The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1908-02-27

swiftly over them as they climbed the
hillside. and the valley, far below,
with the little clubhouse and tennis
courts. was swept out OF sight by the
driving mist. II am afraid we are
going to have a Storm" said Brad
shaw at last. Jones promised to
have a coolie with lantern at the
gap to light us down the other side.
It's ticklish work riding down the
side of a mountain In the dark by
these estate tracks. hope you are
not nervous, Miss Mooref"
mot in the least" she said. II
have done this lots Of times before.
and shan't mind getting wet. Here
It comes" she continued, as the first
heavy drops Of the storm FLASHED
down on them.
The rain came down in sheets and
drove against them as the horses
scrambled slowly up the slope. In a
minute they were wet to the skin.
AS they neared the top they plunged
into a forest OF trees. and the path
was hidden by the darkness. The
noise OF the wind in the trees and the
roar of the driven rain put an end
to all conversation. At last a faint
ylimmer Of light in the distance show
cd that the promised coolie was at
his post with the lantern. and In
obedience to q shouted command from
Bradshaw, the girl gave her horse
his head. and let him pick his own
way after the other. Gradually the
noise increased, and the pelting
sheets Of rain became heavier, till
the flickering light proved unable to
withstand their onslaught, and went
out suddenly. Bradshaw shouted
something to the coolie. but the man
with the stupidity of his race, Jump
ed TO the conclusion that the mishap
was about to be visited on him, and
bolted. Bradshaw's shouts produc-
ed no answer, and they were left on
the side of the hill in the middle of
The first burst of the northeast mon
soon, unable to see a foot in front Of
them.
I'VE must go on as best we can"
shouted Bradshaw. Leave evory-
thing to the horses. We are safer
on than off them"
The horses seemed to understand,
and picked their way slowly down
the precipitous slope. All went we'll
for time. and Bradshaw was begin
ming to congratulate himself that the
worst was over, when they came to
an Irish drain crossing the path. 1t
had haan tric Ia Of IN, ho
morning but the roar Of the torrent
rushing over 1t warned him that 1t
was probably impossible. After a
moments hesitation he resolved to
leave II to his horse and trust to its
instinct II It refused.
I'm go through first." he shouted.
I'll call to you II It's all right"
The horse faced 1t without balk-
ing. and with a splash and a clatter
of hoofs on stones he was through,
greatly relieved to find that 1t was
much less formidable than had ap-
peared from the noise. The girls
horse. resenting the feel on its mouth
which prvented 1t following, grew
restive. fldgeted, and slipped foot
over the side of the narrow path.
Bradshaw pulled up on the other
side and heard the clatter. There
was scream, followed by the noise
Of heavy body falling down the
slope. and the squeal of frightened
horse. He sprang from his horse,
left 1t to Its own devices, and waded
into the water, shouting as he went
Miss Moore, where are your" he
called, his voice trembling with emo
ton. A cry came from below him.
Grace, are you hurt?" he said.
Call to me again and will find my
way to you"
I'm all right, I think" said a
voice in tremulous accents. II am
trying to climb up, but / don't know
where my poor horse Is" Bradshaw,
his feelings suddenly released from
the strain, was guilty Of remark
with reference to the unfortunate
horse which scarcely conveyed sym
pathy. Following the sound Of his
voice. the girl climbed slowly to the
path. and waded into the stream.
Midway across her outstretched
hands touched him, and the next
moment she was held close In a
strong embrace.
II love you." he said simply. 81
have always loved you"
They stood knee-deep In the water,
and the darkness hid their faces
from each other. She did not speak,
but gently pressed his arm and sigh
ed softly. She was his once more,
and all else was as nothing to her.
II shall never let you go again."
lie said.
She laughed quietly, but there
were tears in her voice when she
spoke.
II do not want to go again-evsr,"
she said.
few minutes later very wet
but ridiculously happy couple reach