The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1907-12-29

err and nearer came the sound OF the
horses hoofs. Dutch 10. fighting
drunk. was gaining on her. The next
turn in the trail would bring him into
view.
I've got to stop him. gasped Miss
Lovilla, trembling, but resolute.
Now, whatever Dutch JOS original
expectations had been in coming up to
camp armed and whisky brave, he GER
tainly did not expect to be held up by
any such nonshootable object as a
woman. Neither did his horse, which
promptly Snorted and backed, skirts
having greater terrors for it than
spurs.
"Shtand out of the wayr' vociferated
Dutch 10, listening to the whistle.
Il shan't do any such thing!' re-
torted Miss Lovilla, occupying the mid
die of the trail and gathering up her
apron through force of habit.
Dutch 10 drove the spurs deeper and
menaced the opposition with Ills quirt.
"Will you no shtand out of my way.
heinz he urged. his face purpling
with anger.
"No, | won't" declared Miss Lovila.
The approaching whistle rendered her
desperate. She advanced precipitately
into the pony's face. waving her apron
frantically. ''Shoo!'' she 'cried. Go
back with you-'
That settled the matter Unceremo-
niously the broncho showed Il pair of
iron shod heels to the up trail and de-
parted Meadowward. with the bit in
his teeth, leaving Miss Lovilla "aI
trembly.'
'Salina always said l was bigger
baby than either of hers" she qua
vered and proceeded to demonstrate the
fact by Pumping herself down on the
nearest log and weeping into the am
pie folds of her apron.
Here an instant later Unlucky stood
as helpless before her tears as Dutch
10 had been before her unexpected on,
slaught. Miss Scanlon, what's the
matter?" be implored.
81 don't know" came in faltering
untruthfulness from behind the apron.
This weeping over, she knew not
what was the most bewildering propo-
sition Unlucky had ever met with,
"Has aIfything-have you-hurt your
self?" he asked, bending over and lay
ing hesitating hand on the apron.
mo, Pm not hurt" Miss Lovilla
was glad she was not obliged to lie
this time.
Unlucky's hand fell from the apron.
"Why." he began perplexedly, sit can't
be you are crying just toto pass
away the time"
Then Miss Lovilla's tears gave way
suddenly to smiles. She removed the
apron and looked up at Unlucky stand
ing straight and tall and honest before
her. 1t was good to see him there
"I'm SO glad" she burst out between
tears and laughter. chat you are
alive"
1t was a strange speech. Dutch 10
mile down the canyon would have
understood it, but not Unucky. To
him it meant something which filled
him with the joys of courage he had
never expected would be his. and be-
fore Miss Lovila could professional
she been SO inclined-he had taken her
comely face between his hands and
kissed it.
The sun had set. and Alfred was
wondering what had become of his
aunt. when she appeared. followed by
Unlucily. There was an air about
them both which arrested Alfred's at
tention before Unluchy spoke
Aft" he began. I'm in luck. I've
just staked the richest gold find in
Wyoming. and no ones goin' TO jump
my claim either"
Alfred glanced at Miss Lovilla's
smiling face, and pleased grin began
at his bearded lips and was lost in his
dancing eyes Without wor, he
crossed the living room and with onc
stroke of the red chalk drew the four
teenth and last line long and strai9't