The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1909-03-11

Spruce Creek, the nearest railroad sta
ton. Thus 1t happened that during the
year not one in the valley, not even
Squire Hartswick, who boosted that
he could size up any horse at a glance.
had seemed to see her.
Suddenly, late in January, after he
had seen Rose in full gallop n after
noon on the Gum Run road, young Jim
made the discovery that his mare had
possibilities as q saddle horse. She
needed exercise, and 1t would be easier
in the mud that lay fetlock deep on all
the mountain roads, to give 1t without
the buggy. There was h mail to get.
and there were errands to do all up n
down the valley.
1t was some time before he ran
across Rose again. 1t was on q Mon
day afternoon. He had zone to Spruce
Creek to inquire for his fathers freight,
and as he had cantered up to the sta
ton his heart had jumped into his
mouth. There was no installing the
supple figure on the platform with the
agent. She was holding her crop Jaun-
tily before her, d hand on either end.
Every detail Of dress and posture M
expression burned into his brain like
of her hair under the riding cap,
the square set of her shoulders, the
dainty grace of her coat, and ever the
expression OF her eyes as she looked
up at his approach. He tipped his cap
automatically. and sprang from the
saddle even before the horse had come
to a full stop.
Hello! Glad to see you," he called.
with hearty ring. "How's his for
mud?" He looked ruefully down over
his spattered clothes.
That's nothing. You ought to ride
the Sugar Valley road."
Muddy down there, is it?"
Muddy! Why, all 1 could see OF
Pomp one time was just his ears" Her
spontaneous laugh thrilled young Jim.
Before he could answer, she had turned
with sudden change of tom to the
agent.
Wen have the teams down here +,
8. That CARL AVE to be moved 30
feet-all of 1t. There's no chance to
swing in. don't you see? You'll be sure
to v it done?"
Sure. Anything you say. Glad to
do it." There was sultry good nature
in the agents face and tone. He fol-
lowed her even to the edge of the plat
form, suave and gushing.
"All right, then'-with business sna
-"at 8 sharp it is" She turned quick
ly to her horse, which was standing
Unhitched 8 few steps away.
Come, Pomp," she called.
Here, Miss Hartswick, let me help
you" Jim sprang forward eagerly.
She turned for an instant as If to
answer him, then vaulted seemingly
without effort into the saddle. "Oh.
pardon me-" she said quickly, ~ mount
ed before I thought" A roar of laugh
ter pealed out from the platform.
Too slow! Have to wake up, young
Teller, If yours goin' to do business
round here
Has our freight Gomez" He wheeled
square about and changed the subject
with a snap.
Wei get 1t tomorrow" He was on
his horse and cantering after Rose. In
a M he was swinging along be-
side her.
haven't your" She turned in her sad
die to examine the horse. Can he go?"
We'll, I guess"
"All right-good bye"
On the instant the mustang shot
ahead like a polo pony They were
fore Jim awoke to what had happened.
Then he, too, was off on the jump.
How sloriously the girl rode! The
great mustang was at full stretch,
smashing through mud and waterhole.
and throwing a deluge of soft mush
three rods IN every direction. She was
Leaning far forward, almost to the
horses neck, to break the force Of the
wind. The rider behind her never once
took his eyes from her. The soft brown
vi ~ Aldll GIL AlCShd w dlIISl ltlC
winter white, vas like the focal center
Of all things. He urged the little mare
to her utmost, and in two minutes he
was right at the mustangs heels.
Then as suddenly as she had started,
the girl dropped again into a canter.
my, but he's a goer!" she burst out
enthusiastically. Say, l want to ride
him. May II"
"Why-yes-"
A right. Whoa, Pomp!" The
horse stopped instantly. and she sprans
to the ground. Jim also alighted.
Nov. you hold both of 'em by the
retns," he said with business decision,
and I'll change the saddles. I'm afraid
yours won't fl. very well. though"
"Oh no. I can ride a mans saddle
just as well as I can my own
Shall I help you mount?" He came
very near her, SO near, indeed, that 1t
| awed him a little. He had never been
so neal her before.
Can't you get me a block or a stone
or something for mo to Chamber up
| on?" She looked about her as IL IN
lowed hers, seeking for a block. He
turned to find her in the saddle. It
seemed like magic. But her merriment
was bitten short off. The gingery lit
tie a knew nothing Of women. and
she started instantly on a mad, kick
Ing, Slowing. bucking, ~breackneck rush
down the 81 Jim's heart went Into
his mouth. No girl in a furry like that
could stay in that mans saddle without
stirrups.
Continued Next Weekly
True Money Panic.
Reporter-Now, what was the worst
money panic you ever saw?
Great Financier-Last week, when a
u "a ---I --