nature joined
to the charm of peaceful rural life-a
rare combination"
His eyes left the valley and came
back to her, with an expression in
them that made her turn away with a
half smile. Allan had been here two
learned things that had not hitherto
entered into his plans for a livelihood.
His hand trembled slightly as it check
ed the restiveness Of his horse
Yes; 1t Is beautiful here, and we are
happy" she answered, but there was
trouble in her voice. Then with sud-
den raillery: You ought to be happy,
too, Mr.. Tisdale, if, as they say, it is
prosperity that makes happiness. We
had a letter from Emmett yesterday,
and he writes glowingly of your mine.
He thinks there is a lot of money In
1t. And" looking at him inquiringly,
The writes as though he might pur-
chase an interest ia the mine."
Allan's face became grave.
81 hn
your brother Emmett too well to wish
him such bad luck. He broached the
subject to me once, and put him off.
I thought perhaps hts management Of
the mine FOR awhile would disenchant
siM. Emmet's great fault is being too
eanguine, though" with grimace. Il
was somewhat that way myself, l sup
pose"
THE mine didn't pay?"
sit has cost me a thousand a year
above my income so far, and"-
He stopped suddenly, for she was
laughing, irresistibly, it seemed.
Il beg your pardon" she gasped.
checking herself with an effort. "I-
something struck me as very funny.
But please go on. l will not laugh any
more. A thousand year, you said?"
'Yes," looking at her curiously,
"above the income receive from Eng
land. 1 wouldn't like Emmett to incur
the same loss. AS soon as 1 get back
] shall try to sell. The machinery will
be worth small sum. And" his face
kindling and his eyes again sweeping
over the valley and back to her face,
81 have found it. 1 always liked agri,
culture, but never realized 1t could
show up to such advantage as it does
here. My idea was that farmers had
to keep hold of plow handles and
hings, but your father doesn't do any
thing except go fox hunting and read
magazines and listen to his foreman's
report, and only this morning he told
me that he had no other resources than
the farm. II have been thinking of
it all the morning 1 will buy a valley
just like this somewhere in the neigh
borhood and be a farmer, and with
what / have vel can soon build
nice house." He paused, looking en-
harrassed, then went on hurriedly, IF
/ can make q living of it-enough for
two 1 mean-will you-will you help
me, Lois?"
She had thrown up her hand, as
though to stop him.
"Wait minute, Mr. Tisdale," she
cried impetuously. II had not intended
to tell you, but must now. You must
not try farming-for a livelihood, ]
mean. Our farm looks prosperous, and
/ love the valley here better than any
place in the world, but-but we have
been running behind a thousand year
ever since we bought the place. That
was what made me laugh when you
said you were losing q thousand. 1t
seemed so funny You must not try
farming for living. AS to the rest, L
l." her face flushing rosily, "am willing
to help you, Allan"
She looked at him shyly, but his face
had suddenly grown stern. He shook
his head hopelessly.
Il must take it all back, Lois,' he
groaned. II cannot make living for
one. But here comes your father"
Mr., Bristow reined in beside them,
his face inquiring.
Hello, what are you waiting here
for?' he exclaimed. IF one fox has
outuitfad Won vuhv dan't Won ctart an.