The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1913-02-28

first meeting with her, Gilbert re- |
solved to know his fate, and her glance |
OF kind greeting gave him courage to
say:
Doris, I love you; will you marry
me?" then he thought, II must be
crazy to put It so stupidity" and wait
ed in an agony of apprehension for her
answer.
Doris smile broadened, and she re-
piled calmly. why. Mr.. Farrandale. !
could not think OF being so cruel as
to let you manacle yourself with the
letters which cut 80 deeply"
Gilbert's heart seemed to sink into
the earth on hearing these fateful
words.
81 was fool to say that" he de-
clared. Il thought ] was SO wise,
when in fact had no idea what love
meant. But now have learned.
love you, Doris. Do not punish me
for ignorance know the truth now"
He held out his hands to her in
frank appeal.
Doris :ook grew kinder, but. alas.
there was not love for him in the
brown eyes. Love cannot be forced"
she said, land sometimes I think It is
not my nature to love any one person.
but 10 care for each of those who are
dear to me. and they are many"
| Had Gilbert been in the right mood.
he might have smiled at this Minerva
| like utterance from one who was 80
plainly made for love. But he was far
too much ~ earnest to see anything
humorous in her remark.
81 shall win you away from oil the
Others" he said positively, and here
their conversation ended, the family
coming out to Join them.
Later as Gilbert walked homeward
his thought went over the scene with
Doris. and he had to acknowledge that
his suit had received no encourage
ment. But shall not give up-sha
shall love me-" he said to hirlself
with firm setting of the lips.
The week end brought the bride and
groom and surprise Kitty's relatives
had been planning. This was the pres
entation of a handsome pair OF saddle
horses to the newly married couple
with a third beautiful mount for
Doris. 1t had long been Gilbert's
habit to take daily gallop, and 1t be-
came a regular custom for the four
young people to enjoy morning ride
together.
Gilbert continued his efforts to touch
the affections of the little cousin, but
at times he almost despaired OF ever
attaining the desire of his heart.
One morning in early September the
four started on their usual ride. choos'
ing a beautiful path through the
woods. Doris and Gilbert rode In ad-
vance of the others, and after canter
ing for some distance under the dense
shade of the massive oaks they slowed
down.
Suddenly at the left side OF the
road ahead of Doris there appeared q
giant hound with a broken chain dan
Cling from his collar He was a fierce
looking animal, and his swift and 81
lent coming had startled them. In
stantly he made a spring at the necl
OF Doris horse. and the frightened
beast reared backward. Doris was {
good rider and retained her seat, bu
L | al uOIoC . IOIc lCSl lOuChCO th'
!, ground again the hound made a sav
: age leap, and this time fastened hi
fangs in the shoulder of the animal
,, Gilbert sprang to the ground ant
brought down the handle of his heav!
. hunting crop with all his strength
upon the hounds head. The crushing
blow dazed the brute, and he looos
ened his hold. Then he made a fero
cious spring for Gilbert's throat.
"Oh, Gilbert, Gilbert!"
1t was the first time Doris had eve
! called his name. and her love spok
> in the cry 1t seemed to give Gilber
superhuman strength, for as tn
hound leaped he struck 1t again wit
. the loaded crop square on its massiv
= head; the blow crushed through int
its brain. and the furious monste
:, dropped at his feet. lifeless.
!. 1t was a very thankful but yer
v nerve-shaken party Of four that turne
3 homeward. The wound which th
a hounds teeth had given to Dorii
horse was bleeding freely, and the an
a NAL was trembling from shock. Dori
10 dismounted and Gilbert placed he