Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1908-04-30


first bridge with flying colors, grew
more confident, though careful not &c
oyeract his role. Thanks to the in
struction OF the exemplary Bills, he
was steering q 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 Englishman
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 Croyland," he said. I'm really
worried as to what to do with horse
of mine called Hawk. He is democrat
izing my whole stable"
And what IL the trouble with
Hawk Richard asked.
Everything" exclaimed his host
"a magnificent animal, but very
devil | beg your pardon, Mrs. Rem
wyck, but it's true. Why, sir, there
isn't man on my place who dares L.
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 Mr. Renwyck. There
was a jockey up here last week. Of.
fered him $40 for every minute he
kept the saddle. By stop watch be
earned about 10 cents and told me that
he wouldn't have the beast for u
precious gift"
Too bad" murmureG Richard
Really, should like uncommonly
well TO try him"
You" cried Mr.. Renwyck in genu-
Inc surprise. He paused to laugh. Il
know you Englishmen are pretty good
horsemen. Lord Croyland. but III tell
you whatlf you ride Hawk for halt
an hour without a spill III make you a
present Of him"
Done said Richard
"On conditions" added the other
craftiy.
"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.
hecting 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 horses barrel. and now II was
with the greatest difficulty that bis
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 memory of plugging 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
q glossy coat and massive shoulders
The small head told OF blood and spir-
It. The ears lay back. and the white
of his eyes cleaning wickedly seemed
to bear out Mr.. Renwyck's statement
as to his nasty temper.
"Umphw said Richard critically
Looks as II he wanted to put the
gloves on with US, doesn't hep He
stepped forward. running his hand
along Hawks muscle quivering with.
ers. "JumperT
Eyes, sir" returned the appreciative
head groom: "four foot eight, sir, with
q clean hoof"
Richard nodded
"Just saddle him. will you, my good
man? fancy Hawk and will hit Il
Off together nicely"
The horse was led into the center Of
the spongy paddock, where the dan
gerous task of saddling was completed
Richard rejected the bit chosen by
the groom. selecting another with :
deeper curb. Then he buckled on /
pair of spurs and looked to the grit
himself. He sighed for a high pom
meled cowboy saddle. but was forces
to content himself with a fat seate,
English riding affair. In which. Mr.
| Renwyck remarked he would fee
more at home doubtless.
The Texan turned. smiling. to hi
host.
"Half an hour, did you say, MIR. Rem
wyck? I'm afraid you are about 4
lose valuable horse"
"And I'm afraid" muttered the 9th
or under his breath, shat the house o
lords Is about to lose a valuable mem
her"
|