The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1912-12-05

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H%SsN east the sky was whitening.
l1eAsJ A young man sitting by his
window turned to see the birth OF an
other day. Throughout the night he
had been staring at vision. But
WEAKNESS had set no mark upon him.
His vision he did not understand, save
that for him 1t spelled opportunity-a
chance to put into a 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 a rough towel anc.
stealing quietly out of the house. walk
ed rapidly down the street. When the
struggling town lay behind him he
broke into a slow trot At a place
where many feet had worn path
across a clover meadow he turned
from the road. The path ended. at
clump 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
ed Justify. For a few minutes he
swan vigorously. Then, reaching the
shore, he took the towel and rubbed
himself into a glow. He tingled with
a sense of well 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 1t while 1t swung
clear in the sky, cleaning 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 limping horse.
AS 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
were wont to ride.
She heard him and looked up coldly.
The chuckle died instantly.
Good morning." he said "What's
the matter with your horse? Can
help your
She stopped. HE has picked up a
stone," she answered, land | can't gel
it out # you will be SO good
He vaulted lightly over the fence
that bounded the meadow and removed
the offending stone.
"Thank you," the young woman said
you're quite welcome" he answer
ed. I'm always glad to help beaut!
in distress He is beautiful animal
isn't he2" he added hastily.
Are you chatting me?" she aske'
coldly.
He repressed a smile. "By no means
Better not ride him for a little bit, III
til we see how he walks. You rid
early" he ventured,
'No earlier than you-swim." she re
piled briefly. glancing at his wet hal
and towel. He at once became uncon
fortably conscious of his rather III
kempt appearance.
"Are you staying in New Chelsea 2
"Yes."
"shall you stay longT'
"Are you In the habit Of cross e.
amining strangers on the roadT" sf
inquired frigidly.
He Redeemed. 81 beg your pardon
he said aud slackeDed his pace to Il
her draw ahead.
II think I'll ride now." she said. g
you will help me up. Crusader hi
stopped limping."
He held out his hand. she placed
foot In II and was lifted to the sa
die She murmured her thanks, I'll
although she gathered In the reins, 81
did not start away. For a moment 81
sat looking at the bills. apparently q
lIvious OF the young mans presen'
He wondered who she was and We
tured again. why do you call hl
CrusaderY"
She looked down at him. "Anotf
question: You are incorrigible."
~ beg your pardon" ne said aga
stitly and marched up the road.