The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1912-08-10

field. At last the two chiefs-Lord
Cathcart for the Whites, and Captain
Watson Of the Guards, for the Blacks
were alone contending furiously.
when the marshal Of the field rushed
In between. and struck up their weap-
ons. declaring the contest done. the
honor Of each side proven. AS the
| company broke up, flowing forward to
the great house beyond. the vast
crowd Of onlookers burst through the
guard lines. and, like a mighty torrent.
swept over the field. It was a wild.
jubilant, yelling mass. so dense as to
/ be irresistible, even those OF us on
horseback being pressed forward,
helpless chips on the stream.
l endeavored to press back. but my
restive animal. startled by the dig Of
the spur. the yells, the waving Of
| arms, refused to face the tumult. and
whirled madly about. For a moment
l all but lost control, yet even as he
plunged rearing into the air, saw be-
fore me the appealing face Of wom-
| an. How she chanced to be there
alone. in the path OF that mob.
know not; where her escort had dis
appeared. and how she had become
separated from her party, has never
been made clear. But this saw. even
as l struggled with the hard-mouthed
brute under me-a slender, girlish fig
! ure attired as a lady OF the Blended
Rose, white. frightened face. arms
| outstretched, and dark blue eyes be-
seeching help. Already the front Of
the mob was upon her. unable to
| swerve aside because of the thousands
| pushing behind. In another moment
| she would be underfoot, or hurled into
the air. Reckless Of all else. I dug
in my spurs, yelling to the Light Ora
goOn beside me. even as my horse
| leaped. l scarcely know what hap
pened, or how 1t was accomplished
only had the reins gripped in my
teeth. both my hands free. That in
slant l caught her; the next she was
on my arm. swung safely to the saddle.
held to me with grip Of steel. the
animal dashing forward beneath his
double burden into the open field.
Then the dragoon. riding madly,
gripped the bit, and the affair was
over. although we must have gal
| ioPCo a huhutOo yoiuo UCIolC luC
trembling horse was brought to a
stand. Leaving him to the control OF
the soldier. l sprang to the ground.
bearing the lady with me. We were
behind one OF the pavilions, facing the
house, and she reeled as her feet
touched the earth, SO that held her
from falling. Then her lashes lifted,
and the dark blue eyes looked into my
face.
You must pardon my roughness."
apologized. but there was no time
for ceremony"
| She smiled. flood of color coming
back into the clear cheeks. as she
drew slightly away.
II appreciate that. SIR" frankly.
shaking out her ruffled skirts, "and
you have made knighthood real"
Then" ventured, may l hope to
receive the reward. fair lady"
She laughed. little tremor OF ner-
| vousness in the sound. but her eyes
full of challenge.
And what Is that?"
Your name: the hope Of better ac-
quaintance."
Her eyes swept my uniform ques-
| tioningly.
You are not Of the garrison?"
mo; courier just arrived from
New York"
Yet an officer; surely then you will
be present tonight?"
"The privilege is mine; IL sufficient
ly tempted l may attend"
Tempted! How. sir?"
by your pledging me = dance"
She laughed again, one hand grasp
ing the long silken skirt.
You ask much-my name, a better
acquaintance, dance-all this for
merely saving me from q mob. You
are not a modest knight, I fear. Sup
pose refuse?"
Then am l soldier enough to come
unasked. and win my welcome"
II thought as much" the long
lashes opening up to me the depths
OF the blue eyes. Il promise nothing
then, nor forbid. But there Is Captain
Grant seeking me. II do not speak
Of gratitude. 1t IL nevertheless in my
heart. sir" she swept me a curtsey. to
which 1 bowed hat in hand. "and now
au revoir."
stood AZ she left me. staring while
she crossed the lawn and Joined a
dark-faced ofacer Of Rangers. Once
she glanced back over her shoulder.
and then disappeared In the crowd
Of revelers.
I had mot intended to remain in
Philadelphia through the night. Al
ready l had secured the information
sought, and now must consider the