The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1912-12-05

1
XXI i ley. but over the hills to the
6fX9aJ east the sky was whitening.
SYS a young man sitting by his
window turned to see the birth Of an
other day, Throughout the night he
had been staring ut vision. But
WEAKNESS had set no mark upon him.
His vision he did not understand, save
that for him 1t spelled opportunities
chance to put into drifting. rather
ordinary existence. purposeful action,
to stretch his muscles, rack his brain
and tear his soul in the struggle that
Is the life Of men
He caught up rough towel and.
stealing quietly out of the house. walk
Cd rapidly down the street. When the
struggling town lay behind him he
broke into slow trot At place
where many feet had worn path
across a clover meadow be turned
from the road. The path ended at q
elump Of bushes on the river bank
hastily undressing, he plunged into
the green depths. from which June
lad 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
Cd Justify. For few minutes he
swan vigorously. Then, reaching the
shore. he took the towel and rubbed
himself into glow. He tingled with
Q sense Of we'll being.
When he was dressed again, refresh
Cd 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 1t, while it swung
clear in the sky. cleaning fiery red
through the msts 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 limping horse
A. she came nearer he chuckled aloud
The handsome pigskin saddle the ivory
handled crop. the modish riding suit
and boots were not the equipment with
which young ladies Of New Chelsea
We're wont to ride.
She heard him and looked up coldly
The chuckle died instantly.
Good morning." be said. whats
the matter with your horse? Can |
help you?"
She stopped He has picked up a
0t0ne." she answered. land ! can't get
Il out. II you will be so good
He vaulted lightly over the fence
the offending stone
''Thank you" the young woman said
you're quite welcome" he answer
q. "1'm always glad to help beauty
b distress. He is a beautiful animal.
ISN'T he?' be added hastily.
Are you chatting me?" she asked
eeldly.
He repressed smile by no means
Better not ride him for little bit. un
u We see how he walks. You ride
early" he ventured.
mo earlier than you-swim.' she re
piled briefly. gancing at his wet hai7
and towel. BE at once became uncom
bortably conscious Of his rather IN
kempt appearance.
"Are you staying in New ChelseaT'
"Yes"
s'Shali you stay long?''
Are you in the habit of cross eX-
amining strangers on the road?" she
inquired frigidly.
He Redeemed II beg your pardon"
u said and siackened his pace to let
hor draw ahead. ... -. H-.
II think I'll ride now" she said. II
you will help me up. Crusader has
stopped Hmping."
He held out his hand. she placed .
foot In 1t and was lifted to the sad
lie. She murmured her thanks. But
although she gathered In the reins, she
I'D not start away For moment she
ut looking at the hills, apparently OBJ
nvious Of the young mans presence.
He wondered who she was and ven
0red again why do you call him
0susaderg"
Dhe looked down at him. Another
ogtionY YOH are incorrigfble.
Il beg your pardon" be said again
Oo0y and marched mp the road.