Alma record., 1919-05-08
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BLACK JOHN
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BY Q. UNDERWOOD.
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'right. 1915. Western Newspaper u

Black John, but he was fcarsome
heast for . weak-armed rider %ho aid
not understand his idiosyncrasles.
Trained to "go against the bit" by
the heavy-handed village blacksmith
from whom Casper Carson bought
him, he had a mouth Ike gutta percha
and jaw muscles like steel ropes.
Mamie Carson rode him frequently
and sometimes 10 the discontinue OF
her escort, who. mounted on horse
Of ordinary speed. found IL difficult 10
keep her in sight.
II was probably admiration Of Miss
Carson's prowcss rs horsewOman and
a desire 10 emulate IL that induced
Miss Lakeland 10 accept Jasper Car
sons offer 10 teach her 20 ride.
The riding lesson was given I'm the
early morning, in order that the cen
serious might not see and deride Miss
Lackard's ineXpericnce.
But Jasper Carson had something
I'm his heart to say 10 Miss Lack
land, and he had promised himself 10
say IL during one Of these delightful
rides. Ii would be so easy. ne thought,
To ease his soul Of It's burden while
riding by her side. When the morning
came he found the brave resolutions
of the night before had vanished
"Mayn't / ride Black John tomor-
row. Mr.. Carson?" said Miss Lack
land. after her sixth lesson. "Your
sister, Mamie, says he is perfectly
safe II you are along"
"Certainly you may" said Jasper
Carson. flushing with pride.
So II was that when Jasper Carson
rang the bell at the Lakeland home
! that golden morning Black John bore
IA sidesaddle.
isn't ne the dearest thlng?" said
1 Miss Lakeland as they cantered along
the river road which was overhung
/ with locust trees.
Hes good old horse" said JAS
/ per Carson. "Hold your rclns n
trine lower. Miss Lakeland There,
\ hnt's right"
I'm So glad have learned to ride"
she said.
Jasper Carson tried TO say: "Won't
YOU ride through life with me?'
Before he could speak. ragged
urchln jumped from tree, and shrek
ed : "Yah! Yah"
Black Johns nerves were as invul-
nerable as his mouth and he merely
pricked his ears In disapproval, but
NE mare Carson rode was sensitive.
She plunged forward I'm n mad effort
10 bolt. and Miss Lakeland watching
with alarm and admiration, Carson's
/ skilled management, increased the
pressure on Black Johns bit. The
horse accepted this as signal 10
change his gait. and responded with
cheerful alacrAy.
Jasper Carson grasped the situation
Instantly and cold chill struck To his
heart. So long rs the girl retained her
presence Of mind there was little dan
ger OF her falling off. but as She sim
/ ply sat still and pulled on the bit
Rlack John would turn from the road
into IA bridle-path that led back home
and his rider would almost certainly
be swept out OF the saddle by the
limb Of tree.
Driving his spurs deep into the sides
OF his mare. Carson gave chase. The
mare had strain OF hunting blood in
her and good burst Of speed hut
Black John was 200 yards In front
when she got her stride. and the
bride path was not more than Il
quapter of mile away.
As Black John swept around II curve
in the road. Carson lost sight of him
and his fair rider. II was only 200
yards now to the bridle-path, and the
single-footer had lead of nearly one
fourth that distance.
Urging the mare with heel, hand and
voice. Jasper Carson dashed on, ours
ing and praying In turn. He fanced
himself standing by Miss Lacklanfs
corpse. and wondered could he live aft
or that.
When Black John turned into the
bride path the mares lean brown head
was at his flank.
"Whoa, John :" shouted Carson.
But John felt the pull at the bit,
and hearing the clatter Of the mare 5
hoofs. thought 1t was IA race, and put
] on n lllllt IlpIf
Miss Lackland's wrists ached, and
she was frightened too badly 10 heed
Carson's prayers To her to drop the
reins.
Jasper Carson cursed aloud In his
agony when he saw. 30 feet i'm front
Of Black John. the thick limb OF tree
barely high enough for crouchlng
horseman TO pass under. If Miss Lack.
land struck the limb, II meant death
She saw II. too. and bent low In her
saddle. As she crouched she ioosed
her hold on the reins.
"Whoa. John :" shouted Carson, pull
ing up so suddenly that his mare slid
forward on her launches.
Black John heard the command al
the instant the pressure on the bit was
released. and stopped I'm his most ab
rupt style. His head had passed un
der the bough.
Miss Lakeland plunged forward. and
, would have gone over Black Johns
head but for a friendly snag thai
caught her hair and jerked her back
Jasper Carson ran up and lifted hel
from the horse.
"Speak TO me, my darling" he said
b "Are you hurt? Speak, please. | love
YOU So dearly"
3 Miss Lakeland nestled her head Close
j. 10 Jasper CarSon'S shoulder, looked a