The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1913-01-30

Cathcart for the Whites, and Captain
watson OF the Guards, for the Blacks
were alone contending f~uriously
when the marshal of the field rushed
IN between, and struck up their weap
ons' declaring the contest done, the
honor OF each side proven. AS the
company broke up, flowing forward to
the great house beyond, the vast
crowd of onlookers burst through the
guard lines, and, like a mighty torrent
swept over the field. 1t was a wild,
jubilant, yelling mass, SO dense as to
be irresistible, even those OF us on
horseback being pressed forward.
helpless chips on the stream.
e~ndeavored to press back, but my
FESTIVE animal, startled by the dig OF
the spur, the yells, the waving of
arms, refused to face the tumult, and
whirled madly about. For a moment
all but lost control, yet ever as he
plunged rearing into the air, / saw be-
fore me the appealing face of a WON.
an. How she CHANGED to be there
alone, in the path OF that mob. !
know not; where her escort had dis
appeared, and how she had become
separated from her party, has v
been made clear. But this I saw, even
as | struggled with the hard-mouthed
brute under me-a slender, girlish fig.
ure attired as a lady OF the Blended
Rose, a white, frightened face, arms
outstretched, and dark blue eyes be-
seeching help. Already the front OF
the mob was upon her, unable to
swerve aside because Of the thousands
pushing behind. In another moment
she would be underfoot, or hurled into
the air. Reckless of all else. | dug
In my spurs, yelling to the Light Ora.
COON beside me-. even as my horse
leaped. ! scarcely know what hap.
pened, or how Il was ACCOMPLISHED
only ! had the reins gripped In my
teeth, both my hands free. That in
slant caught her; the next she was
on my arm. swung safely to the saddle,
held to MT with a grip of steel, the
animal dashing forward beneath his
double burden into the open field.
Then the Dragon, riding madly,
gripped the bit. and the affair was
over. although we must have gal.
loped a hundred yards before the
trembling horse was brought to a
stand. Leaving him to the control of
the soldier. / sprang to the ground,
bearing the lady with me We were
behind n of the payilions, facing the
house, and she reeled as her feet
touched the earth, so that | held her
from falling. Then her lashes lifted,
and the dark blue eyes looked into my
face.
You must pardon my roughness," I
apologized, "but there was no time
for ceremony"
She smiled, a flood OF color coming
back into the clear cheeks, as she
drew slightly away.
Il appreciate that, SIR" frankly.
shaking Of her RULED skirts. "and
you have made knighthood reaf.n
Then" ! ventured. may ! hope to
receive the reward. fair lady?
She laughed, a little tremor OF ner.
vousness In the sound, but her eyes
full of challenge.
And what is THAR"
"Your name: the hope of better &C.
.quaintance."
Her Eyes swept my uniform cues.
tioningly.
you are not OF the garrison?"
mo; a courier just arrived from
New York."
Yet an officer; surely then you will
be present tonight?"
"The privilege is mine; II sufficient.
ly tempted I may attend"
Tempted How, sir?"
"By your pledging me a dance"
She laughed again, one hand grasp
ing the long silken skirt.
you ask much-my name. a better
acquaintance, a dance-all this for
saving me from a mob. You
ire moi a modest knight. l fear. Sup
pose ! refuse?"
Then I'M / soldier enough to come
masked, and win my welcome"
Il thought as much" the long
ashes opening up to me the depths
Il the blue eyes,. az promise nothing
hen. nor forbid. But there Is Captain
irant seeking me. II I do not speak
+ gratitude, 1t Is nevertheless in my
cart, air." she swept me a curtsey. to
which I bowed hat In hand. "and now
u revoir."
I stood as she left me. staring while
he crossed the lawn and Joined a