Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-07-25

up a silver of wood and began white Industrious
~ The horseman remained with his bride reins in
hand, amusedly looking at his captive The maid
down the suitcase, dropped her skirt IN a
modest little manner, and cast her gaze on the
ground
Beth was the first speak. We'll, Elsa hope
YOU comfortable
Yes miss thank vou said the maid.
Thereupon Miss Kent turned to the horseman and
laughed Someway she could not feel alarmed in
the presence of this of the hills, in whose eyes
merry devils were dancing. " Isn't this absurdf'
she said
''Searle couldn't help being absurd replied the
horseman, more dofing his hat He waved it
toward the station host imperiously- Dave. pre-
sent me to the lady" And as Dave 1oundered hope
lessly puzzled he added, Give me a knockdown,
man; don't YOU savvy.
Dave dropped his silver snatched off his hat, ard
rid himself of quid of something strong all in
CONFUSION of activity 'Scuse me, he apologzed,
approaching nearer "Miss-Miss- Miss Laughin'
Water this is Van. His whole names"
That's enough" Van interrupted. Thank you
cordially I'm gratfed to meet you, senoTta,
I'm sure" He extended his hand
Beth knew not what to do, wherefore she gave him
her own. . How do you do, she answered. tremu-
lousy conventional and drew her fingers back again
at once IF you don't mind she added, we
really must continue on to Godlte as soon as posi-
BILE A fleeing look of doubt and alarm had swept
all the mirth from her eyes After ALL with this
introduction, what were these mems intentlonsf
1t grave affair be halted thus, to be practi
caly abducted, to be left with protection in the
hands of roadside strangers, at least one of whom
was certainly inclined to be outrageously bold.
The horseman regarded her seriously, as if with
certain divination Of her worry Someway from
the look in his eyes, her confidence returned, she
knew not why.
maid?'
why, yes-that is" she addressed the maid
the suitcase. Elsa, can you ride on horse?'
Elsa said, Yes, miss, if it is part OF my duty.
Beth's composure increased. After all, it was
glorious day. the horseman was handsome, and she
had wished for al little adventure but not too much
hat ask 0f
boldly. We were perfectly comfortable riding in
the If you really intend to permit us to go
why couldn t we have gone we Were!
Dave started to answer. You see Miss
Van cut in abruptly Never mind Dave this
isn't your pie To Beth he added, If you've
brought any particularly appropriate garments Tor
will tote the bags inside the house.
You bet l will said Dave, who, as Elsa rose,
took suitcase and all in one load.
Beth hestated. The horseman had started al
ready for the stable at the How superbly
straight was his figure! What confident, manly
grace beset him he moved! How could it be
possible for such to be other than gentleman
no matter where he was found! Some strange little
thrill excitement and love of adventure stirred in
the girls full veins. Resistance useless Tome
what might, she helpless in the hands of this
man. He seemed person to be trusted Some
ways he more,-he splendid.
Come, Elsa she said, bravely deciding to face
whatsoever might arise. :" You may wear the second
of my skirts >
FIFTEEN minutes later therefore, she and her
maid emerged from the shack attired in brown
cloth and khaki respectively her skirt long full
and graceful, while Elsas was shorter and divided
Astride saddle, Beth equally at home on
horse-or always had been in the parks.
Van and Dave now returned, leading two extra
ponies from the stable. One bay, accoutTed
with Vans deep Mexican saddle, whereon was
cured cooled lasso; the other wiry little
mare with somewhat decrepit but otherwise sound
old sdesaddle tightly cinched upon her back
Our stable chamberlain has slipped cog On
the outfits for ladies recently, said Van apooget-