The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1910-08-04

noble quarry? Her eyes grew softer,
and the lowered lids drove away all
their bright mockery.
''Im very sorry" she said humbly,
'but he looked so big and jumped 20
high that
"Poor old Bill was hungry" inter-
rupted Givens, In quick defense Of the
deceased. 1--WE always made him jump
for his supper in camp. He would lie
down and roll over for piece Of
meat. When he saw you he thought
he was going to get something to eat
from YOU"
Suddenly Josefa's eyes opened wide.
Il might have shot your she ex.
claimed. you ran right in between.
You risked your life to save your pet!
That was fine, Mr.. Givens. l like 4
man who is kind to animals"
Yes; there was even admiration in
her gaze now. After all, there was q
hero rising out of the ruins Of the anti
climax. The look ON Givens' face
would have secured him high posi-
ton IN the ). Z. G. A.
II always loved EN- said he
''horses, dogs. Mexican lions, cows, al
ligatOrs"-
II hate alligators," instantly demur-
red Josefa-"crawly. muddy things!''
did l say alligators?" said Givens.
II meant antelopes, of course"
JOsefa's conscience drove her to
make further amends. She held out
her hand penitently. There was a
| bright. unshed drop in each Of her
eyes.
| please forgive ME. Mr. Givcns.
won't you? I'm only girl, you know,
and l was frightened at first I'm
very, very sorry shot Bill. You
don't know how ashamed feel.
wouldn't have done it for anything"
Givens took the proffered hand. He
held it for time while he allow the
generosity of his nature to overcome
his grief at the loss Of Bill. At last
it was clear that he had forgiven her.
please don't speak of it any more
Miss Josefa. Twas enough to fright
en- any young lady the way Bill looked
I'll explain it all right to the boys"
"Are you really sure you don't h,t'
me:" Josefa came closer to him i'm
pulsively Her eyes were sweet-oh
sweet and pleading with gracious peni
tence Il would hate any one w':,'
would kill my kitten. And how dar
Ing and kind of you to risk being shO
when you tried to save him. How
very few men would have done that!
Victory wrested from defeat! Vaude
vile turned into drama! Bravo, RiI
ley Givens!
1t was now twilight OF cOurs
Miss Josefa could not be allowed t
ride on to the ranch house alone. Gi,
ems resaddled his pony in spite Of tina
animal's reproachful giances and rod
with her. Side by side they gallope
| across the smooth grass, the princes
: and the man who was kind to animali
! The prairie odors Of fruitful earth an
; delicate bloom were thick and Swct
around them. Coyotes yelping owe
. there on the hill! No fear. And yet
Z Josefa rode closer A little han
, seemed to grOpe. Givens found
. | with his own. The ponies kept Il
/, even gait The hands fingered togetl
:. er, and the owner Of one explained:
: II never was frightened before. j,
; just think how terrible it woa!d I
b to meet really wild lion. Poor Bill
I'm SO glad you came with me-
y O'Donnell was sitting on the ranc
J. gallery.
I Hello. Rip"' he shouted ''rh;
2 your
HE rode in with me-" said Josef
1 II lost my way and was late"
,- much obliged called the catt
I king stop over. Rip. and ride
d camp in the morning"
/. But Givens would not lie wou
d push on to camp. There was bunt