The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1907-12-06

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10 hardships. She had gal!oped miles
pver the sun swept prairies. she had
i'ept more than once with no roof
above her head aud no couch beneath
her. and she knew what endurance
meant. She had started on this mad
scheme In mood Of strained excite
;nent. Her lovers continued silence,
her hateful. monotOnously barren exist
ence had wrought her feelings to o
pitch where almost any act was posi-
Die; nor did the strain loosen until her
registration was accomplished at SUM-
set of the second day. g.. 5......:-.
1t was five minutes to Il on that
brassy, sandy swept Saturday, and
Marcia Crooks, mounted on her brave
chestnut, stood with many thousand
others in that mighty line of battle,
ready for the charge.
Hark-a gun! The flag at the military
barracks yonder drops to the ground.
1t 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 run.
Marcia is nearly paralyzed for an in.
slant, but Bonnie Belle Is not. She is
off like bolt from q catapult, pound
Ing through the dust. straining at her
bride, leaving the lurching prairie
sehooners and ungainly 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 galantry which make her
heart beat thick and fast. If she had
only stayed in the safer crowd behind:
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 a
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,
"Marcia~
The next instant the other riders
horse Is at her side, his hand Is touch
ing hers. and for one blissful minute
she cannot see for tears as she muir.
murs. ''Oh, Charlie, | am SO gladr'
II is the only explanation necessary.
The glance, the tone Of perfect trust,
are enough for the most exacting 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 hest she can, when Charlie
stations her beside him to hold their
own against TIE Rush.
1t Is wld. tunultuous moment, but
they are close together, and his hanG
clasps hers. while he bends closer.
Marcia, dearest. you can give YOU
claim TO the old folks. Mine is for you
Therein he a minister along pretty
soon, and nIT tent Is coming by the
first pack train. Why should we wait,
Let us be married and begin right here
together. Will You. darling?'
And clear amid the yeLls. the shoot
Ing. The mad rush Of inruming settlers
half erazsd with thirst. fatigue and ex
element, he plainly bears her homes
Yes