Bisbee daily review., 1912-06-25
Not on the Calendar
By ksie Gloves

~Peter Barton caught a glimpse of Nancy Gage just as the tail of her cream-colored pony whisKed around 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 to 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 melting blue of the sky seemed to tint the gray rocks to a warIher. softer hue. With the fluctu- 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 Y thought you had started for Honey Creek"
 I've been there. and I'm on my way home now" responded Peter.
 Its 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 d. rectly ou a chap.
 What is the matter? You haven't heard a word I've uttered!" scolded Nancy over her shoulder
 "Heho Why, you said you were going 10 Spouting Spring." stammered Peter, reckoning
 T am-and you said you were on your way home and I remarked that you were taking the long way around, 7" she said demurely.
 You mean-that better be going homer" Peter pulled his horse and swung around on the back trail T beg your pardon, Miss Nan; I ought aot to have butted in on your ride Eithout asking leave"
 "Oh, bother. 1 didn't mean anything cf 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- rified 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 cone-and he would have nothing left to dream about during those long nights on the open plains when he was fin camp with the boys
 Peter Barton." Was there a catch in Nancy's voice or did he imag- inc 1t?
 You're not surprised. are you?" He was emboldened to continue. Most anybody could see how 1t is with mel"
 Could they?" There was no doubt about it-Nancy's voice was cool.
 Yes" said Peter recklessly. q sus- pect the whole camp knows what a fool am,"
 Do you believe so?" asked Nancy frigidly.
 'Yes-you wouldn't marry me. would you, Miss Nan?" Peters hand rested on the satin flank of the cream colored pony. and the broad brim of his hat brushed Nancys shoulder.
 There was a flick of Nancys whip and the cream-colored pony dashed f,rva-l any cn,,rgo TrJ r,,--- ,o,, % retorted Nancy over her shoulder, and anyone but man deeply in love would have recognized the mockery in her voice
 "When?" demanded Peter ardentiy, urging his own horse in pursuit
 "Wul you go home now if tell you?" was Nancy's odd reply. as she halted her pony and faced him.
 'Yes-I'n 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 Gage. his boss daughter. to share the humble lot of a cattleman
 "rl! marry you-of course!" called Nancy. lightly though her eyes looked QGTh nO". I II lhdlls 1Du sure, LDe thirty first of September" The white pony flashed about and dashed down the trail. while Peter Barton sat like 8 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 fled ava, from him with girlish shyness? Pc ,o- -avs,ovad hfx hat and uva.rb.S bx- 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 racksg- of mail matter that he . ~ = = l