River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-08-15

! 0uu0dVOreO 10 press Dach, UuI AuS
FESTIVE animal, startled by the dig OF
the spur, the yells, the waving or
arms, refused to face the tumult, and
whirled madly about. For moment
| 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 CHANGED 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 / struggled with the hard-mouthed
brute under me-a slender, girlish fig
ure attired as 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, | dug
in my spurs, yelling to the Light Ora
COON beside me, even as my horse
leaped. / scarcely know what hap
pened, or how it 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 dragon, riding madly,
| gripped the bit, and the affair was
over, although we must have gal
Hoped a hundred yards before the
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 CT 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.
1 II appreciate that, sir,' frankly,
shaking out her ruff1ed skirts, land
you have made knighthood real"
Then" ventured, may I 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; a courier just arrived from
New York"
yet an officer; surely then you will
be present tonight"
"The privilege is mine; if sufficient
ly tempted l may attend"
Tempted! How, sir?''
by your pledging me a dance"
She laughed again, one hand grasp
ing the long silken skirt.
You ask much-my name, better
acquaintance, a dance-all this for
merely saving me from a mob. You
are not modest knight. fear. Sup
pose l refuse?"
Then am 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. 81 promise nothing
then, nor forbid. But there is Captain
Grant seeking me. If / do not speak
Of gratitude, it is nevertheless in my
heart, sir" she swept me curtsey, to
which I bowed hat in hand, "and now
au revoir."
| / stood as she left me. staring while
she crossed the lawn and joined a
dark-faced officer Of Rangers. Once
she glanced back over her shoulder.
and then disappeared in the crowd
of jewellers.
l had not intended to remain In
Philadelphia through the night Al
ready l had secured the information
sought, and now must consider the
safest and quickest method of escape.
1t seemed to me this night, given up
to reyelry. afforded the best possible
opportunity for my safely passing the
British guard lines. Tomorrow disci-
pline would be resumed, the soldiers
would return to their posts and the
citizens of the city would again APP
pear on the streets. This would great
ly intensity my danger. for, at any
moment, l might encounter some one
who knew me, who might denounce
me to the authorities
That this was the exact truth Of the
situation could not be denied, yet,
now, every reckless impulse of my
disposition urged me to remain; the
invitation of those laughing blue eyes.
the challenge / read in the lady's fair
face, the unsolved mystery of her iden-
tity, all combined in a temptation
found it impossible to resist. For a
dance with her, possible understand
ing, was willing to venture life itself.
1t must have been nearly nine
o'clock when. in company with a
young cornet, / rode up to the house
given up to festivities, and. turning
over our horses to the care of cavalry
grooms. climbed the wide steps to the
door leading into the hall.
All was riot OF color, rich, bewil-
dering, with smiling faces, and laugh
ing lips everywhere. In such Q spot,