Greene County herald., 1917-03-30


One evening. early in Dune, when the
world was fair to leok upon. it was
foreordained that Prudence should be
turning In at the parsonage gate just
as Matte Moore whirled up, opposite
on her dusty wheel. Prudence stopped
to interchange polite inanities with her
neighbor, and Matte, wheeling the bi.
cycle lightly beside her, came across
the street and stood beneath the par
sonage naples with Prudence. They
talked of the weather, of the coming
summer, of Mattie's school. rejoicing
that one more week would bring free
dom from books for Matte and the
younger parsonage girls.
Then said Prudence: isn't it great
fun to ride bicycle? 1 love it. Some
time will you let me ride your wheelY p
"Why, certainly. You may ride now
If you like"
"No," said Prudence slowly, II used
to ride, but am afraid 1t would not do
now. Some of the members might
see me, and-well. I am very grown.
up. you know. OF course" she added
hastily, ut is different with you. You
ride for business. but 1t would be moth
ing but frolic with me. want to go
early in the morning, when the world
Is fast asleep. Let me take 1t tomor-
row morning, will your
"Yes, of course you may" was the
hearty answer. "You may stay out as
long as you like. 1 always sleep late
on Saturdays"
So Prudence delightedly tripped up
the parsonage board walk, wheeling
the bicycle by her side. She hid il
carefully in the woodshed, for the
twins were rash and venturesome. But
after she had gone to bed. she con-
fided her plan to Fairy.
am going at six o'clock, and, Fairy.
II l am little late, you'll get break.
fast for papa and the girls, like dear,
won't your"
Fairy promised. And early the next
morning Prudence. Ia red sweater
jacket and cap. set out upon her secret
ride. 1t was a magnificent morning
and Prudence sang for pure delight as
she rode swiftly along the country
roads, guided only by her own caprice
She knew 1t was growing late, "bui
Fairy'H get breakfast" she thought
comfortably.
Finally she turned in a by-road lead
ing between two rich hickory groves
DismOunting at the top of long hill
she gazed anxiously around her. No
| one was In sight. The nearest house
was two miles behind. and the road
was long and smooth and inviting
and the hill was steep. Prudence
yearned for a good, soul-stirring coast
with her feet high on the framework
of the wheel. and the pedals flying
around beneath her skirts. 1t seemed
safe. The only living thing in sight
was sober-eyed, serious mule peace.
fully grazing near the bottom of the
hill.
Prudence laughed gleefully. like O
child. She never laughed again in ex.
actly that way. "Here goes" she
cried, and, leaping nimbly into the
saddle, she pedaled swiftly a few
times, and then lifted her feet to the
coveted position. The pedals few
around beneath her, and the wind
whistled about her In most exhila
rating way.
But as she neared the bottom tht
placid mule suddenly stalked into the
middle of the road. Prudence screamed
jerked the handlebar to the right, tt
the left. and then, with "a sickeninl
thud. she struck the mule head first
and bounced on down to the ground
with little cry Of pain. The bicycle
crashed beside her, and the mule
slightly startled, looked around at hel
with ears raised In silent questioning
Then he ambled slowly across the road
and deliberately continued his grazing
Prudence tried to raise herself. bu
she felt sharp pain. She heard some
one leapIng over the fence near her
and wondered, without moving hel
head, IL 1t could be tramp bent OF
highway robbery. The next instant {
man was leaning over her. cts no
a tramp" she thought. before he hat
time to speak.
Are YOU hurt7" he cried. "You poo
child!"
| Prudence smiled pluckily. MY ankl'
is hurt a little, but am not q child
The young man, In great relief
laughed aloud, and Prudence joinet
him rather family.
I'm afraid cannot walk" she said
II believe I've broken my ankle. mayb
my whole Veg. for all / know. It.
hurts pretty badlyi"