The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1914-09-03
teacher had gone home with her. To
Eya'a couStprnafinn Rnck Miles had


Landon's deep voice, ringing clear and
insistent above the chatter and move
ment of departure.
II hope you have not forgotten your
promise that | shall take you home.
Miss Winton," he said, and every one
heard him and was glad Although no
such promise had been asked or given.
Eve had smiled and taken his proffer-
ed arm and entered the waiting buggy.
And now. after sleepless night, she
was racing over the parched ground.
riding away from Buckman Miles
property. which bordered her fathers
ranch on the south.
Over to the south, away from which
she was now riding. lay the Lazy o
ranch. of which Miles was the owner.
Eve Winton and Buck Miles had
grown up together, and every incident
! in Ewes happy, care free existence
| seemed to have been interviewer with
that of ber neighbor. 1t was quite nat
ural that later they should fall des-
| perately in love and become engaged
But there it had paused. for three
years had passed since Buck had slip
ped diamond ring upon Ewes slim
finger. and Buck had never mentioned
their marriage. except in the most
casual manner. as something very far
ahead in the future.
| Suddenly came the pounding thud OF
hoofs along the trail behind. She did
not turn around even when the. swift
gallop broke into a trot and some one
rode at her elbow.
OF course it was Buck Miles. eager
aud repentant after his insults of the
evening before.
"You need not follow me-" said Eve
codly and without turning her head
Il prefer to be quite alone"
With a startled ejaculation the un
seen rider turned and galloped rapidly
along the trail.
This action was so unlike Buchanan
Miles that Eve turned and looked aft
er him.
To her horror it was not Buck Miles
1t was Philip Landcn
Placing both hands to her lips. Eve
|
Con turned, hesitated. and then swlnt
about and came toward her.
you wished to speak to meT' hs
questioned gravely.
"Oh. | am so sorry that | spoke IL
that way-you see. | didn't know i
was you | thought it was some ont
else" faltered Eve with dropping eye:
and shamed cheeks.
/ A light of understanding flashed int
the young man's eyes and then wa
subdued
THANK you for explaining" he salt
soberIy, but shall not take it amis
if you prefer to be alone"
81 shall be glad If you will com
with me-" she said cheerfu!ly. "Pn
going to ride to DEVILS fork
He looked at the braZen sky.
81 hardly believe it will rain today
but is there water at Devils forkT"
Plenty of sweet spring water" wa
Ewes reply. and then they rode o.
side by side. with now and then
brief interchange Of words concernin
the heat of the ascending sun or th
danger of grass fires, for the cris
herbage was cracking under their fee
SO dry had been the long season.
Landon found himself watching th
changing expressions on Ewes swee
face There was something irresist
T. BILE in the soft curves of her lips an
the upward sweep of her long. dar
Iashes
Suddenly she turned to him.
"You were very kind last night
she said impulsiyely.
lyon were kind to me-" he chide
gently. Il am afraid bored you wit
my talk about myself"
"rhat was only part of your KIM
ness" she retorted. and after tn,
Landon was silent.
They had descended a long sloI
and were now in the cool shadow I
another range of hills. higher, al
broken here and there by small ca
yons. Toward one OF these they we
riding
Where is the devil. and where a
his forkss" asked Landon curious
as they entered the canyon.
! Wait" replied Eve.
They passed along narrow trail al
emerged upon dark and gloomy ca
yon whose steep sides were clothed
cottonwoods.
A little to the right of the trail u M
white torrent gnshed out Of the rocl
and, spilIing itself into three wo
y channels. it raced across the canyon
: disappear in a boiling froth OF fo;
. among a heap of powders.
Under the cottonwoods there "
:, grateful shade and the promise
- green grass for the horses.
:, isn't this loyeIyy' asked Eve aft
:. she had pointed out to her compani
:" the stream with its forks which 81
the place it's name
's Il didn't know that such a retire
eu existed in the neighborhood." cri
II Landon enthusiastically. Shall
u sit under the shade yonder?"
IS "Yes, after poor Peggy has had
drink of the best water in the worl,
at laughed Eve as she slipped from
" saddle.
rt Landon produced folding drink
NC cup. and the man ana the girl Quen
er ed their thirst before Peggy and
echooinaster's black horse were led
ea the stream Then. while the anim
ck nipped eagerly at the green grass ale
he waterside, Eve and her compani
th vat down under the cottonwoods.
ed Eve quite forgot her troubles as
mt listened to Philip Landons sooth