Democratic messenger., 1906-01-13

we're standing all about the conical vel
low stacks Sue came from the house
and called to her 10 stop. which she did,
to the colts disgust. sue leaned on the
fence. and the two girls chatted mo
ment.
You better get Off till the engine
comes Marion. You might meet L..
You've no business on that crazy colt
II isn't safe. don't see how Jim al.
lows it, Marion's face famed.
What has he to say am not cn.
gagged TO him any more. r.
Sue gaspcd, then. with remorse-too
late. as usual-remcmbcrcd what she
had told her friend on the way from
town that day.
Marion. you weren't ever fool enough
nes really said WAS that Jim was 50
silly about you he didn't hear what
she said half the time oh. May. I'm
so sorry"
Rut Marion did not wait. She rode
away.
Prince settled into an ugly. obstinate
gallop, Swcrving and Jolting
They were nearing the crossing when
an uneurthly shrek made Marion look
up to SEE the tlraSher engine approach
ing She urged Prince Oh. trying TO
reach the corner where the road turned
toward home before the machine came
closer. Her hands trembled. but she
remembered that il Is fatal TO lose
nerve with an unruly horse.
Prince Snortcd, laid back his ears,
but went on well enough. They were
almost at the corner when the lendish
shrek came again.
The colt took the bit IN his teeth and
bolted in utter terror Marion knew
her danger and kept her head us they
turned Tie corner. She let her hat 90.
and the wind whipped her long hair
back 1lc n yellow banner. She spoke
to tile colt soothingly. pattcd his neck.
tried 70 get the bit from his teeth-all
in vain. They We're still Il mile from
home and going 50 fast that the mo-
ton was as easy as the rocking Of Il
cradle Ii they met no teams and he
kept to the road I'll might yet be- well,
but he might throw her He swerved
at the bridge and nearly dragged her
against the railing
She felt cold perspiration OH her face
II seemed like the end of things. She
thought of .Iim-all he had been. all he
was 10 her what sue had said 10 him
and now She mght-ncvcr bee able To
say she was sorry. that she loved him
get him to forgive her She recalled Il
thought of her mothers face when they
would take her home As they neared
the house she remembered that she had
not wecled the pansy bed. Everything
wavcred strangely In her mind
As they passed the windows she saw
her little sisters baby face
As the colt tore around the corner 10
the gate and into the yard she grew
cold with horror. She had left the barn
door open. lie would make for his stall
and crush her. IL went suddenly dark
before her. and her head SWAIN Jim
she wanted 10 call his name. but could
not lie would have saved her. she
thought
Against the closed door stood Il brim-
ming pail of cold water As Prince
stopped with jerk that threw Marion
from her seat Jim Bradley came quiet
~ up. She was hanging by all her
skirts. that had caught on the pommel
Only a quick hand and steady one
could have disengagcd her as he did.
He drew her into the shade and held
her CLOSE
She opened her eyes and looked up
into bis white face. II was like heav.
en- To ncr
"Jim." she said. Jim"
Are you hurt-are you hurt? Mar
lon. are you all right" She drew a
long breath. stood up and walked a
step to show him she was uninjured
Then she went close TO him and put
her hands on his shoulders. Her face
was very serious.
Jim" she said, Il have changed my
mind" He saw queer little light in
her eyes aud was wary
About what PrinceT"
About you. Couldn't you ask me
II love youf think that wouldn't
have to lie to say-yes." Jim tried 10
get hold OF her. but she held or
Il want TO tell you what think OF
myself Don't you speak am hor-
rid llttle-beast. Yes. did say beast
VIII you take me backT" Jim thought
he would