Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-02-28

portions, whose money had enabled hei
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 stant
( in awe of the Earl of Croyland's title
but before luncheon was over she haC
lost her nervousness and was begin
ming to feel toward him as though he
were a 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 tc
Ovcract his role. Thanks to the in
struction of the exemplary Bills. he
was steering Il safe course among the
forks too. The Texan discussed Amer.
lea with his host. who admitted can.
didly that Richards views were
broader than those of any Englshman
he had ever known. Concerning the
present policy of Great Britain Mr.
Renwyck found his guest strangely
reticent. The conversation then turned
upon various topics, social and per-
sonal, ending in horsehesh, which
with Mr. Renwyck was a passion.
Lord Croyand." he said, I'm really
worried as to what to do with a horse
of mine called Hawk. lie is demoral-
izing my whole stable"
"And what is the trouble with
Hawk" Richard asked
Everything" exclaimed his host.
"a magnificent animal, but very
devil l beg your pardon. Mrs. Rem
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.
Eyes" returned Mr. Renwyck. There
was jockey up here last week. | Of
fered him 500 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 a
precious gift"
"ToO bad" murmured Richard
Really, should like uncommonly
well to try him.
"Your cried Mr.. Renwyck in genu-
Inc surprise. He paused to laugh. 81
know you Englishmen are pretty good
horsemen, Lord Croyland. but I'll tell
you what-if you ride Hawk for half
an hour without a spill I'll make you a
present of him.
"Done! said Richard.
I'm
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 crazy, 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 guest
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
thirsty toper's tongue. Since leaving
Texas his very knees had pinned to
grip a horses barrel, and now it was
with the greatest difficulty that his
rising spirits were held in check
Miss Harriet was 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 conf
dence. There was something. too
just what she could not .say-that re-
called a memory of plunging cattle. a
face that doomed through clouds of
dust, steady arm that swept her
from the saddle. and then-oh. non
sense. She liked this smooth shaver
Englishman, and yet-she could like
an unshaven cowboy too.
When they finished luncheon they
repaired to the paddock and Hawk
was led from the stable two grooms
hanging warily to the double halter
straps. He was powerful roam. with
a glossy coat and massive shoulders.
The small head told of blood and spir-
1t. The ears lay back. and the white
of his eyes cleaning wickedly seemed
to bear out Mr.. Renwycks statement
as to his nasty temper
"Umphy said Richard critically.
Looks as If he wanted to put the
gloves on with us. doesn't heY" He
stepped forward, running his hand
along Hawks muscle quivering with
ers. "Jumper?"
Yes, sir" returned the appreclatIve
head groom; -four foot eight. sir. with