The Prescott daily news., 1918-04-10
In the midst of her reflections he

In the midst of her reflections he got up.
 "Well, we'll make a move," he said. and disappeared abruptly into the darkness.
 She heard him moving around at some distance. Presently he was back leading three horses. One he saddled. The other two he rgged with his pack outfit, storing his varied belongings in the two pair of kyaks, and loading kyaks and bedding on the horses with n 6eft speed that bespoke long prac- tice. He was too busy to talk, and Hazel sat beside the fire, watching in silence When he had tucked up the last rope tnd. he turned to her.
 "There." he said: "we're reacy to hit the trail. Can you ride?"
 "I don't know" Pazel answered du- biously. "T have never ridden horse."
 "My, my!" he smiled. Your educa- ton has been sadly neglected-and you a schoolma'am, too !"
 My walking education hasn't been neglected" Hazel retorted. "1 don't need to ride, thank you"
 "Yes, and stub your toe and fall down every ten feet" Bill observed. No, Miss Weir, your first lesson in horsemanship is now due-if you aren't afraid of horses"
 "rm not afraid of horses at all," Hazel declared. But don't think It's a very good place to take riding les sons can just as we'll walk. for I'm not in the least afraid" And then she added as an afterthought: How do you happen to know my name7"
 "In the same way that you know mine." Bill replied. "even If you haven't mentioned 1t yet. Lord bless you. do you suppose Cariboo Meadows could import lady school teacher from the civilized East without everybody In fifty miles knowing who she was, and where she came from. and what she looked like? I guess you don't realize what old granny gossips we wild West erners are. Especially where girls are concerned"
 Hazel stiffened a trifle. She did not like the idea of Cariboo Meadows discussing her with such freedom.
 "Well," said he. i've won't argue the point"
 He disappeared into the dark again. This time he came back with the crown of his hat full of water. which he sprinkled over the dwindling fire. As the red glow of the embers faded in sputter of steam and ashes. Hazel realized more profoundly the blackness of cloudy night in the woods.
 "It's going to be nasty travelling. Miss Weir" Roaring Bin spoke at her elbow. "Ill walk and lead the packs. You ride silk. He's gentle. All you have to do Is sit still, and he'll stay right behind the packs. I'll help you mount"
 If Hazel had still been inclined to in- sist on walking. she had no chance to debate the question. Bill took her by the arm and led her up beside the horse. It was q unique experience for her, this being compelled to do things. No man had ever issued ultimatums to her. Bot here was Roaring Bill Wag- staff telling her how to put her foot in the stirrup, putting her for the first time in her life astride a horse, warn ing her to duck low branches. Tn his mind there seemed to be no question as to whether or not she would ride. He had settled that
 Unused to mounting. she blundered at the first attempt, and flushed In the dark nj Bill's amused chuckle. The next instant he caught her under the arms, and, with the leverage of her one foot in the stirrup, set her gently In the seat of the saddle.
 "You're such little person." he said, these stirrups are mile too long. Put your feet in the leather above-so. Now play follow your leader. Give silk his head"
 He moved away. Obedient to Bllrs command. she let the reins dangle. and silk followed close behind his mates. Hazel lurched unsteadily at first, but presently she caught the swinging mo- ton and could maintain her balance without holding stiffly to the saddle horn.
 The night seemed endless as the will derness itself. Unused to riding. she became sore. and then the sore mus cles stiffened. The chill of the night air intensified. She grew cold. her fingers numb. She did not know where she was going. and she was assailed with doubts of Roaring Bill's ability to find Cariboo Meadows.
 "Mr Wagstnff '" sha called
 Yours truly" his voice hailed back. nwny tO one side "I'II ha tbaro In n