Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1910-12-13

u
siren and the distant hum OF speed.
Ing motorcar. Molly had barely time
TO urge her mare TO the edge OF the
corn when her eyes caught n Mortified
glimpse of the strangers balky horse
rigid in the path OF the speeding vehi.
Gle.
There was a warning shout, queer
crashing thud and cloud OF dust.
Then Molly found herself kneeling be-
side the PROSTATE stranger. while an
excited automobilist borrowed her re.
volyer to still the agony OF tho injured
horse.
The party OF men carried the uncon.
scious form OF their victim TO the un-
injured car. and IL was Molly Wade.
white Tipped and trembling who took
q place in the tonneau and supported
the quiet head against her shoulder.
To her it seemed as IL she was his only
friend In an inhospitable land. One OF
the men awkwardly rode the mare I'm
the rear Of the car. and slowly they
trailed through the dust toward the
wide gate OF the ranch
Jim Wade. sitting on the wide porch.
ing. a strange procession. The sight
of stranger riding Daisy was like a
knife thrust I'm his heart. and when
the machine stopped at the steps he
could barely make his way TO the
ground and assure himself that Molly
was safe anu sound.
His daughters voice cut into the
noisy explanations OF the men.
This man was on his way to the
ranch looking for work. father, when
he was struck. He must need medica!
attention. 1 think he Is recovering
consciousness. If you will take him
into the house 1 will telephone to DR..
Acklin."
1t was the work OF an instant for
the five men to improvise litter and
carry the stranger into the house and
deposit him on Jim Wade's own bed.
Jim Wade himself applied restoratives
and announced that the man had SUI.
fered no injury beyond a broken arm
and severe shock He detained the
Automobiles. however, until the ar
rival Of the doctor.
Molly did not appear at dinner where
She had sent Hannah, the servant, to
the sick chamber to await the arrival
OF the doctor while she took the do
mestic's place in the kitchen.
DIR. Acklin confirmed Jim wade's
estimation OF the injuries to Scott Nor
ton-a badly fractured arm and n Sc
we're shaking up. Six weeks confne-
ment and rest for the first and quiet
and repose for the last. The motor
party made up n purse for the victim,
which Jim Wade promptly returned to
them.
He's our friend" he said. with dig
nifty. ANY one that comes to my door
In trouble and needs me is my friend.
l look out for my friends. Take n les
son, gentlemen-go slow; go sloww
They departed. sobered by the expe-
rience, while Hannah was installed as
head nurse I'm the sick chamber and
Molly assumed the woman's duties In
the kitchen. Late that evening she re.
lated the incident to her father, and as
he noted the new light In her eyes his
heart grew troubled.
1.-THE fellow can't be n prince in
he blurted out.
why. dadr blushed Molly. 1--WE
don't know Mr.. Norton. and, anyway.
princes come In coaches and In splen-
did motorcars. with gorgeous clothes
They don't lose themselves In corn.
fields and ride--oh, such a horrible
horse. father. I'm glad the poor beast
is dead"
And with the change of subject Jim
had to be satisfied.
Nevertheless another summer found
Molly preparing for her wedding
Scott Norton had recovered. been tried
and found to be the right man wanted
by Jim Wade TO assist In the manage
ment of the ranch. He had no people
and no home, and no came to round
out the family circle at the ranch.
80 you are Molly's prince" said Jim
Wade, with tears In his eyes; ian
American prince. take It, because
you just came along when you were
needed. l need you, and-Molly needs
you TO make her happy"
II need you both" said Norton, with
emotion. 81 am a sorry prince. sweet
heart" he said, kissing Molly's bright
face, so near his own.
"A prince in disguise" whispered
NoiIv