The Idaho recorder. [volume] (Salmon City, Idaho) 1886-1927, 1918-08-02
BLACK JOHN

BY q. UNDERWOOD.

Copyright. 1918. Western Newspapar rnion.I
There was not an atom OF vice In
Black John. but he was fearsome
beast for weak-arrned rider who did
not understand his idiosyncrasies.
Trained to "go against the bit- by
the heavy-handed village blacksmith
from whom Casper Carson bought
him. he had mouth like gut,a percha.
and jaw muscles like steel ropes.
Mamie Carson rode him frequently
and sometimes TO the discontinue of
her escort. who, mounted on n horse
Of ordinary speed. found II difficult to
keep her In sight.
1t was probably admiration Of Miss
Carson's prowess as horsewoman and
a desire TO emulate II that induced
Miss Lakeland TO accept Jasper Car
sons offer to teach her to ride.
The riding lesson was given In the
early morning. In order that the CEN
serious might not see and deride Miss
Lackard's inexperience.
But Jasper Carson had something
In his heart a. say 10 Miss Lack
land. and he had promised himself tn
say II during one OF these delightful
rides. 1t would be so easy. ne thought.
to ease his soul of Its burden while
riding by her side. When the morning
came he found the brave resolutions
OF the night before had vanished.
"Afayn't ride Black John tomor-
row. Mr.. Carson?' said Miss Lack
land. after her sixth lesson. "Your
sister. Mamie, says he is perfectly
safe IL you are along"
Certainly you may" said Jasper
Carson, flushing with pride.
So 1t was that when Jasper Carson
rang the bell at the Lakeland home
that golden morning. Black John bore
a sidesaddle.
'Tsn't he the dearest thingr said
Miss Lakeland. as they cantered along
the river road which was overhung
with locust trees.
"He's a good old horse" said Jas
per Carson. Hold your relns u
trifie lower. Miss Lakeland. There.
that's right"
"rm so glad have learned to ride, /"
she said.
Jasper Carson tried to say: Wont
you ride through life with mer'
/ Before he could speak. ragged
urchin Jumped from tree. and shrek
ed: "Yah! YAH"
| Black Johns nerves were as invul'
| nerable as his mouth, and he merely
I pricked his ears in disapproval. but
/ the mare Carson rode was sensitive
She plunged forward In mad effort
to bolt, and Miss Lakeland. watching
with alarm and admiration. Carson''
skilled management. increased th'
pressure on Black Johns bit. TIL,
horse accepted this as signal Il
change his gait. and responded witt
cheerful alacrity.
Jasper Carson grasped the situation
instantly and Il cold chill struck to hi
heart. So long as the girl retained he
presence OF mind there was little dan
ger Of her falling on. but as she sim
ply sat still and pulled on the biz
Black John would turn from the roa'
into bridle-path that led back hoin
and his rider would almost certninl.
be swept out OF the saddle by tn
limb OF a tree.
Driving his spurs deep into the side
of his mare. Carson gave chase. tn
mare had a strain Of hunting blood u
her and good burst Of speed. bu
Black John was 200 yards In from
when she got her stride. and TIL
bride path was not more than
quarter of mile away.
AS BLACK John swept around a curv
|, in the road. Carson lost sight OF his
aad his fair rider. II was only 20
yards now to the bridie-pa,h. and tn
single-footer had lead Of nearly ons
fourth that distance.
Urging the mare with heel hand an
voice. Jasper Carson dashed on, cur'
. Ing and praying In turn. He fnncie
himself standing by Miss Lakeland
corpse. and wondered could he live af
er that.
When Black John turned into III