Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-08-06


stride not so long or his jumps SO powerful but
Mrs. Cheyne still rode beside her, her face little paler
than BEFORE but her seat as r her hands as hight as
ever. If there any other riders them, both
women were oblivous, seeing nothing but the blur of
the flying turf beneath them, hearing nothing but the
sharp note of the hounds in front which told that the
chase nearly ended
Before them was lane with two fences of four rails,
an "in and out with low stake off" from the meadow.
Camilla in her stirrups to look, and saw that Mrs.
Cheyne had drawn REIN 1t jump that would tax
the mettle of fresher animals. With smile on her face
that might have been counterfeit OF the one Mrs.
Cheyne had worn earlier in the morning Camilla turned
in her saddle catching the eye of her companion and
pointed with her crop straight before her to where the
dogs had killed in the meadow just beyond then set
Mackinaw for the highest panel she could find.
"Come on, Mrs Cheyne!' she cried hoarsely. "Cone
on
Mackinaw breasted the fence and reached the road.
pause of second until Caillas spurs sank into his
lanks when mad with PAIN he leaped forward into the
air. just clearing the other fence and the ditch that lay
on the further side. Camilla pulled up sharply the
huntsman dsmounted and made his way among the
dogs Turning, she Mrs Cheyne's horse rise awk
wardy from the lane and go crashing through the fence
breaking the top rail and landing in the ditch Its rider,
thrown forward out of the saddle landed heavily and
then rolled to side and lay quietly.
With quick cry of disrnay, Camilla dsnounted,
conscience stricken and to her fallen foe just as the
others rode up and caught the frightened horse.
"Dear Mrs. Cheyne," she heard herself saying, I'm
so sorry! Are you really badly hurt?"
But the only reply she got feeble shake of the
head. Curtis Janney brought out brandy flask and
after sip two she revived and looked about her
@Im all here think" she said. "That bad
cropper-in my own barnyard too. The brush must
be yours, Mrs. Wray. Give me cigarette, somebody.
Chapter TX. The Shadow
MRS. CHEYNE'S farrnhands and stablemen came
1N1 running and took the horses of those who dis
mounted and Mrs Cheyne, after examining herself
to see that no bones broken, led the way sfly,
but without assistance, to the house Camilla, still
little bewdered, saw Mackinaw led OF to the stable
for rundown. The master of the hounds was the
first to congratulate her.
@Here is your brush, Mrs Wray. You've filled every
womans heart with envy. To be in at the death of the
old Chelten fox is achievement. You had fall.
Are you injured!
Il believe not she said "NIackinaw is a darling
l hope he's sound!' she inquired anxouSly.
@As bell he said generously. Hes got the heart
of an OK. You know he laughed and whispered, Il
bought him from Mrs. Cheyne, and today you've vim
Dictated me-
Others came up men of the Hunt Club, and asked
be presented, and Camilla enjoying her triumph, fol-
lowed the party to the house.
Mrs Cheyne house differed in character from that
of the Janneys 1t snugy built in pocket of the
hills facing the south. The original building, square
and massive dated from the early eighteenth century
but two symmetrical wings at the sides had greatly
increased its original size. Large pillars and portco
added the graceful lines that the addition demanded.
The wide stair hall that from front to back had not
been altered and the furniture and hangngs rgidly
preserved the ancient atmosphere.
The surprised butler and his assistant hurredy pre-
pared hot Scotches and oddy and the halls and large
rooms on the lower floor filled with the swag
gering company, all talking at each with his tale
of luck misfortune.
It was not until Camilla was gratefully enthroned in
big chair by the open fireplace that Cortland Bent
found a chance to speak to her.
aWhat possessed you, Camilla? You rode like a
demon. You've dragged poor Ritas pride in the mire
Riding is her long suit She's not used to Welding her
laurels she did today fancy she's not at all happy
about it."
"Why?" asked Camilla wonderinglv.
"You don't know Rita as do She things out
here pretty much in her own way He chuckled
quietly. "Good Lord! but you did put it over herr