Evening star., 1924-09-11
THE OWLS HOUSE
A Thrilling Adventure Story
By Crosbie Garstin
Copyright. 1924 by Frederick A. Stoke. O.

the heart of dove. Take hold of
the reins. Your knee. Up you go"
He hove the boy high and lowered
him gently into the saddle.
"Stirrups too long? Put your feet
In the leathers-so. An easy hand on
her mouth, touch will serve. Ready?
Then away, my chicken"
He let go the bride and clapped
his palms The mare bounded into
the air. Ortho, frightened. clutched
the pommel, but she landed again,
light as feather, never shifting him
in the saddle. Smoothly she cara
| coled. switching her plumy tail, toss
ing her head, snatching playfully at
the bit. There was no pitch, no jar
just an easy, airy rocking. Ortho let
her gambol on for a hundred yards
or so and then, thinking he'd better
turn, fingered his off rein. He no
more than fingered the rein, but the
| mare responded as though she di-
vined his thoughts, circled smoothly
and rocked back toward Pyramus.
Round again" shouted the gypsy.
And give her rein. There's stretch
of turf before you"
Again the mare circled. Ortho
tapped her with his heels. A tremble
ran through her, an electric thrill.
She sprang into canter from can
ter to a gallop, and swept down the
turf all out. 1t was fight, no less
winged flight, skimming the earth.
The turf streamed under them like
green river: bushes, trees, powders
f1ickered backwards, blurred, reeling.
The wind tore Ortho's cap off, ran
fingers through his hair, whipped
| tears to his eyes. blew jubilant bugles
in his ears, drowning the drum Of
hoofs. filled his open mouth, sharp,
intoxicating. the heady wine of speed.
He was one with clouds, birds, ar
roWs-all things free and flying. He
wanted to sing, and did so--a word
less, crazy caroling. They swept on,
drunk with the glory of it. A barrier
of thorn stood across the way and
Ortho came to his senses. They would
be into 1t in minute unless he
stopped the mare. He braced himself
for a pull, but there was no need.
She felt him stiffen and sit back, sat
back herself and came to a full stop
within 10 lengths. Ortho wiped the
happy tears from his eyes, patted her
shoulder. turned and went back at
the same pace, speed-drunk again.
They met the gypsy walking toward
them. the dropped cap in hand. He
side him and rubbed her soft muzzle
against his chest. He looked at the
flushed, enraptured boy.
she can gallop-my little Rriena?"
"Gallop! Why, yes. Gallop! II
never knew, never saw. l."
Words failed Ortho. Pyramus
laughed.
NO. there is not her match in the
country. But, mark ye, she will not
give her best to anybody. She felt
the virtue in you, knew you for her
master. You need experience, polish,
but YOU are a horseman born-fiat in
the thigh, slim-waisted, with light.
strong hands," The gypsy's voice
pulsed with enthusiasm, his dark eyes
glowed. ''Tcha. 1 wish 1 had the
schooling of you'd make you
wizard with horses.'
"Oh, l wish you would! Will you,
will you:' cried Ortho.
Pyramus made gesture with his
expressive hands.
Il would willingly. I love a bold
boy, but"
"Yes?"
Pyramus shrugged his shoulders.
The lady-your mother-has no
liking for me. She is right, doubt
apoor Rom. Still. l mean no HARM
she shall never know, never" said
Ortho eagerly. "Oh, 1 would give
anything If you would"
Pyramus shook his head reprov-
ingiy.
You must honor your parents.
squire. 1t is so written. And yet /
am loath to let your gifts lie fallow-
prince of jockeys 1 could make
you.'
He bit his finger nails. as though
wrestling with temptation.
See here. Get your mothers leave
and then come-come, and a thou
sand welcomes. l have chestnut
pony-a red flame of pony-that
would carry you as my beauty carries
me-"
He vaulted into the saddle, jumped
the mare over furze bush, whirled
about, waved his hat, and was gone
up the valley, scattering clods.
lCan tinued in ToraoEEax..,e. o.