Warren sheaf., 1908-06-18

expecting momentarily to overtake
him. Presently she spied him climbing
1 high hillside to the north It looked
hot and brsathless over there. She
knew the succession of ridge and hol-
low in that direction. No wide. level
spaces for gallops, no open vistas. She
would have this one long afternoon to
herself, listen for voices that spoke
only to the solitary ear. She rode
slowly, making subconscious notes
of the smooth, trodden path beside
the track, at places where she would
give the mare her head when return
ing In the cooler afternoon.
A patch Of brilliant desert flowers in
4 small nook where the melting snow
had been gathered and held caught
her capricious eye. She would be hid
den from the town here, yet not far
from the track and passing trackmen
1t would be quite safe. Dismounting,
she gathered great bunch of the sun
colored blossoms, and tucked them in
Mexican hair rope from beneath her
saddle flap; and, giving Swift 40 feet
of freedom, sat down, back to the
track, to memories and day dreams
day dreams that purloined time un-
headed, till the iron train thundered
past. a
Eyes that caught the vision of beau
ty in horse and rider silhouetted
against the gray hillside lighted with
sudden Appreciation; and one pair
famed up curiously, watched eagerly
till the vision vanished, then gloomed
above set teeth and clenched hands.
Esther remounted and resumed her
ride, still slowly. The mood for q
speed had not come. A short distance
farther on she came to deep, curving
cut. Instantly on entering an uncan-
ny sensation possessed her, PRESENT.
ment of danger. Yet she derided her
self, and touched Swift to a lope. Had
not the train just passed? What
menace could arrive in ten minutes?
Along the banks were few cave
like depressions cut for some purpose
by the graders. As Esther rounded
the curve fleeting glimpse of a horse
man coming toward the cut from the
other end was interrupted by the
voice Of man who sprang from one
of the little holes and caught her
bride rein.
I'll trouble you for that sparkler,
miss; and don't take too much time
getting off your glove. Keep them
ruby lips shut, too, might add by
way of friendly advice"
Esther was looking into the barrel
of pistol held by the man she had
that morning served with coffee. It
was not courage that came quicker
than reason to her; rather, swift
anger that this creature should pre-
sumo to molest her.
'How dare you?" she cried fearless
ly, striking the hand on her bride a
stinging blow with her whip. In the
instant of surprise and pain that made
him release her, she whirled the mare
on two feet and was off.
Three shots rang out behind her.
She heard the whizz of a bullet peril
ously near, yet raced wildly on, every
sense alert to keep her horses feet,
from pitfalls. No sounds followed
her. She knew the man would not
dare show himself, would probably
hide from the other rider if possible;
and the mare was putting the miles
behind her in marvelously few min
utes.
Esther began to breathe more free
ly. Near the town she slowed to a
walk and looked back. Neither mis-
creant nor horseman could be seen.
She stopped to put herself to rights.
Her heart was beating fast, yet as
much from the rapid riding as from
fear, she told herself All had hap
pened so quickly, it now scarcely
seemed real. Dread Of making scene
was stronger than fear for what had
passed; and it nerved her to ride quiet
ly up to the hotel. r.
Sally B. met her at the door in
great excitement. "Mrs. Gregory an
Mrs. Harmon both telegraphed you
to come on an see the show termorrer.
been hopin' ye'd fly in fore the train
left. I got yer things all packed!"
The train stood on the track less
than a stones throw distant, it's time
just up The conductor came forward
as Esther dismounted. .. &.
will you go, Miss Anthony? I'll
hold her ten minutes for you.' &@
THANK you. Yes, I'll CO. Five min
utes will do"
With Sally BIS help she changed to
another gown and sped downstairs
You're lightning, sure!" the con-
ductor said with respectful approval,
as he took her bags, helped her into
the high boxcar, made her as comfort
able as he could, and went about his
train work.
Following a half-hour behind the
iron train, the little engine struggled
noisily along for time dragging it's
string of loaded cars, when it came
to sudden halt on a mountain-side
grade. Around curve and just be-
yond, the track left the mountain and
crossed a gorge over a treStle. The