The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1918-05-03
town, and rode to and from her school

1
morning and evening, on bicycle.
One evening. early In June, when the
world was fair to look upon. 1t 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 BIZ
cycle lightly beside her. came across
| 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 1t great
fun to ride a bicycle7 love 1t. Some
time will you let me ride your wheel r
"Why, certainly. You may ride now
II 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. I always sleep late
on Saturdays"
30 Prudence dellghtedly tr1pped 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-
hded her plan to Fairy.
"fm going at six o'clock. and Fairy,
II am "A 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, In 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. but
Fairy'n get breakfast" she thought,
comfortably.
Finally she turned in 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 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 a sober-eyed, serious mule peace
fully grazing near the bottom of the
hill.
Prudence laughed gleefully, like a
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
whistled about her in a most exhila-
rating way.
But as she neared the bottom the
placid mule suddenly stalked into the
middle Of the road. Prudence screamed,
Jerked the handlebar to the right, to
the left. and then. with sickening
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 her
with ears raised In silent questioning
Then he ambled slowly across the road
ana deliberately continued his grazing
Prudence tried to raise herself, but
she felt sharp pain. She heard some
one leaping over the fence near her
and wondered. without moving her
head, II 1t could be a tramp bent on
highway robbery. The next instant a
man was leaning over her. Its not
a tramp" she thought. before he had
time to speak.
Are you hurt7" he cried. You poor
child!'
Prudence smiled pluckily. my ankle
Is hurt little, but am not child"
The young man, In great relief,
laughed aloud. and Prudence Joined
him rather family.
I'm afraid I cannot walk" she said.
II believe I've broken my ankle, maybe
my whole leg. for all l know. It
hurts-pretty badlyi"