Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-05-09

ted riding alone, and felt perfectly GER
tain that the roads were as bad as the
scenery was hideous, she dragged 1T
out OF the coal cellar in which her
aunt had ordered it to be buried.
But on the third ride, the monotony
was unpleasantly broken by a large
puncture In the back tire; ten miles
from home, in perfectly unknown
road, not a soul in sight, and with the
certain knowledge that she had left the
repairing outfit at home
There was nothing to do but to plod
YEARLY on till she came to somebody or
something, and she had tramped at
least two miles of the dusty road be-
fore help came in sight.
Ii was not very promising looking
place. small one-storied wooden
building, with a wheel hung over the
door and placard over the gate: "Bi-
cycle repairs promptly executed"
The man went on with his task. with
out raising his head. Margaret was
piQucd to notice that he was much less
anxious to talk to her than she to talk
to him. Could you tell me any pretty
rides about here?" she said desperate
ly; i've nothing to do but riGe-and
am so tired of all these horrid bleol,
roads. l should like pretty ride. Just
for once"
He stopped for a minute and
thought
There IS little old village about
ten miles from the crossroads" he said.
(which might be called interesting and.
with a stretch of imagination, even
pretty. Some big man. who was a
friend of Hampden's, was buried there
| believe, and there is an old church
with a square tower"
which is the best way to get to It?,
she asked; land what is the name of
lt?"
1T is called Mertleet, but l hardly
know how to explain the way. Perhaps
/ could show you on the map"
He went across the room, took his
tourists map from shelf of books in
the corner, and gave it to her.
She spread it open on her knee. fore
seeing that he would be obliged 10
ixneel beside her to explain. Then the
Young man saw that she intended 70
condescend to friendliness, and he told
himself that there was no reason for
him TO remember that he was a Young
man In a shop and that the situation
was certainly pleasant one for him.
In vain he pointed out the right way.
over and over again-she only shook
her head sadly.
ITS no use" she sighed. "I am
afraid you will think me terribly stu
pid, but l never could understand Ell
Their maps or railway guides. 1 am
afraid l shall have to give it up"
Then the bicycle member looked up,
Margaret smiled. II don't care If |
am forward" she said TO herself
Somebody must improve our acQuaint-
ance-and he certainly won't"
But at her smile he grew suddenly
holder.
DO you always ride alone?" he
asked.
Margaret sighed. II have no one else
to ride with" She hated herself for
saying 1t, and waited for his response
knowing that if it was what she feared
she had only herself to blame, and yet
half hoping that her fears would be
justified.
There was only one thing for him Il
say, and he said it, almost certain of s
rebuff, yet feeling that if she gave it
she had certainly not played fair.
Il wish you would let me show yor
the way" he said, and Margaret gasp
ed. She turned over the leaves O.
Omar's Khayyam neryously, and for ;
minute she did not answer. The bool
opened at the ayleaf, and half uncon