SHOUT STORY.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 441, 29 September 1904, Page 7

SHOUT STORY.

Br edmon»so* barker.

SlJr was the summit of a wind-t • ■■ v|p upland. 2K The hound* had killed their fox, and the M F.H. was fixing the brush to the saddle of the only lady present, a girl of twenty, whose cheek was yet flushed by the gallop, and whose blue eyes were full of glee and pride at being one of the five survivors who had been in at the death. •Oh, thank you, Sir George,' she exclaimed. ' I shall treasure it as a remembrance of the best inn I ever enjoyed in *uy ife/ ' I hope to show you yet some more, 1 he ■inswered. *We are going on to draw Ne tiej Wood, and are sure to find.' ■' lam afraid I cannot go with you/ the girl sighed. 'I can't see anything of papa, and shall have to ride home by myself.' * Nob by yourself, my dea? Miss Palgrave/ put in a slim-figured man of thirty-five or so. 'My hone haa had quite enough of it for to-day, and, if you will permit me, I shall only be too happy to act as escort.' 'lf you are really quite sure, Major Ruehtsn/ the girl answered with a slight droop of the long lashes. So it cams about that half an hour later the two were nding together down a b idle path, which the Major declared to be a short cut. They had discussed all the varied fortunes of the run, and the subject was pretty well exhausted when the Major edged his tired chestnut a little nearer the bay mare, and dropped his voice to a more confidential key. "* ' Miss Falgrave/ he said, ' may I ven- < true to plead for some definite answer today? For months past I have been living—one day buoyed up by hope, another day despairing. I would sot press for an answer, tut time is so short now. The Hunt Ball this week, our races the next, and afterwards we shall be all going our separate ways, and I may not have an opportunity.' JI am cure Ide not know what to answer. Major Bnahton' the girl replied, leaning forward to pat her mare's neck. ' Cannot yon give me a little more time P* • Bay 'Yes/ now, Mary/ he pleaded. ' I will do all man can do to make you happy, and Boahton Hall is a fine old placet' There was a pause for neatly a minute before the girl answered. 'Well, then, I will say 'Yea'—or 'No'— after the races. Perhaps it will depend on whether yon win or lose,' she added, with a mischievous glance from her blue ejes. 'ln that ease I may hope/ he said eagerly. ' Mary, if I tell you a secret, will yon promise to kept it quite to yourself? 1

' A secret! Ob, Major Bushton, is it about the race ?' He nodded mysteriously. 'lt is like this/ he said. 'George Eobeon thinks be is quite rare of winning again this yaar, as be did last, with Coquette, and nearly everybody else thinks bo too. Now, I have a rattling good thing in Bampart, and I have told myself all along that I had oiJv Coquette to beat. All I wanted to know was whether he had pace enongh to beat the mare if it came to a finish. There was only one safe plan, and that was to try them together, and after a deal of trouble I got hold of Hobsob'b groom—tipped him well, yon know —and we galloped the two together for a mile early one morning, my boy being on the mare, and Hobson's groom being on Bampart. It was just a trial of speed, yon know, and, .by Jove, my horse won by two lengths. The cap is mine, as sure aa fate, and'—with a tender glanoe—'if I have only defeat in the race to fear I am quite easy in my mind.' A. drizsle of rain which had been falling now developed into a smart Bhower, for which Muy Palgrave was thankful, as it made an excuse for pushing forward at a faster pace, and checked the Major's gallant speeches. Even the most persistent of lovers feel the influence of being on a tired horse, with the rain soaking Hs reins and trickling down his neck. The mare, who had been carrying such a light weight, was fresh enough, but the cneetnut at least was thankful when the house that Colonel Palgrave had taken for the hunting eeason was reached, and after a brief rest, whilst his master refreshed, found his head turned towards his own stable. It was not toll the dinner hour that alary met hex father, and during the first courses the Colonel was in by no meana a good humour, his temper being still ruffled by having been thrown out early in the run by his horse refusing; but a good dinner, seasoned by a few glasses of choice wine, does more to soothe the heart of a man over fifty than anything else, and by the time the servants had left the room, and his daughter had brought him a light for his cigar, he had forgotten his ill-luck, and was ready to turn his mind to other matters. 'Well, Mary,' he said. 'So Major Bushton saw you home. I heard of it from Hobaos, who had it from Sir George. Hobion was in a deuce of a temper, I can tell you' 'Beally, papal' with extreme indifference. *He was, and I am sure he will speak out the first opportunity; but perhaps you haTe come to a definite understanding with the Maj or P* 'No,papa. He said something, but I put him cff.' The Colonel cast a sharp glance at his daughter. ' My dear Mary,' he said, speaking in a grave tone. -It is time that you made up your mind. I might point out to you that Hobson is the richer as well as the ycuuger man, but I leave you a free choice between the two. Ton know how lam situated. The chief part of my income dies with ice, and I have never been a saving man. As your father it is my duty to see you well settled in life. Young Hobeon will probably propose at the ball; ia fact, in a clumsy way he hinted at it. He is not a bad-hearted young fellow, and if you are wise you will accept him. Still, if you prefer the Major I raise no objection, ohky it must be one or the other, you understand, and it must be settled before we leave here, which you know will be directly after the Hunt Bacee.' When her father spoke gravely Mary was quite aware that he expected to be obeyed. Although a spoilt child, Fhs knew there was no appeal when he said a thing—it had to be done; so she rose, went round the table and kissed his The Hunt Ball at the Shire Hall was one of the chief events of the hunting season. Fair Dianas, who cared little for wind and weather in a general way, stayed at home that day, so as to be fresh for conquest in the evenisg; and mighty, Nimrods, who would laugh at the idea of resorting to juoap'.ng powder, be the country to be crossed ever so Bevere, took an extra glass or two of champagne before, pink-coated and white-gloved, they ventured to make a start for the seena of the evening feetivitiee,

