Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1910-11-18

AnnG llteu u buutucu AuCCs hub ho
gone, NealP she asked meekly.
mo; he's down there waiting. Per
haps he'll get tired after awhile and
go back to his pasture"
Cant you find branch for the 10
sit onY" inquired Anne from her posi-
ton, supported by Meals willing arm.
Pm afraid not, but you can take
this place-there. stand so-leaning
against the trunk and brace your feet
here. Hold tight to this little branch
on either side"
where are you going to stayT
asked Anne uneasily. 1--WE driven you
from the only safe position. only-you
see--I Couldn't She paused help
essly.
"Of course you couldn't" returned
Neal easily. II shall take lower
stand-no danger-he can't touch me.
Somebody'l be after him presently. It's
growing late. Too bad we missed our
row ON the river"
A half hour passed In silence. Anne
leaned YEARLY against the tree trunk,
her eyes fixed on the river below Neal,
most uncomfortably astride Of a slen-
der branch that bent dangerously un.
der his weight, sincerely wished that
1t would not be Nathan Fuller who
came to their rescra. That bucolic
youths contempt for "city fellers" ran
',led in the bosom of one who had been
at the front in college athletics, who
had spent q vacation on a Wyoming
ranch and learned to ride a bucking
broncho.
II suppose we couldn't make any one
hear even II we called ever so loud"
suggested Anne obviously. "If-if Mr..
Fuller were only around he might
know what to do" She voiced the
thought half consciously and flushed at
Meals snort Of contempt.
"Mr. Fuller, even though he has gen
erations of stock raising ancestors be-
hind him, cannot change maddened
bull into q lamb and lead him away
by blue ribbon. Unless the animals
attention is attracted elsewhere or he
is captured by strategy don't see how
either Of US can get away" Neal
paused and seemed to debate some
question within himself He looked
down at the bull
What were you going to sayT
questioned Anne.
Merely that l might drop down on
the beasts back and thus get him
away from your vicinity-that might
give you an opportunity to seek as
sistance from Mr.. Fuller-and at the
same time relieve you Of my compan-
lonshlp," Meals voice was bitter as
he voiced this sentiment
you couldn't do that-you might be
killed." protested Anne. Ignoring his
sarcasm.
At that instant something happened.
The bull lifted an ugly black head.
rolled a malicious red eye and hun.
grily nipped at the dropping willow
branch where Neal sat. The flexible
limb dipped down. down. and sudden
ly Neal lost his grip OF small twlgs
and slid quickly down the slippery
branch. landing squarely astrlde Of
the animals broad back
Instinctively his hands grasped the
smooth little horns before the frighten-
ed beast dropped his head and swung
around. AS the willow branch whip
nad inward Mani heard Anne,s desnar.
ately frightened cry:
Meal! Neal! Nealr' Then he was
awav on his mad ride They mounted
n r,sa of ground and she closed her
eyes and prayed.
when sho onenad them again sba
did NOT look Mt the field She turned
har gaza down IN tho rivor vVbere a
boat aoated close under the willows
In the hoat were Nathan Fuller ana a
very pretty girl The girI was speak
ing. half sobbIng. then Natbnn's
voice in reply; 81 can't help It. Lucy.
She as good as asked me to take her
tonight. It's lust city folks wnys.
You know I don't care about any one
but your
"Tf you take that girl tonight
shan't speak to you again" flashed
Lucy tearfuIly. "She wants to marry
you. ! know she doesp'
Anne's face was scarlet with morti
hcation. Her silly gratitude toward
Nathan Fuller because he Ind saved
her life had nearly turned Lucy's ro-
nance into tragedy. Anne leaned
forward and spoke:
Mr.. Fuller When they had turned
startled faces upward she told her
story, ana as Nathan hastened ashore
In quest OF Neal she added to the girl
VINO stared at her resentfully: You
see. am engaged to Mr. Burton.
am doubly anxious Tor his welfare"
Lucy smiled understandingiy and
helped Anne down from her perch In
the tree fust as Nathan returned with