Licking Valley courier. [volume] (West Liberty, Ky.) 19??-current, 1912-10-10

SOu-u6 remembered WudJ MOTTlSOui
had told him about her keeping rid
ing horse, and he was glad she had
not seen him in this riotous company.
Intervening trees at that moment;
shut her from view, and saltwater,
Bill plunged into the problem Of dis,
posing Of their constable, while Day.
light, leaning back with closed eyes,
was still seeing Dede Mason gallop off
down the country road.
On Monday morning, coming in for
dictation, he looked at her with new,
interest, though he gave no sign OF
it, and the stereotyped business
passed off in the stereotyped way. But
the following Sunday found him on a
horse himself, across the bay and rid,
ing through the Piedmont hills. He
made long day of 1t, but no glimpse
did he catch Of Dede Mason, though
he even took the back-road Of many
gates and rode on into Berkeley. 1t
had been fruitless day, so far as she
was concerned; and yet not entirely
fruitless, for be had enjoyed the open
air and the horse under him to such
purpose that, ON Monday, his instruc-
tons were out to the dealers to look
for the best chestnut sorrel that
money could buy. At odd times during
the week he examined numbers OF
chestnut sorrels, tried several and was
unsatisffed. It was not till Saturday
that he came upon Bob. Daylight
knew him for what he wanted the mo-
ment he laid eyes on him. A large
horse for riding animal, he was none
too large for big man like Daylight.
In splendid condition, Bob's coat in
the sunlight was fame of fire, his
arched neck jewelled confagration.
Daylight examined the name and
found 1t finer than any horses hair
he had ever seen. Also cts color was
unusual in that 1t was almost auburn.
While he ran his fingers through it,
Bob turned his head and playfully
nuzzled Daylight's shoulder.
Saddle him up, and I'll try him."
he told the dealer II wonder II he's
used to spurs. No English saddle,
mind. Give me good Mexican and a
curb bit--not too severe, seeing as he
likes to rear"
Daylight superintendent the prepare
tions, adjusting the curb strap and
the stirrup length, and doing the
cinching. He shook his head at the
martingale, but yielded to the dealers
advice to allow 1t to go on. And Bob,
beyond spirited restlessness and a
few playful attempts. gave no trouble.
I Nor in the hours riding that followed,
save for some permissible curveting
and prancing, did he misbehave. Day
light was delighted; the purchase was
Immediately made; and Bob, with rid
ing gear and personal equipment, was
dispatched across the bay forthwith
to take up his quarters in he stables
of the Oakland Riding Academy.
The next day being Sunday, Day
light was away early. crossing on the
ferry and taking with him Wolf, the
leader of his sled team, the one dog
which he had selected to bring with
him when he left Alaska. Quest as he
would through the Piedmont hills and
along the many-gated back-road 10
Berkeley, Daylight saw nothing OF
Dede Mason and her chestnut sorrel.
But he had little time for disappoint'
ment, for his own chestnut kept him
busy. At the end of half an hour
of goodness Daylight, lured into conf
dence, was riding along at walk
and rolling a cigarette, with slack
knees and relaxed seat, the reins lying
on the animals neck. Bob whirled
abruptly and with lightning swiftness
pivoting on his hind legs, his fore legs
just Rss Slear OF the ground. Day
light kept his seat. but, beyond flu
tile rein across the neck, did nothing
to prevent the evolution.
well, Bob" he addressed the ami
NAL, at the same time wiping the
sweat from his own eyes, I'm free to
confess that you're sure the blamed
est alfred quickest creature | ever
saw. | guess the way to fix you is to
keep the spur just a-touching-ah!
you brutel"
For, the moment the spur touched
him, his left hind leg had reached for
ward in kick that struck the stir
rup a smart blow. Several times, oui
Of curiosity. Daylight attempted the
spur, and each time Bob's hoof landed
the stirrup. Then Daylight, following
the horses example OF the unexpected
suddenly drove both spurs into hin
and reached him underneath with the
qulrt.
"You amt never had real licking
before" he muttered, as Bob, thus
rudely jerlIed out of the circle Of his
own implsh mental processes, sho
ahead.
i Half a dozen times spurs and quir
bit into him, and then Daylight settled
down to enjoy the magnificent gallop
No longer punished. at the end of 6
half mile Bob eased down into a fast
canter Wolf, toiling the rear, was
catching up, and everything was going
nicely. And when, at last, Daylight
decided that the horse had had
enough, he turned him around abrupt
ly and put him into gentle cantel
on the forward track. After time
he refined in to stop to see II he
were breathing painfully. Standing
for minute, Bob turned his head ant
nuzzled his riders stirrup In .
roguish impatient way, as much as L
intimate that 1t was time they were
going on.
"Well, I'll be plumb gosh darned!
was Daylight's comment. mo ill.will
no grudge, no nothing-and after tina
lambasting! You're sure a hummer
Bob"
He had taken a liking to the animal
and repented not OF his bargain. Ii
realized that Bob was not vicious no
mean, the trouble being that he wa