The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1912-07-09

on the ground that sent the blood back
to his heart. leaving his face white as
death itself.
A pretty soft gray felt hat with a
Spanish leather band about the crown
was trampled in the grass. A little
gray gauntlet glove lay beside 1t.
Those had belonged to Kitty MCKEE
son.
Where was Kitty Nicholson now2
Sudden rage filed Dams heart, and
his hand flung around to his hip to
draw his gun.
Don't shoot" said a soft voice
above his head
Dan stared upward.
On the branch over his head sat Kit
ty Nickleson herself, rather pale.
please don't shoot Beauty-yet." she
Quavered Perhaps he'll go away,
and after he is out distance you
might flre-where l couldn't see him
falig' A tear spiashed down on Dams
upturned face. He showed the gun
back into his pocket.
"If you don't mind telling me- ia
like to hear how it happened" said
Dan practically.
So Kitty related her story in disjoint-
ed sentences caused by the constant Vi
bration of the tree as Beauty attack
ed 1t with logged persistency.
Beauty had acted queer for several
days. They had thought it was the hot
weather. Another horse had gone mad
on the ranges and had been instantly
killed by one of the line riders. But
they had not suspected anything seri-
GUS to be the matter with Beauty, who
was petted and always had the best Of
of care.
She had started forth that morning
for solitary ride, and Beauty had
acted fiendishly from the first he had
snapped at her once or twice as she
leaned over his neck to pat him, as
she was accustomed to do, and then.
all at once. just before she reach
ed the bunch of cottonwoods Beauty
had suddenly reared himself and un-
seated her.
Kitty had managed to roll herself
out Of reach Of bis vicious hoofE, and
as he searched for her with Ids little
bloodshos eyes she had scrambled to
her feet and made for the cotton
woods. She had climbed up somehow,
just escaping his first angry lunge as
he discovered her retreat.
There she sat, watching him tram
pie her hat and gloves into the ground,
shuddering. because she knew what
would be her own fate II she lost her
hold on the cottonwood tree.
II am SO glad you came" she ended.
$50 am T. said Dan devoutly. and
then he added rather awkwardly, for
he felt fiercely jealous: 81 should not
be surprised If some one came to res
cue u.s. happened to see Forbes rid
ing toward your house. He viii be
looking for you"
"Oh, no he won't" she said conf
IDENTIFY. HE was coming to say good
by. He's going east for good"
"WhyT was Dams involuntary
question.
"Oh, guess he's tired Of ranch
Ing" said Kitty NickIeson.
Just then Beauty made one last eff
fort to dislodge the couple in the cot
tonwood tree. He was partially sue
cessfuI
Kitty Nickleson lost her hold and
slipped.
"Oh. Dan. catch mel" she screamed
as she fell.
Dan lifted his strong arms and
caught her easily. There was Just
room for them to stand there in that
crotch Of the tree. while his arm sup
ported her slender form. Her smooth.
cheek was dangerously near to his
own. Her long Iashes dropped over
her eyes. and her curling. sunny hair
touched his lips. His arm frightened
about her. and she did not seem to
Sbject.
It was very wonderful.
kitty" he whispered boldly, do
you-do you mindY
Kitty's cheek-yes, the rosy cheek Of
naughty Kitty Nickleson--came closer,
closer aud leaned against his own
"Oh. Dan: you are such q slow
coach? she murmured.
A little later. while her sweet eyes
were hidden on Dams broad shoulder,
Dams revolver spat forth a bullet that
buried itself In poor Beauty's heart.
And Dan was there to comfort Kitty.