The San Francisco call., 1906-03-25

am Jeopard1Zlng your young lie, anu
dire responsibility hangs over me-.
Your wishes shall be most consist
emily and conscientiously observed" no
laughed. II certainly am not seeking
reckless and untimely disposition OF
myself"
Might it not be well to make the
acquaintance of your mount before
assisting me?" she inquired. regarding
with some concern the spirited and
restless animal that was giving the
groom no little trouble to manage.
The formalities shall be duly OBJ
served, ] promise you." he said. ex-
tending his hand to assist her to
mount
1T would be extremely embarrassing
TO be compelled to take to the street
cars after ALL" she suggested, rather
more i'll at ease than she was willing
to admit. DO you know. sir, you nave
never even inquired what are his
faults" she informed him, her mount
accomplished.
That would be taking rather an
unfair advantage. would it not? l dare
say he will confide in me as our ac-
quaintance progresses"
Well, really, don't think l am
versed In equine etiquette if 1t runs
along those lines" she laughed. But
judging from his behavior l should say
that a heart to heart interview awaits
YOU"
You might tell me his name and
assist the acquaintance to that extent,
he lightly replied, stepping along to
where the groom was having consider
able difficulty with the spirited animal.
His christening was marvel of
foresight. He bears the black and sug-
gestive appellation of Wizard.
Certainly prolific of possibilities
Well old chap. are you as black In
equine arts as your color and name
suggest?" he affably inquired. laying
hold of the bride and stroking the
animals head and neck. and glancing
critically at the restless eyes. Not such
bad eye. Just little headstrong-a
little spoiled-and a little misunder-
standing all around, guess. After all,
you would not be of much account
without will of your own, would you,
old fellow?"
He's very wishus, sor! He'll give
you dale of truble, If no wurse." the
groom fastened to explain, earnestly
solicitous lest a false estimate be placed
on his charge. I'll howld him, sorp' he
protested. as Waldron would relieve
him of further responsibility, Hes
very bad actor!"
What is your name? asked Wald-
ron. looking down at him rather
amusedly.
John, sorr
Very well, John, you may trust your
charge with me and I will return him
to you better and wiser animal"
Its not the baste I'm thinking of, sor!
Shure, and If he niver cum bark, divtl
tare wud John Flanagan wape. Shure
he'll cum bark arl right-the diviI
layes no harrum to his own"
You have said 1t. John." laughed
Waldron. "On that basis we shall get
on very WE'LL" which conversation
amused Cathalee not a little. but the
finer point was lost upon John, who
failed TO discern humor in any form
even remotely associated with this
black baste.' John had seen several
men come to grief in their efforts to
manage this same animal, and knowing
himself from sad experience the temper
ofsthe brute. he reluctantly released the
bridle to the good-natured stranger,
who seemed not to realize the trouble
he was making for himself.
Waldron backed Wizard away from
the curb. stroking his sleek and shin
ing coat, talking to him with easy fa-
miliarity, his every movement indica-
tive OF the confidence characteristic of
a master and lover OF the equine race.
To him the horse was endowed with
instinct little less than human. Indeed,
he had said upon more than one occa-
sion that a good horse was far more
companionab1e than many q man, and
as he had spent weeks on the plains
and among the hills, faithful horse
his sole companion, the remark might
perhaps be regarded as something more
than a mere figure Of speech. He had
broken and ridden horses ranging from
the fierce and stubborn thoroughbreds.
to the mongrels, even worse lacking as
they do the finer instincts of the truer
breeds, and are simply brutes worse
confounded.
II am not surprised that you are
reluctant to part with him. ne said.
stepping back and regarding the ami
NAL with unfeigned admiration. He
Is certainly beauty"
Thank you, siri" she replied, with
prettily feigned seriousness. Il be-
lieve this Is the first real interest, or
anything approaching enthusiasm. that
I have seen you manifest"
The time had now arrived to proceed
with tho business in hand. The man
prepared to mount, but was Immediate
ly made aware of an exceedingly we'll
developed and no less undesirable pro-
pensity on the part OF the animal.
Away went Wizard with bound, and
from a less strong arm would have
freed himself. AS 1t was. his antie was
merely INDUCED for the moment. a
vise-like grip placed on the reins just
pressure on the tender mouth, quickly
bringing him to terms, and convincing
his equine understanding of the futility
OF attempting to escape.
You see, sir, his conduct leaves
something to be desired" said Cathalee.
II fear you will find him rather diff
cult That is really his worst fault
in other respects his conception of the
proprieties is fairly commendable,
believe"
The movements Of the man were now
brisk and businesslike. Formalities
had been duly observed, and the real
question of supremacy Of man or beast
would now be settled promptly and
conclusiveIy Stroking the arching
neck, and running his hand over the
shapely shoulder on which the veins
stood out like animated cords, he ar
ranged the stirrup to his liking, and
taking short hold on the nearest rein.
Wizard was suddenly made to feel the
heavy hand of retribution. With no
gentle movement the pretty head was
brought around almost to the limits
prescribed by nature, and before re-
ieased-without which he could not
well repeat his previous performance
the man was In the saddle. 1t would
be difficult to say which was the more
.f4 dAv<