The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1917-03-29


morning and evening. on n bicycle.
one evening, early in June, when the
world was fair to look upon. IL 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 inanlties with her
nelghbor, and Matte. wheeling the hi
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 Natties school. rejoicing
that one more week would bring free
dom from books for Matte and the
younger parsonage girls.
Then said Prudence: "Isn't 1t great
fun TO ride bicycle? love II. Some
time will you let me ride your wheel?"
"Why, certainly. You may ride now
II you like"
NO" said Prudence slowly. 81 used
to ride, but am afraid 1t would not do
now. Some of the members might
see me, and-well, l am very grown
up. you know. OF course" she added
hastily, sit Is different with you. You
ride for business, but it would be moth
ing but frolic with me. l 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. l always sleep late
on Saturdays"
SO Prudence delightedly tripped up
the parsonage board walk, wheeling
the bicycle by her side. She hid II
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.
I'm going at six o'clock. and, Fairy
If 1 am little late. you'll get break
fast for papa and the girls, Ike dear
won't your"
Fairy promised. And early the next
| morning Prudence, In red sweater
jacket and cap, set out upon her secret
ride. 1t was a magnificent morning
and Prudence sang for pure delight a:
she rode swiftly along the country
roads, guided only by her own caprice
She knew it was growing late, "but
Falry'll get breakfast" she thought
comfortably.
Finally she turned in n by-road lead
Ing between two rich hickory groves
Disnounting at the top of a long hill
she gazed anxiously around her. Nc
one was in sight. The nearest hous,
was two miles behind, and the roat
was long and smooth and inviting
and the hill was steep. Prudenc,
yearned for good, soul-stirring coast
with her feet high on the framework
OF the wheel, and the pedals hyinl
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 Q
child. She never laughed again In ex
actly that way. Here goes" !" sh,
cried, and. leaplng nimbly into the
saddle, she pedaled swiftly few
times, and then lifted her feet to tn,
coveted position. The pedals flew
around beneath her, and the wlnt
whistled about her In most exhila
rating way.
| But as she neared the bottom tn,
placid mule suddenly stalked into tn,
middle Of the road. Prudence screamed
1erked the handlebar to the right, (,
the left, and then. with IA sickenine
thud, she struck the mule head first
and bounced on down to the ground
with a little cry of pain. The bicycl,
crashed beside her, and the mule
slightly startled, looked around ut 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, II II could be tramp bent OF
highway robbery. The next instant {
man was leaning over her. "Its no
a tramp" she thought. before he hat
time 20 speak.
"Are you hurt?" he cried. "You poo
child!"
Prudence smiled pluckily. MY ankl,
Is hurt a little. but am not a child.
The young man. In great relief
laughed aloud, and Prudence jolnet
him rather family.
I'm afraid cannot walk" she said
II believe I've broken my ankle. mayb,
my whole leg. for all know. IT.