Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-02-22
Abbott were both rather rcd-caused,
possibly, by their struggle over the

Abbott were both rather rcd-caused,
possibly, by their struggle over the
whip.
On the front seat Of the surrey 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,
speeches.. So this Is what he had
meant by wanting the air unstrained
by window-screens. Studying, indeed!
Abbott. In his turn, stared speechless-
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 semi-freedom with
his grass Now It seemed far other
wise. Miss Sapphira 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 q
drive, abb"
Miss Sapphire set her heavy foot
upon her brothers unseemly ocular
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 lift. and
had no idea--no idea that we should
find-should come upon-We are sor-
ry to intrude." Had her life depended
on it, Miss Sapphire could not have
withheld final touch--"Possibly yol
were not looking 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. rs
that the horse that belongs to this
buggy Let me hitch 1t up, Mr.. Simon. /"
"This has been terrible expert
ence for me-" growled Simon. All the
same, he let Abbott do the work. but
not as II he meant to repay him with
gratitude.
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 II fastened
it, and bolted for town.
"Mr. Simon" said Fran innocently,
II don't believe the horse was men
toned once, while you were gone
TT would be interesting to know
what was" remarked Robert with
humor so dry that apparently it choked
him; he fell to coughing huskily.
Miss Sapphire gave him look while
he was struggling In his second parox'
ysm. It healed him by suggestion.
Turn" said Miss Sapphire with be
coming gravity. Robert still under the
influence Of her thought-wave. solemn
ly drove her. from the scene.
When the last buckle was clasped-
"I came out her for quiet peaceable
fishing" said Simon. Eve spent my
time hunting horses. and being afraid
something might happen to Fran"
"Mr. Ashton took care of me-" Fran
said reassuringly.
Simon cried explo- lively. "And who
took care of him?" He climbed in be.
side Fran and begrudgingly offered
Abbott the imaginary space OF a third
occupant: but Abbott declared his
preference for strolling.
This has been hard day for my
heart" Simon grumbled, IS 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 90
to her bosom, then something flut.
tered in the air and fell in the grassy
road. He darted after it as it were a
clue, showing the way to the princess
castle.
Perhaps it was. He pounced upon II
| 1t was the Queen of Hearts.
A Tanner Of Lions.
The life OF household progresses
usually by insensible gradations
toward some great event, some climax
for the building OF which each day has
furnished its grain of sand. Today
Hamilton Gregory and Grace Noir
were in the library, with nothing to
indicate the approach of the grea,
moment in their lives. 1t was Grace's
impatience to drive Fran away even
before Robert Clinton should bring
the secret from Springfield, that pre-
cipitated matters. e
Grace might have been prompted in
part by personal antipathy. but she be-
lieved herself acting from pure
sense of duty. Those who absented
themselves from the house Of worship
were goats; those who came we're
sheep. In vain might you delude your
self that you were a camel. horse, OF
bird of plumage; to Graces thinking
there were no such animals in the re
ligious world-her clear eye made
nothing of hump, flowing name OF
gaudy feathers; that eye looked dis
passionately for the wool upon, your
back-or the beard under your chin
"May | speak to you, Mr.. Gregory &,