Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1909-04-29

from distance, ana Httle BToups Ox
people, entire strangers to him, con-
gregated in front OF the drag to gaze
at him and point him out to each other.
Really, he was quite the hero of
the hour, and he began TO enjoy the
sensation.
But his enjoyment received a sud
den shock when he beheld the attend
ants dragging a number of formidable
looking hurdles into the ring. There
was stiff post-and-rail fence, an ugly
in-and-out, and a hedge.
The time had come when he must
do or die, and he almost wished that
he might choose the latter alternative.
Only he wanted to die comfortably in
a bed, not to have his brains kicked
out by diabolical brute on the tan
bark of the ring.
Ii was now or never Sink or swim,
come what might, the die was cast,
so he babe Miss Rawlings touching
adieu and went to mount Rocket.
Beatrice Halliday was standing by
Rockets head. A groom assisted Sat
terlee to mount
You don't know how much | APP
preciate this she said to the latter.
sweetly.
"Oh. yes, do" he returned from
between his set teeth. II know just
exactly how much you appreciate it,
and some day / will return the ia.
vor"
With which sinister threat he set
off for the entrance to the ring, the
groom holding Rocket tightly by the
head. The bugle played fanfare as
Satterlee entered.
In another moment, however, she
had given vent to a piercing shrek
and covered her face with her hands;
for the moment the groom had re-
leased Rockets head, that enterpris-
ing animal had whirled himself around
and thrown himself high into the air
on his hind legs, paving frantically at
the atmosphere with his fore-feet. Sat.
terlee grabbed at the reins, but one of
them was lost He could only tug
desperately with the other, and the re-
suit was that in an instant man and
horse were both sprawling in the tan
bark.
Fortunately Satterlee had fallen
clear of the horse, but he lay abso-
lutely motionless, as though dead.
When Grace looked again he was be-
ing borne from the ring in this condi-
ton by a number of men who had
rushed to his assistance.
In very short time she was bend
ing over him where he lay on couch
in the clubhouse. He was breathing
quite regularly, but his eyes were
closed and he appeared to be insensi-
BILE. A doctor was making hasty ex-
animation of him, but beyond a slight
cut on his forehead which was bleed
| ing quite freely. he did not seem to be
seriously injured.
Satterlee, who knew this as we'll as
anyone. lay quite still, keeping his
eyes closed by mighty effort.
They have ruled Rocket out for bad
manners" he heard someone say on
/ the clubhouse porch.
do you think he will die, doctor?''
implored Grace in an agonized tone.
"Oh, no." returned the physician
cheerfully; "at least not this time
With careful treatment ! am sure he
will recover. But / can't understand
why he does not regain consciousness
think perhaps | had better bleed
him.
The deuce you do" said Satterlee
and he opened his eyes. A glad cry
escaped Grace, and the doctors eyes
twinkled
Il will leave him in your care few
minutes, Miss Rawlings" he said. He
needs rest and quiet. You must keer
people away from him."
But | must ride that horse" said
Satterlee, making a motion as though
to get up. Grace's hand gently de
tanned him.
you cannot" she said. Rocket is
ruled out and so he ought to be. What
a dreadful, dreadful horse! How car
| ever atone to you for asking you tC
ride him?"
Satterlee smiled. you can atone
for it, but l am afraid the penance
will be too great
Nothing can be too great. ! an
wretched about it,"
Then said Satterlee tenderly, seiz
ing her hand You can atone, Grace
by becoming my wife"
Miss Rawling' face became suddenly
rosy-red, and to conceal her embar
rassment she buried it in her dainty
handkerchief.
"Oh, Mr.. Satterlee," she whispered
you are such a dashing knight"
Satterlee extricated her mousque
taire from beneath his red waistcoa
and once again kissed ii tenderly. The
heiress was touched and her eye!
filled with tears.
IF | do, Percy" she said, leaning
over him, will you make me on,
promise?"
Il will promise anything, everything
my darling-only say you will b'
mine"
Then promise me on your sacre,