The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1913-06-26
CHAPTER I.
Mists Of the Morning

HYY(T was twilight still In the val
lMl ley. but over the hills to the
Rae1SsJ east the sky was whitening.
l5sNs9 4 young man sitting by his
window turned to see the birth Of an
other day. Throughout the night he
had been staring ut vision. But
weariness had set no mark upon him.
His vision he did not understand. save
that for him it spelled opportunity
chance to put into drifting. rather
ordinary existence. purposeful action.
to stretch his muscles. rack his brain
and tear his soul in the struggle that
is the life of men.
He caught up a rough towel and.
stealing quietly out Of the house. walk
ed rapidly down the street. When the
struggling town lay behind him he
broke into slow trOt. At place
where many feet had worn a path
across clover meadow he turned
from the road. The path ended at Il
clump Of bushes on the river bank.
Hastily undressing, he plunged into
the green depths. from which June
had not quite taken the chill of spring.
His 1.-THE. strong body responded to
the shock. The nerves. harricd by the
long night watch. relaxed. He shout
ed Justify. For a few minutes he
swan vigorously. Then. reaching the
shore. he took the towel and rubbed
himself into n glow. He tingled with
a sense Of we'll being.
When he was dressed again. refresh
ed and eager for his day. he took the
path back to the highway The sun
was climbing over the hills. He stop
ped and watched it while it swung
clear In the sky. cleaning fiery red
through the mists Of the valley The
glory of the morning was complete.
He was about to resume his tramp
homeward when he beheld a strange
procession advancing along the road. a
young woman leading limning horse.
AS she came nearer he chuckled aloud
The handsome pigskin saddle. the ivory
handled crop. the modish riding suit
and boots were not the equipment with
which young ladies of New Chelsea
were wont to ride.
She heard him and looked up coldly
The chuckle died instantly.
Good morning." be said. Whats
the matter with your horse? Can
help your
She stopped. HE has picked up q
stone" she answered. land | can't ge1
it out. II you will be SO good
He vaulted lightly over the fence
that bounded the meadow and removed
the offending stone.
'"rhank YOU" the young woman said
You're quite welcome" he answer
ed. I'm always glad to help beaut!
III distress. He is beautiful animal
isn't he:'' he added hastily.
"Are you chalting me?" she aske'
coldly.
He repressed smile. "By no means
Better not ride him for little bit. III
til we see how he walks You rid
early" he ventured.
mo earlier than you-sWim. she re
piled briefly. glancins at his wet hal
aud towel. He at once became uncon
fortably conscious Of his rather III
kempt appearance.
Are you staying in New Chelsea ::
Yes
'ShaIi you stay long!
"Are YOU In the habit of cross e1
amining strangers on the road: sil
inquired frigidly.
He Redeemed II beg your pardoh'
he said aud slackened his pace TO ie
her draw ahead.
II think I'll ride now she said. =
you will help me up. Crusader ia
stopped limpiDg."
He held out his hand. she placed
foot in it and was lifted to the sat
die She murmured her thanks. Hu
although she gathered in the reins. ST
did not start away. For moment ST
sat looking ut tho hills. apparently q
]; livious of the young mans presenc
He wondered who she was and We
! turcd again. "Why do you call III
I Crusader?'
She looked down at him. "Anoth
! uuestion! You are incorrisibie
Il beg your pardon" he said aga
Atitlly and marched up the road.