Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1909-03-12

Spruce Creek, the nearest railroad sta
tion. Thus il 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,
q seemed to see her.
Suddenly, late in January, after he
had seen Rose In full gallop after
noon on the Gum Run road, young Jim
made the discovery that his mare had
possibilities as 81 saddle horse. She
needed exercise, and 1t would be easier
in n mud that lay fetlock deep on all
the roads, to give IL without
the buggy. There was the mail to get,
n there were errands to do all up and
down the valley.
II was some time before he ran
across Rose again. 1t was on a 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 mistakfng the
supple figure on the platform with the
agent. She was holding her crop jaun-
tily before her, a hand on either end.
Every detail OF dress n posture and
expression burned into his brain like
a fash light snap-the glorious wealth
of her hair under the riding cap,
the square set of her shoulders, the
dainty grace Of her coat, n even the
expression of her yes as she looked
up at his approach. Ee tipped his cap
automatically. n sprang from the
saddle even before the horse q come
10 a full stop.
"Helloi Glada to see you" he called,
with hearty ring. "How's this for
mud?" He looked ruefully down I'VE
his spattered clothes.
That's nothing. You ought TO ride
the Sugar VALLEY road
Muddy down there, is it?"
Muddy! Why, all / 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 tone to the
agent.
We'll have the teams down here by
9. That CARL hav to be moved 20
feet-all OF Il. There's no chance to
swing in. don't you see? You'll be sure
to have 1t done?"
Sure. Anything you say. Glad to
do it." There vas sultry good nature
in the agents face and ton He fol-
lowed her eve to the edge OF the plat
form, suave and gushing.
"All right, thcn"-with business snap
lat 8 sharp 1t Is" She turned quick
~ to her horse, which was standing
unhitched a few steps away,
Come, Pomp," she called.
~ MISS I1dtL - w I'm = az tCip
you" Jim sprang forward eagerly.
She turned for an instant as IL TO
answer him, then Yaulted seemingly
without effort into the saddle. "Oh,
pardon me-" she said quickly, II mount
ed before / thought" A roar of laugh
ter pelled 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
quare about and changed the subject
with a snap.
Wen get II tomorrow He was on
his horse and cantering after Rose. In
a moment he was swinging along be-
side her.
SAY. you've got a nice pony there,
haven't your" She turned In her sad
die to examine the horse. Can he go?"
well, / guess"
"All right-good bye"
On the instant the mustang shot
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.
How gloriously 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 once
took his eyes from her. The soft brown
of her hair, an intense fieck 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.
Their 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
bin. May u"
"Why-yeS--
"AIl 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." h said with business decision,
and I'll change the saddles. I'm afraid
yours won't fl very well, though"
"Oa, no. l can ride a mans saddle
just as we'll as / can my own"
shall help you mount" He came
very near her, so near, indeed that ii
awed him a little. He had never been
so near her before.
Cant you get me a block or a stone
or something for me to Chamber up
on?" She 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. II
seemed like magic. But her merriment
was bitten short of. The gingery lit
! tie mare knew nothing of women, and
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 a furry like that
| could stay IN that mans saddle without
stirrups.
(Continued Mex. Weekl