The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-04-08
The EVENING STORY
Four-Footed wisdom.
fRy Belle. Maniates.)


/ when thew heard that Lieut.. Cava-
naugh. -th United States cavalry. was
coming home on a months leave OF an
sence a eeneral alarm was sounded,
and they met in secret session Ior oo'
ference and action.
They were all openly and aVoweoly
suitors for the lily-white hand Q,
Helene Kemble. and now they formed
an alliance for the purpose OF keepins
the trespasser from their territory.
1t was conceded generally that the
odds would be in favor of an army OF
fcer. and though they gathered soiacs
from the fact that he never brought
mount with him. they realized ina. o.
stacles must be placed in his pain.
The first fruits of their common
cause against the enemy were seen al
Mrs. Dalrymple's lawn fete, which oc-
CURED on the night of Lieut. CaVa-
| naugh's return to his home city.
| Helene was talking to a little knot OF
| friends when she saw her hostess APP
preaching with tall. square-shoulder,
| ed, good-looking man. She prepared
complacently to meet the young ofhcer
whose merits so often had been re-
hearsed to her. Before they reached
her, however, one of her admirers
| quickly came UP to her and bore her
away to the dancing pavilion.
| After the waltz was ended she saw
| the lieutenant approaching again in
4 knew slightly.
Another suitor interposed at once.
| hurrying her to a table with such
haste as to bewilder her. This pro-
gramme was followed the rest of the
| evening. Whenever Cavanaugh was
seen in her vicinity some one was sure
to intervene and whisk her away. She
knew chance was not entirely to blame,
| and at last she OWNED and enjoyed the
| situation. She wondered if Cavanaugh
was equally wise.
| If he has the diplomacy one in the
| service of Uncle Sam should have" she
| thought, "he will find a way or make
one"
Once during dance the young Of
| ficer collided with her partner and she
| felt confident that the action was in
territorial AS he begged her pardon his
| partner started to give the desired in
PRODUCTION. Instantly the man with
Helene danced her away in double
| quick time. After this dance Caya-
naugh took his departure
He hasn't what George designates
as staying powers" she concluded.
Two days passed without any ap-
parent effort on Cavanaugh's part to
| effect a meeting.
| HE is either stupid or Indifferent"
she concluded. slightly piqued.
She changed her mind when she re-
ceived from his aunt an invitation to
a small dinner to be given for the
young lieutenant.
| THAT was a shrewd move" she
unused. II wonder what he would do
II l should not accept the invitation ?"
| A spirit of contrariness seized her.
| She determined to prolong the situa-
| tlon- She sent her regrets to the din
| ner, pleading indisposition. The fib
forced her to remain indoors through
| out twenty-four beautiful hours. 1t
made her illogically indignant against
| the man-of course.
On the following day she took her
| first riding lesson, accompanied by a
riding master and her younger
brother. AS they rode three abreast
Lieut.. Cavanaugh. mounted on shin
ing chestnut, approached. To Helene's
utter surprise he wheeled about and
rode at her side.
ing to give him a glance meant to be
annihilating. Her frigidity was
wasted. The young lieutenant was
not even looking at her. With flushed
face and set features he was concen-
trating his whole attention on his
horse. After sharp trot they came
to a corner. and with sharp cut of
his whip, the lieutenant turned and
vanished down a side street.
How dared he!" she wondered. eff
thought of him I actually believe he
would have spoken to me-
They turned at the next corner.
To her .dismay she saw him in the dis
lance ahead Of him Angry as she
help noticing that he was riding
superbly.
! ''Let us ride faster." she suggested.
They passed Cavanaugh at a gal
lop.
Instantly he rode with them again.
but this time alongside of George.
Cavanaugh said something to the boy.
and again putting his whip to his
horse rode on. The lad refined up and
gave vent to wholesome and hilarious
mirth.
what did he say to your" de-
manded Helene Indignantly.
"Oh, say. Helene, this is rich! He
borrowed that horse of Jim Hunt, and
YOU know Jim is a member Of our
troop of state cavalry
ssWeIl. what of that?" she asked un-
enlightened.
ssWhy, that horse is used to drilling
tours. and Cavanaugn had hard work
to convince him he wasn't on duty"
Really" said Helene. relenting.
LET me show you" said the lad Gag
erly. 'I am trumpeter for the troop.
YOU know, and I brought my trumpet
with me to practice in the woods Let's
tovertake him, and will show you"
They urged their horses forward. The
boy rose in his saddle and sounded the
trecall. Cavanaugh's horse responded
instantly and swiftly.
Lieut.. Cavaraugh,'' said the boy
lnaively as the chestnut swung into
line LET me introduce you to my sis
ter Miss Kemble.'
The young lieutenant acknowledged
the introduction graveIy and then ex-
lplained the ways of his horse.
/ "Don't you think, Lieut. Cavanaugh,"
she said sweetly. that it would be
a pity to interfere with the military
training of your horse? If your way
lies on this road. why not continue in
fours?'
'It would be a kindness alike to horse
and rider" he replied.
ST had exhausted" he said presently,
when thew were back in the city, "all
tny knowledge of maneuvers and tactics
ard it remained for Hunts mare to help
line out I don't think it was her train
ling alone that prompted the movement,
II really suspect that she had grasoed