The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1909-03-11

Spruce Creek. the nearest railroad sta
ton. Thus II happened hat during the
year not one In h valley. not even
Squire Hartswick. who boasted 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 one after
noon on the Gum Run road, young Jim
made the discovery that his mare had
possibilities rs a saddle horse. She
needed exercise. and 1t would be easier
in the mud that lay fetlock deep on all
n mountain roads, to give 1t without
the buggy. There was the mail to get,
and there were errands to do all up and
down the valley.
1t was some time before he ran
across Rose again. 1t was on q Mon
day afternoon. He had gone 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 vas holding her crop jaun-
tily before her. a land on either end
Every detail of dress and posture and
expression burned into his brain. like
a flash light snap-the glorious wealth
of her hair under the riding cap.
lIlS SQuhIe SCI OIL lleT 6LlOulutES, IQS
dainty grace of her coat. and even the
expression OF her eyes as she looked
up at his approach. He tipped his cap
automatically. and sprang from the
addle even before the horse had come
TO a full stop.
Hello! Glad to see you," he called,
with hearty ring. "How's this Tor
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 I could see of
Pomp n time was just his ears" Her
spontaneous laugh thrilled young Jim.
Before he could answer, she had turned
with sudden change Of tone to the
agent.
Wei have the teams down here by
.. That CARL ave to be moved 20
fetal of 1t. There's no chance to
swing In. don't you see? You'll be sure
to have it done?"
Sure. Anything you say. Ola to
do it." There was sultry good nature
in the agents face and tone. He fol-
form. and gushing.
AN right, then"-with business snap
at 9 sharp it is" She turned quick
ly to her horse, which was standing
Unhltched a few steps away.
Come. Pomp," she called.
AA'-AS LIZ iAk toN iShy . ZIG jSl
you" Jim sprang forward eagerly.
She turned for IN 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 o from the platform.
Too slow! Have to wake up. young
Teller. ii yours goin' to do business
round here"
HAS our freight Gomez" He wheeled
square about n changed the subject
| with n nap
Well get 1t tomorrow" He was on
his horse and cantering after Rose. In
| a ome ha was swinging along be-
side her.
Say. you've got a nice pony there.
haven't you?" She turned in her sad
! die to exarnin the horse. Can he go 20
well. I guess"
All right-good bye"
On the instant the mustang sho
ahead like a polo pony. They were
fairly out OF sight behind a bend be-
fore Jim awoke to what had happened.
Then he. too. was off on the jump.
10 g%loriously the girl rodei 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
horses neck. to break the force Of the
wind. The rider behind her never once
took his eyes from her. The soft brown
OF her hair, an Intense fleck against the
winter white. was 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, I want to ride
bin; May II"
"WhyLyes--
"All right. Whoa, Pomp!" The
horse stopped Instantly, and she sprans
to the ground. Jim also alighted.
Now. you hold both of 'em by the
reins." he said with business decision,
and Til change the saddles. I'm afraid
yours won't A. very we'll, though"
"Oa, no. I can ride a mans saddle
Just as we'll as I can my own"
Shall l help you mount He came
awed him a little. He had never been
so near her before.
Cant Q get me a block or a stone
or something for me to Chamber up
on?" h looked about her as II in
distress, and involuntarily his eyes fol-
lowed hers. seeking for a block. He
turned to find her in the saddle 1t
vas bitten short off. The gingery lit
tie mare knew nothing OF m ana
she started instantly on a mad, kick
Ing, Slowing, bucking, breackneck rush
down the road. Jim's heart went into
his mouth. No girl IN q furry like that
stirrups.
CONTINUED Mex. Week.)
True Money Panic.
Reporter-Now, what was the worst
money panic you ever saw?