The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1917-04-27

town, and rode to and from her school,
morning and evening. on bicycle.
One evening, early in June. when the
world was fair 10 look upon, il was
foreordained that Prudence should be
turning in ut the parsonage gate Just
as Matte Moore whirled up. opposite.
on her dusty wheel. Prudence stopped
Ia interchange polite inanitlcs with her
neighbor, and Matte. wheeling the bl-
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 Mattic'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 IL great
fun 10 ride bicycle? | love it. Some
time will you let me ride your whecl?"
"Why, certainly. You may ride now
IL you like"
"No." said Prudence slowly. 'T used
to ride, but am afraid II would nut.do
now. Some of the members might
see me, and-well, | am very grown
mp, YOU know. OF course" she added
hastily, sit is different with you. You
ride for business, but il would be moth
ing but frolic with me. | want 10 go
early in the morning when the world
is fast asleep. Let me take II tomoT
row morning, will your"
"les, of course you may" was the
hearty answer you may stay out as
long as you like. | 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
fded her plan TO Fairy.
I'm going at six o'clock, and. Fairy.
II i am n little late, you'll get break
fast for papa and the girls, like dear,
won't you?"
Fairy promised And early the next
morning Prudence, in red sweater
jacket and cap, set out upon her secret
ride. IL was magnificent morning
and Prudence sang for pure delight as
she rode swiftly along the country
roads, guided only by her own caprice
She knew it was growing late. but
Fairyll get breakfast" she thought,
comfortably.
Finally she turned I'm n by-road lead
ing between two rich hickory groves.
Dismounting at the top of n 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 hiR was steep. Prudence
yearned for good, soul-stirrlng coast,
with her feet high on the framework
OF the wheel, and the pedals flying
around beneath her skirts. II seemed
safe. The only living thing In sight
was a sober-eyed, serious mule peace
fully grazing near the bottom OF the
hill.
Prudence laughed gleefully. like a
child. She never laughed again I'm ex-
actly that way. "Here goesi'' she
cried, and. leaping nimbly into the
saddle, she pedaled swiftly few
times, and then lifted her feet 10 the
coveted position. The pedals flew
around beneath her. and the wind
whlstled about her In a most exhila-
rating way.
But as sHe neared the bottom the
placid mule suddenly stalked into the
middleof the road. Prudence screamed.
jerked the handlebar 20 the right, 10
the left, and then, with sickening
thud, she struck the mule head first.
and bounced on down 10 the grodnd.
with q little cry Of pain. The bicycle
crashed Beside her, and the mule,
slightly startled, looked around at her
with ears raised Ira silent questioning.
Then he amblcd slowly across the road.
and deliberately continued his grazing.
Prudence tried 10 raise herself, but
she felt Sharp pain. She heard sorse-
one leaping over the fence nSir her.
and wondered. without moving her
head. II IL could be a tramp bent on
highway robbery. The next instant
man was leaning over her. ats not
n tramp" she thought. before he had
time 10 speak.
"Are you hurtf" he cried. You poor
child"
Prudence smiled plucklly. "My ankle
Is hurt a little but I am not q child"
The young man, IN great relief. |
laughed aloud, and Prudence Joined
family.
I'm afraid cannot walk" she said. F..
II believe I've broken my ankle. maybe
my whole leg. for all know. 1t
badlyw