The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1912-04-18
WEEKLY SHORT STORY
TRIAL MATES.
BY IZOIa FOrreSfer.

There's a misdeal," said Nita wick
edly' as she accepted HowelTs aid in
mounting
lie had hardly heard her. Ahead
Just disappearing up the long winding
tran, were two figures on horseback.
Nltas big sister, Beth Rathburn, and
young Crittenden. There surely was a
misdeal.
Howell swung into his saddle and
RODE beside the trial mate that chance
nao gwen him, totally unconscious of
her own appealing charm and most
excellent Craftsmanship.
And ahead of them lay a ride of
three hours-Shree hours of Inevitable
tete-a-tete companionship. Howell
knew that in those three hours all the
chances OF happiness he possessed.
He had accepted CriStenden's invi-
tation to spend two weeks at his
ranch merely on the hope of meeting
beth Rathburn again. This after she
nao nacly refused him twice during
the winter season. But, somehow. man
tashlon, he had reasoned If he could
only ind her out in these gorgeous
mountains he might be able TO touch
the real inner nature he believed Law
beneath her girlish frivolity and way
wardness.
This had been his first chance. after
two days, for a quiet, intimate talk
With her, and somehow Bob Crittenden
rode in his place beside her at the
crucial moment.
My girth needs tighteninf." Nita's
voice recalled him to his duty.
Inc girl leaned over and watched
ann as he cinched up. Ana then she
looked beyond his bowed head, off
toward 5wo figures barely visible at q
turn OF the winding path up the valley.
suddenly she spoke impulsively.
I'm awfully sorry you didn't get
beth' but you can't any more, you
know. Bobs terribly jealous, and
really he has che say-so now"
Howell's eyes darkened. They were
good eyes, gray and earnest. He look
ed up at the tender expressive face
with quicksuspicion.
You mean?"
They're engaged" said Nita, simply
Last night, or the veranda. Beth
told me when she came 10 bed. o.
pIease-please hold him"
howell made leap toward the
pride, but thy pony plunged and back
ed half turning about, and rearing.
From the ground where ii stood
there wiggled a snake back INFO the
mesquite. Mia washolding with one
hand to the saddle-horn, and grinninq
the reins with all her force. irving to
Keep her seat The pony broke sud
denly and ran madly, while Howell
swung into his own saddle and gave
chase.
The race lay in an opposite direction
from the rest of the party. There was
no chance to call for help. Straight
away up the mountain path went the
pony, and Howells lips were pressed
close as he watched the uncertain
swaying of the slender figure on the
nigh Mexican saddle.
something woke to life at that tense
moment in Howell's heart Something
that beat back the anger and hurt
pride at Beth's coquetry. Putting his
spurs TO his horse, he gained steadily
on enc frightened pony and rode along
side Just as Nita was falling.
1here was no chance to check the
pony. All ne could do was to catch
ner as sne feli, while he slipped of his
own horse. So for a minnie he hold
ber In his arms like a hurt child. and
wondered why she did not faint In
stead, she smiled up az him with tba
same laughing mischief in her long
dashed brown eyes.
I'm not hurt a bit, Mr.. Howell
You don't need to hold me any longer"
Iheres sure to be a nervous
shock," said Howell, gravely. "Are
You sure you can stand alone?"
Try me-" she laughed. He lifted
her up to his own saddle. The ponv
mao stopped a short distance away
and was cropping grass.
Aren't We lost?" she added
Completely. u haven't any idea Of
Lnese trails, or where they lead to.
snaII Mobile the horses and make a
1epee or poles, and go hunt a bear.
I Tnats the usual procedure, isn't it?
were real trial mates, now"
She smiled wistfully.
am hungry. Aren't you, Mr.. How
First name is Paul"
might have called You nv - 70 ,o,,
mad been my brother-in-law," She re-