Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1909-04-10
CHAPTER Y-Continued.


Here! whoa. whoa. there!" She
pulled the little mare down by main
strength and turned him about. We
must go back instantly. Perhaps he's
hurt"
"A man that's fool enough tn lick a
horse when he's beat fair and square
ought to be hurt" he burst out with
harshness.
"Oh, / hope he isn't harmed" she
said weakly. Here you take the reins
I'm afraid he's killed Oh, it's all my
fault"
'It isn't your fault any more than
the man in the moons" he burst out
warmly. THE blame's all on his own
head. He was a fool, and he's pay
ing for It," She did not answer; she
was peering ahead with frightened
eyes.
The revulsion came quickly. The in
stant they emerged from the bushes at
the bend OF the bridge they saw the
man raging up and down the little
structure, mad as the devil In holy
water.
"Heigh. Farthing." he roared, 'I'll
have you arrested for this inside o.
two hours, and you'll pay for it to the
very limit OF the law. BY God, you
can't wammel over me like this"
Hurt yeh horse any" asked jim
with provoking calmncss.
None of yeh blamed business" he
beloved stamping up and down the
bridge, the living image Of wrath. Then
they saw the horse head down and
painting. He had evidently escaped Sc
rious injury, but the new sleigh was a
mass Of kindling wood.
Can we help you any" asked Jim
with velvet voice.
ITO hell with yeh help, you mis-s-ser-
able skunk! You hain't seen the end Of
this yet. You can't come a game on
me like this and not pay for it. You
united that horse up there in the shed
you know you did; and I've got good
mind to pitch yeh into the river" He
made two or three quick steps toward
the sleigh, but he thought better of It,.
I'm talk with you when your cool,
Mr. Keichline." Jim's voice had a pro-
voking drawl. But / can give you
some advice now. l think If ! was you
I'd wait here a spell or two fer that
bobsled. TN give yeh time to cool OFF.
and then you can lead that horse of
yours behind-if they don't drive too
fast
Here, Jim Farthing!" The man was
actually foaming in his wrath. You'll
crow a different tune fore long. I'll tell
you that! You-jest--wait! I'll get
even with yeh for this If it takes 80
years"
Good night Mr.. Keichline." Jim had
turned his horse and was driving away.
BE careful you don't catch cold A
sudden turn In the road smothered all
echoes of the mans wrath.
For q long time neither OF them
spoke. A strange embarrassment had
fallen over them. He tried several
times to break the awkward silence,
but she seemed like one in a brown
study. Down the narrow valleys they
sped, through the gaps and gullies, in
and out of the rhododendron and scrub,
while the moon sent down its radiance
and the long ridges thrust out their
ragged shadows. At last they passed
through Bald Eagle Gap and were in
the Squire's front yard. Jim sprang
out to help her alight, but the girl was
on her feet as soon as he
I'm sorry If I've been rude to you"
he said awkwardly, as she took a step
away.
Mr.. Farthing," there was a cold
ring In her voice, and her eyes looked
him straight through. did you unite
that horse?"
mo, didn't" he said, with an hon
est ring, looking full into her eyes.
She held her gaze upon him a cold in
stant. but he did not finch or cringe.
II believe you are telling the truth"
she said slowly. II am glad of it,
Then suddenly she turned and tripped
toward the house.
Good night" she flung back over her
shoulder.
Good night" he echoed. Then, as he
drove slowly home, he wondered If she
expected him to keep the appointment
for tomorrow. For on Thursday they
were to try the little colt on the Gum
stump pike.