The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-01-31
7HE EVENING STORY

(By Izola Forester

Ahead, just disappearing UP the long
winding trail were two figures on
Rathburn, and young Crittenden.
mere surely was d misdeal Howell
swung into his saddle and rode be-
SIDE the trail mate that chance had
gwen him, totally unconscious of her
own appealing charm and most ex-
cellent hOrSemanship
And ahead of them lay a ride Of
three hours-three hours of newt
able tete-a-tete companionship. How
ell knew that in those three hours
lay all the chances of happiness he
possessed. He had accepted Critten-
den's invitation to spend two weeks
at his ranch merely on the hope of
meeting Beth Rathburn again. This
after she had fatty refused him twice
during the winter season. But. some
how, man fashion, he had reasoned
if he could only find her out in these
gorgeous mountains he might be able
to touch the real inner nature he be-
lived lay beneath her girlish frivol-
ity and waywardness.
This had been his first chance. after
two days, for quiet, intimate talk
with her, and somehow Bob Critten-
den rode in his place beside her at the
curcial moment.
my girth needs tightening Nita's
voice recalled him to his duty. The
girl leaned over and watched him as
he cinched up. And then she looked
beyond his bowed head, off toward
two figures barely visible at turn
of the winding path up the winding
valley
Suddenly she spoke impuIsively
Il m awfully sorry you didn't get
Beth, but you can't any more, you
know. Bob's terribly Jealous, and real
ly he has the say-so now"
HoweH's eyes darkened. They were
good eyes, gray and earnest. He
looked up at the tender expressive
face with quick suspicion.
They're engaged" said Nita. sim
ply Last night on the veranda.
Beth told me when she came to bed
oh, please=please hold him
Howell made a. leap toward the
bride. but the pony plunged and back
ed, half turning about, and rearing.
From the ground where it stood there
wriggled a snake back into the mes
quite. Nita was holding with one hand
to the saddle horn, and gripping the
reins with all her force, trying to keep
her seat. The pony broke suddenly,
and ran madly, while Howell swung
into his own saddle and gave chase.
The race lay in opposite direction
from the rest of the party. There was
no chance to call for help Straight
way up the mountain path went the
pony, and Howell's lips were pressed
close as he watched the uncertain
swaying of the slender figure on the
high Mexican saddle She seemed
hardly more than a child in her rid
blowing back from her young, vivid
face Something woke to life at that
tense moment in Howells heart, some
thing that beat back the anger and
hurt pride at Beth's coquetry. Put
ting his spurs to his horse, hes gained
steadily on the frightened pony, and
rode alongside just as Nita was fall
in There was no chance to check
catch her as she fell, while he slipped
off his own horse. So for a minute
he held her in his arms like a hurt
child, c.nd wondered why she did not
faint Instead, she smiled up at him
with the same laughing mischief in
her Ions dashed brown eyes.
I'm not hurt a bit. Mr.. Howell.
You don't need to hold me any
longer"
shock" said Howeil, gravely. Are
you sure you can stand alone?"
''Try me-" she laughed. He lifted
had stopped a short distance away
and was cropping grass Aren't we
lost?" she added.
&C .mpletely. I haven't any idea of
shall h 0bble the horse and make a
tepee of poles. and go hunt a . bear
That's the usual procedure, isn't it?
We're real trail mates. now
She smiled half wistfully.
81 am hungry. Aren't you, MI
Howell?"
First name is Paul"
81 might have called you by it If
you had been my brother-in-law'
she rejoined demurely, slipping to the
ground
law. so you may as well start in"
He was lOosening the girths on the
horse, and spoke with decision
Nita's eyes sparkled with amusement
She seated herself on the ground, ana
studied the contour of his head AT
TO t.
its own story. She had been in love
with Howell for days, as much IN love
as she ever would be. She was not a ,
girl like Beth. full of sentiment, and
loved must be a good pal, a comrade
true. as we'll as husband and sweet
heart. The trail was long one. she
knew, with many turnfngs- Some
was splendidly fitted to be tran
mate.
Not half an hour ago you intended
to be my brother-in-law.' she sald
hour from a little girl to a woman;
don't you realize that? I do" He
left the horse. and threw himself
down beside her. when that pony
broke away and ran with you, and
da9fh vas q possibility=Nfta. look a
me- knew that / should follow you
to the end of the new trail, no matter
where it led. And it has led US
here"
He waited for an answer Nita look
ed past him. out at the splendid piano.
rama of mountains that spread below
Them The Crittenden ranch looked like |
4. row bl ock house far down in the val
lev. The cattle on the broad plateau
across the valley We're like Noah's ark
she turned her head after a long
parse, and smiled down at him.
Are youu really making love to me
5dr. Ho1@eIl2"
= as you to be my wife. Nita.'' he