The Pulaskian. (Pulaski Heights [Little Rock], Ark.) 1915-1929, 1919-08-22
PRINCESS AS CUPID
BY RENE THuRLow.

Princess and Major were two large,
coal black cavalry horses.
Had they not loved each other only
as horses can. they would not have
been the means Of bringing together
two young hearts which came very
near being crossed in hopeless love.
Geraldine Evans was the niece Of
Colonel Harris and was paying him a
visit at Fort Corliss 1t was from
Majors back that Dick Wentworth, a
handsome lieutenant there, had told
| Geraldine he loved her; it was while
sitting on an old log by the way
side, Princess and Major standing near
by, that Geraldine promised to be
Dicks wife; and alas, it was through
Princess and Major that they fell out.
Dick had asked her if she would ride
with him that evening at Z. and she
answered: with the greatest of
pleasure
A few minutes before the appointed
hour she stood on the wide veranda
inclosing the eolonel's quarters.
Seven o'clock came and went, but no
Dick. Half past seven rolled by and
still no Dick eight o'clock arrived and
with it Sergeant Gray in his large
touring ear.
"Oh, do come for a ride, Miss Evans.
Captain and Mrs. Williams are going
out for ride and want you for the
fourth"
Indeed, shall be pleased to-"
Geraldine replied, piqued at Dicks evil
dent carelessness.
At seven o'clock as Dick came pull
ing on his gauntlets, he found his steed
quietly grazing a little distance off.
Then followed temper trying game.
For three-quarters of an hour the young
officer approached first one horse and
then the other. Just when he thought
his hand was upon the bride. up would
go pair of heels and the black beast
would seamper off.
The result was, Dick was one hour
later than he had promised
AS the auto was making the turn at
the md of the road, a hot, dusty young
man with two coal black horses rode up
to the colonel's gate. He found Geral-
dine gone. Worse still, he heard her
silvery voice floating back in the wind.
The next morning, while out for a
stroll Geraldine met Dick and waited
for him to explain his hardness, while
he waited for her to explain her al
sence, and a GOODNESS arose.
That afternoon they were to attend
a ball game, but Dick asked Sergeant
| Gray to take his place, excusing him
self on the plea of unforeseen duties.
The next night was hop night, but
Geraldine did not find herself able to
go as Dick was to have been her escort,
so he went alone Soon after, Dick re-
ceived a neat little package of brass
buttons and other souvenirs addressed
to "Mr. Wentworth" and Mis-
Evans received similar package
containing pair of crocheted slippers
and arm elastics, whereupon both re-
gretted the day they ever met.
September came with the first tint of
autumn, mellow haze softened the
outline of each green-clad hill and
mountain, and the sun rose red and
sailed an unclouded course each day.
Geraldine was out ridisg on Princess
with Sergeant Gray.
The sun was just setting over the
western hills, but for the first time
since last June Geraldine did not notice
its beauty.
as it really necessary that you go
back East tomorrow, Miss EvansY
asked Sergeant Gray, noting the abb
sent, faraway look on her face. Her
answer was interrupted by Princess
who for a moment seemed almost I'M
manageable.
How uneasy your horse is. Miss
Evans"
Yes, she is always so without Ma
jor. Who is that coming behind us?'
1t was Dick on Major. q must say
good-by to her." he thought
IF 1 were to spur Major on and pass
them at run, Princess would surely
follow"
The flying horse and rider passed
them. Major whinnied as he shifted his
companion, and Princess arched her
glossy neck and was after him like the
wind.
Dick was delighted when he heard
the oncoming hoofbeats of the running
horse, but his exultation was changed
to terror when he saw directly in
front of him washout in the road
some 10 feet wide. Geraldine would
never be able to make that jump, she
could barely keep on her horse row. He
cursed himself for bringing hes iugo
peril. TO check their horses hef<ss Inc
leap was impossible.
Give Princess her head and brace
Yourself in fhe saddle" Dick cried as