The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1909-03-11

Spruce Greek, the nearest railroad sra
ton. Thus II happened that during the
year not n 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 one after
noon on the Cum Run road, young Jim
made the discovery that his mare had
possibilities as q saddle horse. She
needed exercise, and II would be easier
In the mud that lay fetlock deep on all
the mountain roads, to give It without
the buggy. There was the mai to get.
and there We're errands to do all up and
down tho valley.
1t was some time before he ran
across Rose again. 1t was on a Mon
day afteTL5 Don. 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 mistaking the
supple figure on the platform with the
agent. She vas holding her crop Jaun-
lily before her, a hand 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,
hihO pAudL0 SGT OIL IGT BUOulQGTS, Jno
dainty grace of her coat, and even the
expression OF her yes as she looked
up at his approach. He tipped his cap
automatically, and sprang from the
saddle even before the horse nae come
to a full stop,
Hello Glad TO see YOU" he called.
with hearty ring. "How's this for
mud?" He looked ruefuiiy down over
his spattered clothes. IN,
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.
Well have the teams down here by
8. That CARL have to be moved 20
feet-all OF II. There's no chance to
swing in, don't you see? You'll be sure
to have II 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 tho edge Of the plat
form, and gushing.
All right, then"--with business snap
AT 0 sharp 1t is" She turned quick
ly TO her horse, which was standing
unhitched a few steps away.
Come, Pomp," she called.
Here, Miss H~artswick. 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. II mount
ter pealed out from the platform.
TOO slow! Have to wake up, young
Teller. IL yours goin' to do business
round here" 81
HAS our freight Conner" He wheeled
square about and changed the subject
with a snap. .'... d.
Wen get It tomorrow" He was on
HIS horse and cantering after Rose. In
a men 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?"
We'll, I guess"
"All r~ight--good bye"
On the instant the mustang hot
ahead like a polo pom 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! Tha
great mustang was at full stretch,
smashing through mud and waterhoIe.
and throwing a deluge OF soft mush
three o d 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
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.
Then as suddenly as she had started.
the girl dropped again into a canter.
MY, but he's a goer!" she burst put
enthusiastically. Say, I want to ride
him. May II" .
"Why-yes---" w."
"An right. Whoa. rompl" Ths
horse stopped instantly. and she sprang
to the ground. Jim also alighted.
he said with business decision,
and I'll change the saddles. I'm afraid
yours won't a. very well, though"
"Oi, no.. I can ride q mans saddle
Just Is well as I can my own."
shall l help you mount?" He came
very near her, so near, indeed, that IL
awed him a little. He had never been
so neal her before.
Cant you get me a block or q stone
something for me to Chamber up ,
on?" She looked about her as If in /
and involuntarily his eyes fol-
hers, seeking for a block. He
to find her I'm the saddle. 1t
like magic. Blu her merriment |
was bitten short off. The gingery lit
lie mare knew nothing of women, and
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
tcontinued Next Weekl ,
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