Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1908-02-19
The Gods Of War
By MARJORIE BENTON COOKE
(Copyright.)

The day was like a spring song
sweet and clear. It seemed incred.
IDLE that just over the mountain ridge
the gods of war stalked the earth.
Along the road that led from Nash
Vile came rider at gallop. Sud
denly the road led into wood, and,
as if involuntarily, the rider pulled
her horse to s walk; she shifted the
good earthly smell of the warm June
day rapturously, and leaned over to
pat her horses neck.
Good girl, Betsy, good girl! We've
earned little rest here in the woods.
Lucks with us to-day, so we'll
risk it" ..s-..
She slipped out of the saddle,
stretched her tired limbs, and walked
slowly on, Betsy at heel. Finally she
turned and patted Betsy's nose.
I'VE must be on our way, Betsy, il
we're to make Shelbyville tonight
Hark!"
There was a sound of horses
hoofs, clear and distinct, on the road
behind. The girls face went Grim.
son, then white.
Betsy, my girl, we're in for it now
Its too late to make rum" Stealth.
lily she drew packet from the
folds of her waist. She sat down on
a hollow log, into which she slipped
something, which she then covered
with loose leaves. Waiting, she sort
ed flowers in her lap. Nearer, nearer
came the hoof beats. Then all at
once they stopped.
What does that mean, Betsy?"
She peered down the path anxious
1y. A rider appeared, looking like a
young centaur, coming through the
woods. He was tall and black-browed
with boyish face: he sat his horse
splendidly. He came slowly, his eyes
fixed on the girl and the wild flow
ers. II he started slightly at the
sight. it was but natural.
Good evening!" he said, sweep
ing the pom1ael Of his saddle with his
hat.
Good EVENING"" she replied.
He pulleG his horse to a standstill
and looked Gown at her.
cts very beautiful" he said.
yes; it IS lovely spring."
shere's something fairly healing
about the green of the woods, when
you're dead tired"
you have ridden far?"
"And hard. Now I've earned lit
tie rest
He dismounted and set his horse
free, throwing himself full length al
the girls feet
isn't it bit lonely in the grea,
green WOODS for lovely LADY,"
She smiled down at him.
"]sot now"
A boyish smile flashed across his
stern face.
':ts there no one to tell you that il
is lot safe, these troublous times, fol
you to be wandering alone in the
wot,ds?"
"No one"
''Then I tell you"
*'Thank you!-I'm not afraid"
tits not question of being afraid
It's question of foolhardiness. A,
any moment a detachment of ruf1iar
soldiers may ride this way
She glanced down the road hastily
then at the log, and up at him.
1--WE always been foolhardy," she
replied.
Their eyes met and clashed, then h
threw his head back and laughed boy
ishly.
Il believe you," he said. "Well, al
least, fair Rosalind, you should keel
Celia with you for company"
"Perhaps I could find an Orlando,
she hazarded.
Il know a chap who would like tho
job, but neither love nor law coult
keep him here-just now. Do 20,
know, by the way, how much 70,
look like one of the sweetest Rosa
linds that ever trod the boards?"
'You mean?"
Pauline Cushman"
'Oh, yes, I've been told that In
like her,
"She's left the stage, you know
and gone into the confederate serv
ice."
YES? I live SO far out of the
world that l know but little of wha
occurs"
you're a southerner?"
"Obviously.'
He picked up one of the flower!
that fell from her lap.
What is this queer flower? Has i
a name?"
''Oh! yes. We call it bleedin.
heart"
Bleeding hearth I wonder VIII!
the heart bleeds? Why do you sup
pose it broker"
"Why do hearts usually break
Perhaps it was loyal heart which
broke at the declaration of war"
"Perhaps-it broke for love-" h
said softly.
Perhaps" the girls voice schoed