The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1906-1907, 1907-06-15

90 hardships. She had galloped miles
over the sun swept prairies, she had
slept more than once with no roof
above her head and no c0uch beneath
her, and she knew what endurance
meant She had started ON this mad
scheme In a mood Of strained excite
ment Her lovers continued silence,
her hateful, monOtonously barren exist
ence had wrought her feelings to a
pitch where almost any act was posi-
Bile; nor did the strain loosen until her
registration was accomplished at gun
set OF the second day.
It was Eve minutes to II on that
brassy, sandy swept Saturday, and
Marcia Brooks, mounted on her brave
chestnut, stood with many thousand
others in that mighty line OF battle,
ready for the charge.
Hark-a gun! The dag at the military
barracks yonder drops to the ground.
II is the signal.
Instantly there is an answering vol
ley from hundreds Of revolvers dis
charged into the air. Then, amid the
roar the smoke, and the yells from
thousands of threats, the line Of battle
starts forward at a run.
Marcia Is nearly paralyzed for an in
slant, but Bonnie Belle IL not She is
or like bolt from a catapult, pound
ing through the dust, straining at her
bride, leaving the lurching prairie
schooners and ungalnly farm vehicles
rapidly In the rear. They soon outstrip
the honest householders and are among
the reckless cowboys in the lead. These
men greet her presence with rough
cries Of gallantry which make her
heart beat thick and fast. II she had
only stayed In the safer crowd behindl
But Bonnie Belle is quite beyond her
control now. The mare has settled to
her gait and has no thought of any
thing but first place In this heat
Marcia turns her head uneasily for
glance over her shoulder, catches one
swift, hazy glimpse Of face that Is
familiar in spite of its dusty disguise
and hears the sudden exclamation,
"Marciap
The next instant the other riders
horse is at her side, his hand is touch
ing hers, and for one bIlssful minute
she cannot see for tears as she MUIR
murs, "Oh, Charlie, am SO gladp'
1t ls the only explanation necessary
The glance, the tone of perfect trust,
are enough for the most exactlng heart,
and from that moment the hard ride is
for both but a swift rush for Eden.
Side by side the two riders leave the
seventeen miles behind them, and their
good steeds, reeking with foam, but
still sound In wind, bring them to the
government quarters which mark the
center Of Kiowa just exactly sixty min
utes after the signal gun.
Charlie quickly stakes out two desir-
able claims, which will soon be worth
their thousands. Marcia cares for the
horses as best she can, when Charlie
stations her beside him to hold their
own against the rush.
1t is wild, tumultuous moment, but
they are close together, and his hand
clasps hers, while he bends closer.
Marcia, dearest. you can give your
claim to the old folks. Mine Is for you.
There'l be a minister along pretty
soon, and my tent Is coming by the
first pack train, Why should we wait?
Let MS be married and begin right here
together. VIII you, darllng2"
And clear amid the yells, the shoot
ing, the mad rush of incoming settlers,
half crazed with thirst. fatigue and ex-
element, he plainly hears her honest
Eyes"