The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1913-10-16

the back seat was Simon Jefferson
whose hairy hand gripped 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 speuchless
ly at the-Ied 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 semi-freedom 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
pitfaH.
Fran, suddenly aware other ridicu-
lous attitude, sat down and began to
laugh
Bob Clinton inquired: Taking
drive, abb"
Miss Sapphire set her heavy foot
upon her brothers unseemly jocular-
ity. Unfortunately" said Miss Sap
phira, speaking with cold civility:
"Mr. Jefferson had to come clear to
town before he could recapture the
horse. We were giving him q 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 were 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 it up, Mr.. Simon"
This has been 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 cheerfuily in
quired.
Simon looked at him sourly Didn't
Fran tell YOU that tie horse got scared
at her throwing rocks at my cork,
and broke from the tree where I'd
fastened it, and bolted for town."
sMr Simon" said Fran innocently,
Il don't believe the horse was men
toned once, while you were gone"
'ItTwould be interesting, to know
what was" remarked Robert with
hUmor SO dry that apparently it choked
him; he fell to coughing iruskily
Miss Sapphire gave him alOok while
he was struggling in his second par
oxysm. 1t healed himaby suggestion.
"Turn," said Miss Sapphira with be-
coming gravity. Roberts still under
the influence other thought-wave. SOL
emnly drove herfrom the scene.
When the@last buckle was clasped-
eLcame. out here for quiet peaceable
fishing" said Simon "I'veaspent my
time hunting horses, and being afraid
something might happen to Fran"
"Mr. Ashton took care of me-" Fran
said. reass1ringlv
Simon cried eXplosiyely, "And who
took care of him." He climbed in be-
side Fran and begrudgingly offered Alb
bolt the imaginary space of third
occupant; but Abbott declared his
preference for strolling
"This has been aghard day for my
heart" Simon grumbied, as he
slatched up the whip Yindictively.
The buggy rolled away.
"Mine, TOO" Abbott called after them
emphatically
Fran looked back at him, from ever
the lowered top. He saw her hand go
to her bosom, then som ching futtered
in the air and fell in the grassy road.
He darted after it as if il we're a clue,
showing the way tosthe princess cas-
tie
Perhaps it was. He pounced upon
tit was the queen OF hearts.