Bisbee daily review., 1912-06-02
Not on the Calendar
By Nate Gloves


 the shoulder of the hill and he was riding after her in an instant. But when she turned and saw him coming down the trail and he saw the sparkle of her blue eyes and the sunny gleam of her bright hair he pulled his gray horse down nO a walk for his heart was filled with apprehension. Sup pose-just suppose Nancy Gage pre- ferred to be alone this glorious May morning when all the ranges shim- mered with the fresh green of young grass and the mslting blue of the sky seemed to tint the gray rocks to a warmer. softer hue With the fiuctu- ating mood of an undeclared lover, Peter felt a sudden coldness about his heart. Of course she didn't want him.
 Good morning Peter Barton" greet ed Nancy in her sweet. friendly way T thought you had started for Honey Creek"
 I've been there, and I'm on my way home now responded Peter.
 Its a long way around then be- cause this trail leads to the Spouting Springs" Nancy glanced up at him from beneath thick ringing eyelashes. He decided that turquoise blue eyes seen through this alluring screen were more dangerous than when turned di- rectly on chap.
 What is the matter9 You haven't heard a word I've uttered!" scolded Nancy over her shoulder.
 'Heh? Why, you said you were going to Spouting Spring" stammered Peter, reckoning
 "I am-and you said you were on your way home and l remarked that you were taking the long way around" she said demurely.
 You mean-that I better be going home?" Peter pulled his horse and swung around on the back trail. 'I beg your pardon. Miss Nan; l ought not 10 have butted fin on your ride without asking leave"
 "Oh, bother. didn't mean anything of the sort. Peter Barton" returned Nancy grossly. Why are you so thin skinned about such little matters?" Because I'm in love with you." blurted Peter. Instantly he was hor- rifed at his own temerity. So long as the words were unspoken there was a chance-a chance that Nancy might say yes" but now that they were away from his lips the postponed an swer must come-and he would have nothing left to dream about during those long nights on the open plains when he was in camp with the boys
 Peter Barton!" Was there catch in Nancy's voice or did he imag inc 1t?
 You're not surprised. are your" He was emboldened to continue. Most anybody could see how it is with mel"
 Could they?" There was 10 doubt about it--Nancy's voice was cool. Yes" said Peter recklessiy. "I sus- : pect the whole camp knows what fool l ami"
 Do you believe so?" asked Nancy frigidly.
 "Yes-you wouldn't marry me. would you. Miss Nan?" Peters hand l rested on the satin flank of the cream cOlored pony, and the broad brim of his hat brushed Nancy's shoulder. There was a flick of Nancy's whip and the cream-colOred pony dashed ! forward. "Of course I'd marry you" 1 retorted Nancy over her shoulder, and anyone but man deeply in love would ! have recognized the mockery in her voice.
 "When?" demanded Peter ardently. urging his own horse in pursuit "Win you go home now if I tell { you?" was Nancy's odd reply. as she halted her pony and faced him.
 "Yes-I1l go anywhere. if you want ! me to-" said Peter dazedly. for as yet he could not believe that 1t was he who was boldly asking lovely Nancy i Gage. his boss daughter, to share the humble lot of cattleman. "T'u marry you-of coursei" called Nancy, lightly though her eyes looked dark now. I'll marry you sure, the thirty-hrst of September" The white pony flashed about and dashed down the trail, while Peter Barton sat like a statue gazing after his sweetheart that's what she was-his promised sweetheart Had she not just said so with her sweet lips. and then fed away from him with girlish shyness? Pc ter removed his hat and watched her until the pony and rider had disappear ed around the rocky entrance to Spout ing Spring canon.
 Peter Barton entered the bunk house two hours late that evening, and the big package of mail matter that he tossed on the table before his com rades did not allay their just indigna- tiou at his tardiness on the eventful day of the week.
 | His face was transhgured with joy and they knew that something had bappened to lift the cloud from his brow. It was Ben Holcomb whose | careless dart found the Bullseye.
 You look as if the lady has just said yes,'" he drawled. unfolc:ng a newspaper that was his share of the mail.
 she has," responded Peter reck- iessly happy, as he flung his hat on it's accustomed peg