The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-10-19

NWgT was twilight still in the val 5&H G ley, but over the hills to the Fss@@S%S east the sky was whitening. A young man sitting by his window turned to see the birth of an other day Throughout. the night he had been staring at a vision. But weariness had set no mark upon him. Ills vision he did not understand, save that for him it spelled opportunity-a chance to put into a drifting. rather ordfraxr. exfstence. purposeful action, to stretch his muscles. rack ~hiss brain and tear his soul in the struggle that as fha life of men.
 He caught up a rough towel and, stealing qufet1y out of the house, walk ed rapidly down the street. When the struggling town lay behind him he broke Into a. aIow trst-sazAt, place whena many feet had worn q path acr65s ayc5oSsr 1neadbR sshe turned from the road The path ended at a c1ump of bushes on the river bank.
 Hastily undressing, he plunged into the green depths, from which June had not quite taken the chill of spring. His 1.-the, strong body responded to the shock The nerves, harried by the long night watch. relaxed. He shout S~A 4A92a-A1 v VI e 4C W. AA4A0tGS AC swam vigorously. Then, reaching the shore, he took the towel and rubbed himself into glow. He tingled with a sense of we'll being.
 When he was dressed again, refresh ed and eager for his day. he took the path back to the highway. The sun was climbing over the hills. He stop ped and watched it while 1t swung clear fin the sky, gleaming fiery red through the mists of the valley. The glory of the morning was complete.
 He was about to resume his tramp homeward when he beheld a strange procession advancing along the road, a young woman leading a 1iznping horse. As she came nearer he chuckled aloud The handsome pigsk1n saddle, the ivory handled crop, the modish riding suit and boots were not the equipment with which young ladies of New Chelsea were wont to ride.
 She heard him and looked up co1dly The chuckle died instantly.
 Good morning he said Whats che matter with your horse? Can I help youF'
 She stopped "He has picked up stone.'' she answered, "and can't get at out If you will be so good"-
 He vaulted lightly ever the fence that bounded the meadow and removed fhe olrending stone
 Thank you" the young woman said.
 You're quite welcome," he answer ed "I'm always glad to help beauty in dastresg. He is beautiful animal, isn't hep he added hastily.
 'sAre you chafRng me?" she asked coldIy.
 He repressed smile. sBy no means Better not ride him for little bit, un- tl we sec how he walks. You ride early" he ventured.
 ssNo earlier than you-swim," she re- piled briefly, glancing at his wet hair and towel. He at once became uncom- fortably conscious of his rather un- kempt appearance.
 ..Ars you staying in New Chelseaf''
 esYes"
 'sshAfl you stay longf's f'so..ss.xs
 .sAre you in the habit of cross ex- auafnfng strangers on the road?" she inquired frigidly.
 He reddened. ''I beg your pardon" he said and slackened his pace to let her draw ahead
 s.I think I'll ride now" she said, ''if you will help me up. Crusader has stopped limping."
 He held out tiie. hand. she placed foot In It aud was .Hffedo 1o the sad dies She murmEfed her thanks. But although she gathered in the reins. she aid not start away. For moment she at looking at the hills, apparently ob- lfrious of the young mans presence He wondered who she was and ven- tured again "Why do you call him Crusaderg'
 She looked down at him. Another question: You are incorrigible-"
 s7 beg your pardon" he said again stifny and marched up the road
 '.I have named him that she called after him, because he has plenty of fire and spirit, but at critical times seems to lack common sense" She laughed, a free, musical laugh that somehow recalled the blood to his cheeks. He made no reply.
 Shs watched him as he swung along. frankly admiring the tall, cleanIy built figure whose lines the loose coat he wore did not conceal. She remembered the end of the big game eight years be- fore. when laughing, mud stained young athlete tore himself away from ft= idolatrous companions to lay his