The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-04-27
CHAPTER XIV (Continued).

Bob Clinton drew rein, and grasped
his hay-colored mustache, inadequate
to the situation. He glanced reproach-
fully at Abbott; the young fellow must
know that his fate was to be decided
this very night.
Abbott could not take his fill of the
sight of Simon Jefferson, whom he had
fancied not far away, eyes glued on
cork, hands in pockets to escape mos
quitoes, sun on back, serenely fishing.
He had supposed the horse grazing
: nearby, enjoying semi-freedom with
his grass Now it seemed far other
wise. Miss Sapphire had even had
him telephone to Bob to bring her
hither. With his own hands he had
dug his pitfall
Fran, suddenly aware of her ridicu-
lous attitude. sat down and began to
laugh.
Bob Clinton inquired, "Taking a
drive, abb"
Miss Sapphire set her heavy foot
upon her brothers unseemly jocularity.
Unfortunately" said Miss Sapphire,
speaking with cold civility, "Mr. Jeffer-
son had to come clear to town before
he could recapture the horse. We were
giving him a lift, and had no idea
no idea that we should find-should
come Upon We are sorry to in
trude." Had her life depended on it,
Miss Sapphira could not have with
held a final touch-"Possibiy you were
not locking for Mr.. Jefferson to come
back so soon
why" answered Abbott, stepping to
the ground, hardly so soon" AT any
rate, he felt that nothing was to be
gained by staying in the buggy. is
that the horse that belongs to this
buggy? Let me hitch it up, Mr.. ST.
mon"
This has been a terrible experience
for me-" growled Simon. All the
same, he let Abbott do the work, but
not as if he meant to repay him with
gratitude.
What was the matter with your
horse, anyway" Abbott cheerfully
inquired.
Simon looked at him sourly. Didn't
Fran tell you that the horse got scared
at her throwing rocks at my cock, and
broke from the tree where I'd fastened
il. and bolted for town."
MIR. Simon" said Fran innocently,
Il don't believe the horse was men
toned once while you were gone"
1T would be interesting to know
what was" remarked Robert with
humor so dry that apparently it choked
him; he fell 10 coughing huskily.
Miss Sapphira gave him look while
he was struggling in his second parox-
ysm. 1t healed him by suggestion.
Turn said Miss Sapphire, with
becoming gravity. Robert, still under
the influence of her thought-wave, SOL
EMMY drove her from the scene.
When the last buckle was clasped-I
Il came out here for a quiet peaceable
fishing" said Simon. 1--WE spent my
time hunting horses, and being afraid
something might happen to Fran:
Mr.. Ashton took care of me" Fran
said, reassuringly.
Simon cried explosively, And who
took care of him." He climbed IN be,
side Fran and begrudgingly offered
Abbott the imaginary space OF third
occupant; but Abbott declared his pref
erence for strolling.
This has been a hard day for my
heart" Simon grumbled, as he snatched
up the whip vindictively.
The buggy rolled away.
s"NIine, too" Abbott called after them
emphatically.
Fran locked back at him from over
the lowered top. He saw her hand
90 to her bosom, then something fiut-
tered in the air and fell in the grassy
road He darted after it is if it were
a clue, showing the way to the princess
castle.
Perhaps it was. He bounced upon
lit was the Queen of Hearts.