Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-12-09

ult dSeu NOlldll Ul lIo' portions, whose money had enabled her to marry above her and who had since been desperately endeavoring to live up to the obligations of her position, To her lord was lord, indeed, and at first she was rather inclined to stand in awe of the Earl of Croyland's title, but before luncheon was over she had lost her nervousness and was begin ming to feel toward him as though he were q real American Miss Harriet Renwyck was charming, sitting oppo- site Richard, who, having crossed his first bridge with flying colors, grew more confident, though careful not to overact his role. Thanks to the in struction of the exemplary Bills, he vas steering a safe course among the forks too. The Texan discussed Amer ica with his host, who admitted can didly that Richards views were broader than those of any Engishman he had ever known. Concerning the present policy of Great Britain Mir. Renwyck found his guest strangely reticent. The conversation then turned upon various topics. social and per sonal, ending in horsefesh, which with MT. Renwyck was passion.
 Lord Croyland," he said, I'm really worried as to what to do with horse of mine called Hawk. He Is demoral izing my whole stable"
 And what is the trouble with Hawk" Richard asked.
 Everything" exclaimed his host. "A magnificent animal, but a very devil. beg your pardon, Mrs Ren- wyck, but it's true. Why, sir, there isn't man on my place who dares to put his leg across his back"
 Ever try an outsider:" asked the guest, forgetting his part in his inter- est in the horse.
 Yes" returned Mir. Renwyck. "There was a jockey up here last week. of fered him $2O for every minute he kept the saddle. By stop watch he earned about 10 cents and told me that he wouldn't have the beast for precious gift"
 Too bad" murmured Richard. "Really, should like uncommonly we'll to try him.
 Your cried Mir. Renwyck in genu- inc surprise. He paused 10 laugh. '1 know you Englisllmen are pretty good horsemen, Lord Croyand. but I'll tell you what-if you ride Hawk for half an hour without spill I'll make you present of him.
 Done" said Richard
 "On conditions" added the other craftily.
 And those:"
 If you fail you'll buy him at my own price"
 Done again" said Richard quietly.
 But here Mrs. Renwyck and her daughter protested vigorously. They would not have their guest murdered before their eyes for foolish wager. There were other horses in the stable of which Lord Croyland might have his pick. so why leopard life and limb on this c.Izy, cranky brute that had proved himself so dangerous? After much discussion the matter was compromised They would inspect the horse after luncheon and then decide. Mrs. Renwyck believed that her gnest after once seeing the animal would change his mind
 To Richard. who had been born in the saddle. so to speak. without re- flecting on his mother. the prospect of conquering Hawk was as wine on I thirsty toper's tongue Since leaving Texas his very knees had plned to grip a horses barrel. and now it was with the greatest difficulty that his r1sing spirits were held in check
 Miss Harriet wGs divided between fear of an almost certain accident and the wish to see this young man ride. There was something about this easy. loose knit figure which inspired cOnfi- dence. There was something. too just what she could not say-that re- called n memory of plunging cattle. q face that IoOmed through clouds of dust. q steady arm that swept her from the saddle. and then-Oh. non sense: She liked this smooth shaven Englishman. and yet-she could ike an unshaven cowboy too
 When they finished luncheon they repaired to the paddock. and Hawk was led from the stable. two grOOms hanging vnrily tO the double halter straps He was a powerful rOln. with a glossy coat and massive shoulders. The small head told of bloosl and spIr- f. The ears lay back. and the white of his eyes gleaming wickedly seemed to bear out Mir Renwyck's statement as to his nasty temper
 "Cmph-' said Richard critically. "Looks as if he wanted to put the gloves on with US. doesn't heE' He stepped fo-wanl. running his hand along Hawks muscle quivering with CTS. -Jumper:-
 ~Yes. sir returned the appreeiative head groom: four foot eight. sir. with a rfs~7 t4sssr
 Richard noidei.
 "Just saddle him. will yog. my gDoi man: I fancy Hawk and I will hit it of together nioelT.~
 The horse wzs led into the center 0f the spougy paddock. where the dan Teroas task of sadd-ing was comp5eteI Richard rejected tbe bit chosen hT tbe grOou. selecting another with deeper curb The1 ke buekled o1 q pair cf spurs and lSoked tS the zi-th hinself He sEzhei fer a high pol- Ezesed cgwbov sadie. but WIS farusI a---------r ----.- |.