The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1919-08-22

BY RENE THURLoW.

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, n
handsome lieutenant there, had told
Geraldine he loved her; it was while
side, Princess and Major standing near
by, that Geraldine promised to be
Dicks wife: and alas, ii was through
Princess and Major that they fell out.
Dick had asked her II 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
nclosing the colonel'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 car
''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 gauntets. 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 a pair Of heels and the black beast
would scamper off.
The result was. Dick was one hour
later than he had promised.
AS the auto was making the turn at
the end of the road. a hot, dusty young
man with two coal black horses rode up
t. 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 alb
sence. and GOODNESS arose.
That afternoon they were to attend
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 tC
&C as Dick was to have been her escort
SO he went alone. Soon after. Dick re
ceived neat little package OF brass
buttons and other souvenirs addressed
to "Mr Wentworth" and Miss
Evans" received similar package
containing a pair of crocheted slippers
and arm elastics. whereupon both re
gIetted the day they ever met.
September came with the first tint o.
autumn, q mellow haze softened the
outline Of each green-clad hill and
mountain, and the sun rose red ant
sailed an unclouded course each day
Geraldine was out riding on Princes!
with Sergeant Gray.
The sun was just setting over tn,
western hills, but for the first tim,
since last June Geraldine did not motto,
it's beauty
rs 1t really necessary that you e
back East tomorrow, Miss Evans?
asked Sergeant Gray, noting the alb
sent, PARKWAY look on her face. He
answer was interrupted by Princes
who for a moment seemed almost un
manageable.
How uneasy your horse is. Mis-
Evans"
Yes. she is always so without Ma
Jor. Who is that coming behind us?'
1t was Dick on Major. Il must sa
good-by to her." he thought.
IF l were to spur Major on and pas
them at run, Princess would surel
follow"
!. The flying horse and rider passe
: them. Major whinnied as he shifted hi
: companion, and Princess arched he
glossy neck and was after him like tn
wind.
Dick was delighted when he hear
q the oncoming hoofbeats of the runnin
horse, but his exultation was change
to terror when he saw directly /
front of him a washout In the roa
some 10 feet wide. Geraldine wOul
never be able to make that jump, sh
:, could barely keep on her horse now. II
!, cursed himself for bringing her int
peril. To check their horses before til
:. leap was impossible.
. Give Princess her bead and hrac
= yourself in the saddle" Dick cried, q
the horses gathered for the leap. "Hol
her up firmly"
(. But Geraldine had no strength to hol
ia her horse, and without her accu
toned support Princess stumbled. Die
hurried to the dust5edraggled forr
;, As he lifted her head tanning her ia,
with his cap Geraldine opened her eye
=. murmuring, 81 am not hurt, Dick,