The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1913-12-06

ou lHS seat luc were
Miss Sapphire and Bob Clinton On
the back seat was Simon Jefferson
whose hairy hand gripped a halter
fastened to a riderless horse; the very
horse which should have been between
the shafts of the Gregory buggy
Miss Sapphire stared at Abbott.
speechless. So this is what he had
meant by wanting the air unstrained
by window-screens. Studying, indeed!
Abbott, in his turn. stared spe,,chless-
ly at the led horse.
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
near by. enjoying semifreedom with
his grass. Now it seemed far other
wise. Miss Sapphire had even had
him telephone 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 jocular-
ity. Unfortunately. said Miss Sap
phira, speaking with cold civiiity:
Mr.. Jefferson had to come clear to
town before he could recapture the
horse. We were giving him lift, and
had no idea-no idea that We should
find-should come upon We are
sorry to intrude." Had her life de-
pended on it, Miss Sapphire could not
have withheld a final touch-"Pos-
sibly you we're not looking for Mr.. JEFF
ferson 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. rs
that the horse that belongs to this
buggy? Let me hitch 1t up, Mr.. Simon"
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 graft
tude.
What was the matter with your
horse, anyway" Abbott cheerfully in
quired.
Simon looked at him sourly. Didn't
Fran tell you that the horse got scared
at her throwing rocks at my cork,
and broke from the tree where I'd
fastened it, and bolted for town."
Mr.. Simon" said Fran innocently,
81 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 1t choked
him; ne fell to coughing huskily.
Miss Sapphire gave him look while
he was struggling in his second par
oxysm. 1t healed him by suggestion.
Turn" said Miss Sapphire with be-
coming gravity. Robert. still under
the influence of her thought-wave. SOL
EMMY drove her from the scene.
When the last buckle was clasped-
II came out here for a quiet peacea BILE
fishing" said Simon. 1--we spent nv
time hunting horses, and being afraid
something might happen to Fran"
mfr. 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 Alb
bolt the imaginary space of a third
occupant; but Abbott declared his
preference for strolling.
This has been a hard day for my
heart" Simon grumbled, as he
snatched up the whip vindictively.
The buggy rolled away.
Mine, too" Abbott called after them
emphatically.
Fran looked back at him. from over
the lowered top. He saw her hand go
to her bosom, then something fluttered
in the air and fell in the grassy road.
He darted after 1t as IL 1t were a clue.
showing the way to the princess cas-
tie
Perhaps it was. He pounced upon
tit was the queen Of hearts.