Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1906-06-20
away. It takes a very strong man 70

mat hO '4S'ouS, ouiy tclItoly u1ib-
chievous. like bullying boy.
II should like to ride him"
The girl looked at her new groom in
manner which expressed frank as
constituent. Was he in earnest. or
was it mere bravado? An idea came
TO her. mischievous idea
eff you can sit on Pirates back for
ten minutes there will not be any ques-
ton of probation. promise to engage
you on the spot, recommendation or no
recommendation" Would he back
down?
Where are the saddles Madam"
he asked calmly, though his blood
moved faster
ION the pegs behind you."-becom-
ing interested. do you really intend
to ride him."
With your permission"
81 warn you that the risk you are
running is great"
II am not afraid of Pirate, Madam
in tone which implied that he was
not afraid OF any horse living. The
spirit OF antagonism rose up in him,
'hoN piiil vi vi lUt
against the animal, that eternal ambi-
ton Of the one to master the other.
And besides. I'm not sure that James
didn't want to show off before the girl
another very human trait in man
kind. For my part, l wouldn't give
Yesterdays rose for n man who
wouldn't show off once in a while,
when his best girl Is around and look
ing on.
den nervousness selling her Yet she
was as eager TO witness the encounter
as he was to court it, "Williamn she
called. The stable-boy entered, setting
aside his broom. This is James. the
new groom. Help him to saddle
Pirate"
Saddle Pirate, Miss Annesley,"
cried the boy, his mouth open and his
eyes wide.
You see?' said the girl to War
burton.
Take down that saddle with the
hooded strrups," said Warburton,
briefly. He would ride Pirate now,
even if Pirate had been sired in Beel-
zebub's stables. He carefully inspected
the saddle, the stirrup-straps and the
girth. VERY good, indeed. Buckles
on saddles are always hidden menace
and constant danger. Now, bring
out Pirate, William"
William brought out the horse, who
snorted when he saw the saddle on the
floor and the curb on Warburton's
arm.
There hasn't teen anybody on his
back for year, sir, not since last
winter. He's likely to give you trou-
bic" said the boy. you can't put
that curb on him, sir: he won't stand
for 1t moment. Miss Annesley, hadn't
you better step outside? He may
START 10 Kicking. That heavy
English snafIle is the best thing
know OF. Try that, sir. And don't let
him get his head down. or he'll do YOU.
Whoa" as Pirate suddenly took it into
his head to leave the barn without
any ones permission.
The girl sprang lightly into one Of
the empty stalls and waited. She was
greatly excited. and the color in her
cheeks was not borrowed from The pop-
1ies. She saw the new groom take
Pirate by the forelock. and. quicker
than words can tell, Mr.. Pirate was an
grlly champing the cold bit. He reared
Warburton caught him by the nose and
the neck. Pirate came down. trembling
with rage.
Here boy; catch him here" cried
Warburton. William knew his bust
ness, and he grasped the bride close
under Pirates jaws. That's it. Now
hold him"
Warburton picked up the saddle and
threw 1t over Pirates glossy back.
Pirate waltzed from side to side and
shook his head wickedly. But the man
that was to mount him knew all these
signs. Swiftly he gathered I'D the end
OF the belly-band strap and ran II
through the iron ring In and out he
threaded IL, drawing II tighter and
tighter. He leaped into the saddle and
adjusted the stirrups, then dismounted
iii take him now, William" said
James smiling.
"All right, sir" said William glad
enough to be relieved OF all further re-
sponsibility.
James led Pirate into the small court
and waited for Miss Annesley. who ap-
peared In the doorway presently.
James, | regret that I urged you to
ride him. You will be hurt" She said.
Her worry was plainly visible on her
face
James smiled his pleasantest and
touched his hat
Very well. then. have warned
you. If he bolts. head him for n tree
That's the only way to stop him"
James shortened the bridlo-rein 10
the required length. took a firm grip on
Pirates name. and vaulted into the
saddle. Pirate stood perfectly still
lie shook his head. James talked TO