Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1909-08-12


mounts never suffered from saddle
gals, and, above all, how the two al
ways kept even pace with the best
men riders, opinion veered; and sew
eral ladies changed their habits
Norah, who saw the droll side OF
things, once said that the accepted
riding habit for women reminded her
of kimono for a harp.
Darlington stole gently down to the
horses. He had great affection for the
sleek thoroughbreds. Their cars went
forward when they saw him, and they
whinnied softly. He rubbed their
velvet noses and in turn they nozzled
him for sugar loaves. Had it not been
for the night and the attendant mys-
teries, his happiness would have been
complete. People waste many pre-
cious moments in useless RETROSPECT
ton; so Darlington resolutely forced
the subject from his mind. One thing
was certain, the Cavenaughs knew who
the burglar was; and there was some
thing strange in the idea of an empty
safe in millionaire's home. Pshaw!
He took out the expected sugar loaves
and extended them on both palms.
The pair Tipped his hand and crunched
the sweets with evident relish.
How are they to-day, James"
Eft for 20 miles, straight away or
cross lots, sir Your mount is feeling
his oats this morning; he hasn't been
out for a run since Thursday, sir. I've
put the curb on him in case he takes
it into his head to cut up shines
Here comes Miss Kate, sir"
Carrington's pulse rose. Kate was
approaching them. She was pale but
serene. She smiled a good morning,
which took in the gentleman and the
groom.
II hope l haven't kept you waiting"
mot a moment; l only Just got
down myself" said Darlington.
She mounted without assistance
and adjusted her skirts. The Ally be-
gan to waltz, impatient to be off.
ITO the beach," Darlington asked,
swinging into his saddle.
She nodded and they started off
toward the highway at smart trot.
Once there, the animals broke into
an easy canter, which they maintained
for a mile or more. Then Kate drew
down to a walk.
What day." said he, waving his
hand toward the sea line.
There was color a-plenty on her
cheeks now, and her eyes shone like
precious stones. There is no exhilara
ton quite like it. She fiicked the
elders with her crop, and once OF
twice reached up for a ripening ap
pie. In the air there was the strange
sea smell, mingled with the warn
scent of clover.
'T'll race you to the beach," she
cried, suddenly.
Done! I'll give you to the sixth
tree" He laughed. There was reall,
nothing at all in the world but thi!
beautiful GIRL the horses, and the
white road that wound in and out t
the sea.
She trotted her mount to the sixth
tree, turned, and then gave the signal
Away they went, the horses every bi
as eager as their riders. With thei
ears laid back, their nostrils wide
their ~"feet drumming, they thunderet
down the roatf.--~Carrington gained
but slowly, and he had to hold hi
right arm as a shield for his eyes, a
the filly's heelS< threw back a stead,
rain of sandS'and gravel. Faster an,
faster; agsfnilk wagon veered out jus
in time; foolish chickens scampere
to the wrong side of the road, and tn
stray pigs in the orehards squeale
and bolted inland. 1t was all YER
fine. And when they struck dec
tawny sand the animals we're nee
= and neck. 1t was now no easy task t
bring them to a stop. Darlington
hunter had made up his mind to wiz
- and the 1.-THE FLY was equally deter
mined AS an expedient, they finall
J guided the animals toward the hui
of an ancient wreck; nothing els
:. would have stopped them.
How l love it," said Kate, breath
lessly, as she slid from the saddle
Beauty, you beat him, didn't you!
patting the dripping neck of her fl
vorite.
They tethered the horses present.
{ and sat down in the shade of tn
:, hull.
j CTo BE CONTINUED.)
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