Smyrna times., 1907-09-11
am ~ rapidly bearing

Gu morse AM rapidly bearing
uOWn upon her. elishing the pos
siolllty OF being run down, she strug-
gIed to her feet and uttered a belated
but frightened shrek.
Isabel" called out Jim's voice as he
reined in his horse close beside her.
are you all rightY"
ON, yes, I'm all right" she answer
ed sarcasticaIly, shaking the snow from
her skirts, but where's my horse?"
Pretty nigh home by this time if he
Keeps up the lick he was going. Lucky
saw him tearing down the hill or I'd
never have thought to look for you up
mere. Put on this coat and wrap this
SCARF over your ears. Now, climb on
that rock and get up behind me-"
DOCK won't carry double" said Isa-
bel argumentatively.
Hell have to this time" said Jim
grimly, refining up close to lone bowl
der. Come here and climb on behind
Now put your arms around me
whoa!' as Dock pitched violently and
Isabel for the second time was hurled
into bed of snow.
She could hear the swish of Jim's
quirt bringing swift retribution to
Dock as Jim again forced him close
to the rock.
You're not hurt, Isabel?' anxiously.
Come on and try it again"
mo, I'm not hurt" reproachfully.
"but I prefer to walk" starting off
valiantly
Isabel, if you walk, I'll walk!"
Jim's voice was as decided as her own.
ooh, just as you please" she replied,
trudging Obstinately forward.
Jim swung down, took one stride to-
ward her, then wavered and clutched
the saddle.
The girl caught her breath sharply.
"Why, you can't walk she cried
Denitently. 81 forgot about your lame
ankle!
"WiH you ride thenY Jim's face
was white, but he would not give in.
"Yes-oh, yes! Don't stand there
and look like that! Why did you ven
ture on horseback? You know the doc
tor forbade itr'
I'D like to know what would have
become of you If hadn't come! Now
come Onr
Jim slowly remOunted and rode to
the bowlder. where Isabel meekly TO-
lowed and mounted again. clinging
desperately in response to Jim's warn
| ing to hang on.
This beats walking don't it?" asked
Jim after a few minutes bllssful
realization Of her clinging arms.
Isabel, though she made no reply,
certainly did not deny the assertion.
She could not forget Jlm's face in
that instant when he chung to the sad
| die, and she was consumed by a de-
| sire to know the exact state of his feel
ings toward her Her mission to Chi
ma grew all at once distaSteful and
stupid as viewed from behind the
broad back of her brothers partner
1.-THE storms lifting" Jim remarked
"We1l be home in a little while now
"Jim-P'-
whats thatY said Jim, turning bis
head.
"SOrry? Because we're almost
home? Som l."
The undoubted sincerity of his tone
aroused Isabers dropping courage.
"Oh, Jim, I'm sorry 1 said 1 knew
more about horses and the weather
than you did-and because you had tC
come after me-and-and-hurt you
foot again"
Anything elseT
eyes; I'm sorry for what 1 said
about cow punchers and-and-every
thing"
Jim managed to turn around enough
to catch a glimpse Of her face.
isabel, look here. You know whar
1 asked you before you started out OIL
your wild goose chase. Have you go
different answer nowT'
There was no escape.
'Er-y-e-s'-
"And have you got any mission t
go and teach the heather Chinese"
"No-that is-I"-
Jim grOaned helplessly.
"And you're stuck there behind me
where can't-steady, now, Dock
Reach around here and kiss me, lisa
bel. If you don't I'll set Dock to buck
ing again"
Isabel, thus intimidated, made hast'
to obey.