Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1912-11-17
CHAPTER !.
Mists Of the Morning.

MtSto OF the morning..
kMVr was twilight still in the val
Xxi j ley, but over the hills to the
k@SJ east the sky was whitening.
Sx A young man sitting by his
window turned to see the birth Of an
other day. Throughout the night he
had been staring ut a 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. purposcful 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 and.
stealing quietly out of the house. walk
ed rapidly down the street When the
broke into slow trot. At a place
where many feet had worn a path
across clover meadow he turned
from the road. The path ended at a
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 few minutes he
swan vigorously. Then, reaching the
shore. he took the towel and rubbed
himself into a glow. He tingled with
q 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 It while 1t swung
clear In the sky. cleaning fiery red
through the mlsts 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. n
young woman leading a 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. whats
the matter with your horse? Can I
help your"
She stopped. HE has picked up a
stone" she answered. land I can't get
1t out. IL you will be so good
He vaulted lightly over the fence
that bonded 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 beauty
In distress. He Is a beautiful animal,
isn't hep he added hastily.
Are you chafing me" she asked
coldly.
He repressed smile. by no means.
Better not ride him for little bit. un-
I'll we see how he walks. You ride
early" be ventured.
mo earlier than you-swim," she re.
piled briefly. glancing at his wet hair
and towel. he at once became uncom.
fortably conscious Of his rather un-
kempt appearance.
Are you staying in New Chelsear'
eyes"
''Shall you stay l0ng?"
"Are you in the habit of cross ex
amining strangers on the road?" she
Inquired frigidly.
He Redeemed. II beg your pardon
he said and slackened his pace to lei
her draw ahead.
Il think I'll ride now" she said. I'll
you will help me up. Crusader has
stopped limping."
he held out his hand. she placed q
foot in It and was lifted to the sad
die. She murmured her thanks. But
although she gathered In the reins. she
did not start away. For moment she
sat looking at the hills. apparently oh
livious Of the young mans presence
ne wondered who she was and ven
tured again. "Why do you call hin
Crusader"
She looked down at him. "Anothel
question? fbu are incorriSible."
II beg your pardon" be said again
SHINY and marched up the road.