Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1910-04-28

and Barbarian were already waiting at
the entrance.
"Eloise! She took one step toward
her, then stopped at the sound OF Bar
ker's voice.
Tadies and gentlemen" he called,
although we are obliged 70 announce
that our star rider, Miss Polly, will not
appear tonight, we offer you In her
place an able substitute, Mile. Eloise,
on her black, untamed horse Barba-
RAN"
Eloise put her hands on the horses
back to mount.
mo, nor cried Polly.
The other girl trMned in astonish-
nent at the agony in her voice.
"Pollyr
"Wait, Eloise! I'm going to rider
"You can't, not Barbarian! He don't
Know your turn"
$50 much the betterr' She seized the
bride from the frightened girls hand.
"Polly!" shouted Douglas. He had
followed her to the entrance.
81 must! willv'
She flew into the ring before he
could stop her. He took one step to
follow her.
You'd better let her alone and get
out Of here" said Strong. His voice
was like a frebrand to Douglas. He
turned upon him. white with rage.
"You drove her to this" His fists
were clinched. He drew back to strike.
Jim came from behind the wagons
just in time to catch the uplifted arm.
leave him to me. This amt no par
sons job" The pastor lowered his
arm, but kept his threatening eyes on
the deacon's face.
where's Pollw asked Jim.
"In there!" Douglas pointed toward
the main tent without turning his
head. He was still glazing at the dea-
con and breathing hard.
"Whatr' cried Jim in alarm. He
faced about and saw Eloise. He guess
ed the truth. A few quick strides
brought him to the entrance curtains.
He threw them back and looked into
the ring.
my God! Why don't Barker stop
herY
what is IT." called Douglas. He
forgot the deacon In his terror at Jim's
behavior, and Strong was able to slip
away unnoticed.
"She's goin' to ride! She's goin to
ride Barbarian
Douglas crossed to his side and
looked.
Polly was springing on to the back
Of Barbarian. He was poorly trained
horse. used by the other girl for more
snowy but less dangerous feats than
Polly's.
"She's goin' through her regular turn
with him. She's trying to break her
neck" said Jim. "She wants to do It.
It's your faultv' he cried, turning upon
Douglas with bloodshot eyes. He was
half insane. He cared little whom he
wounded.
"Why can't we stop herr cried
He took one step inside the entrance.
mo. no; not thatw Jim dragged
him back roughly. "If she sees you
now it will be the end" They watch
ed In silence. "She's over the first
part" Jim whispered at last.
Douglas drew back, his muscles
tense, as he watched the scene inside
the ring. Eloise stood at the pastors
side horror stricken at Polly's reckless
behavior. She knew Barbarian. II
was easy to guess the end.
"She's comm to the hoops" jim
whispered hoarsely.
Barbarian don't know that part.
never trained him." the other girl said
Polly made the first leap toward the
hoops. The horse was not at fault; Il
was Polly. She plunged wildly. The
audience started. She caught her foot
ing with an effort. One, two, three
hoops were passed. She threw herself
across the back Of the horse and huns
head downward as he galloped arount
the ring. The band was playing loud
~; the people were cheering. She rose
to meet the last two hoops.
"She's swayin'p'- Jim shrieked In
agony. "She's goin' to fair He GOV.
SASN MS ioSC Win LIS uuuuS.
Polly reeled and fell at the horses
side. She mounted and fell again. She
rose and staggered In pursuit.
II can't bear TIP groaped Douglas.
He rushed into the ring, unconscious
Of the thousands Of eyes bent upon his
black ministerial garb. and caught the
slip OF girl In his arms just as she
was about to sink fainting beneath
the horses hoofs.
Barker brought the performance to
halt with crack Of his whip. The
audience was on tiptoe. White faced
clowns and gayly attired acrobats
crowded around Polly and the pastor.
Douglas did not see them. He had
come into his own.
Hes bringin' her out" whispered
Eloise, who still watched at the en-.
trance. Jim dared not look up. His
head was still In his hands.
'Is IL overT he groaned.
Il don't know. can't tell vet"
She stepped aside as douglas came out
OF the tent. followed by a swarm Of
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