rTHE WHITE JACKET,

In tacr, it wao not till after supper that George Hobson, temi-millionaire aad uan'jy of the latest type, found courage to aak Mary Palgravethe question which d IS. icrce and shyness had prevented hie ;»*i*g half a d*aen times during the last ta aa months. They were in a snug little of the corridor, a big palm protested them from too close scrutiny on one side, a Btatue o£ the other; and he felt, as he screwed his courage up to the Bticking point, that it was a case of now or never. It waa indifferently done. As plained it afterwards to a chum, he his the rails very hard, but he got through with it somehow, and with a nervous plucking at his right-hand glove, awaited the girl's answer. Bhe looked at him with a troubled face. Perhaps she realised how very much in earnest this young man, who had eo much to cff« of all that the world covets, was; and yet her pulsa never throbbed a stroke faster, nor did her colour chasga. 'Oh, Mr Hobson, I wißh you had never asked me, to-night of all nights in the year/ she eaid a little petulantly. 'I wished to be as free as air, and to enjoy myself without thinking cf anything but the ploasure of the moment, and now you ask me the question which involves, perhaps, the happiness of my life. You must give me a little time to think—indeed, you mutt.' * Oh, ah 1 Yes, of course, any time you like.' then remembering that this is not the speech of an ardent lover, he added : ' That in, in reason, you know, my detr Mies Pilgr&va—Mary, I mean. You can't understand what & state of anxiety I chill he in.' ' "Well I will not keep you very long in such a deplorable state, then,' the girl with a smile that brought the dimple he wculd have given a thousand pounds to nave kissed into her cheek. ' I will say jost a simple 'Yes' or 'No' after the race for the cup. All girlß like a hero, Mr Hobson, and perhaps if you win ' He left eff the nervous plucking at his glove, and smiled ttiumphantly. ' On, if I have only to win the oup, I &m the happiest man a;i?e!' he exclaimed. •I won it last year,• you know, with Coquette, and them io nothing sbout here wheh can touch her. The joke is,' he added with a little laugh, ' that Rushtoa thinks he has got at my grcom—had a trial, you know, on the quiet between his horse Rampart and my maie—but it was my groom who squared his lad to keep the mare back, else she would have won in a canter. It will be no end of a sell for the Major.' The girl echoed his laugh, and then rose from her seat. ' There is my cousin, Charlie Lambert, looking for me,' she said hurriedly. 'I premised him this dance. I hope '—and she shet a bright glance from under her laehes at her admirer—' Coquette will run up to her reputation,' 'Never fear,' he answered, now full of confidence. ' And after the race I hope to claim more than the cup.' Did she hear P At all events she paid no attention to those last words, but slipped her hand within the arm of the young man that sauntered up, and vanished with him into the ballroom. ' Charlie/ she whispered, ' take me out of this crowd. I have something to tell you—something important.'

11. It was a very demure-faced little girl ; who entered her father's study the next , morning, and Bat down facing him at the writing table. y ' Well, my dear P' he said, looking up. ( ' Got over your tiredness P Why, at your age I did not know what to be tired meant.' 'I did not want to talk, papa. You were quite right, Mr Hobson did speak .last night.' ' And you accepted him, of course P' ' Not quite, papa. I asked him to wait a little. He says he is very fond of me, and so does Major Baahton, and I am sure I do not know which to accept I have put them both off till after the race for the cup, and I think I shall take the one who winß.' The Colonel leant back in his chair and laughed. ' what an idea, child. All the same, it shows your blood. Tbe Palgraves always loved sport, be it of what sort it might.' ' If I marry either of them it will be for your sake, papa.' 'And your own happiness, Mary. I would not have you marry if I did not think it would be for that,' 'Well, then, papa, as you give me a free choice—being in a good humour for once—just write down, in case you may repent, that I may marry the winner of the oup—have you got the paper i. y P' ' But, my dear, my word is sufficient/ 'No, papa. This is a matter of .business, bo please write.' The Colonel laughed and took up the pen. Tne week which iatervened between the Hunt Ball aßd the races seemed dreadEully long to Mary, and it was a relief when the morning of the eventful day devoted tc the Hunt Races dawned, grey but fine. The Colonel glanced more than once into his daughter's face as he drove her in his phaeton on to the couras, and wondered in his own mind if she was as indifferent as she seemed as to which of her two admirers won the race. Mary, however, showed no sign of excitement, only when the two rivals came over to the drag, her pretty lips parted ia a mischievous smile as she noticed the stiff bearing of each towards the other. There were eight starters, and as Coquette cantered down to the startingpost it was evident that nine-tenths of those present looked upon her as the winner. Major Bushton, in purple jacket, black cap, had some difficulty with Bampart, who was evidently nervous, his grey coat Btreaked already with sweat. The best liked iof tne others was Mystery, whose bright bay coat ehone like satin, and whoso rider, Charlie Lambert, of the i Lancers; sat him like an artist. There was little delay at the post} the flag dropped, and a shout from the crowd told them they were off. Over the first fence Bamp&t led, and it was soon evident that the Major meant to nuke the pace hot, , The white jacket of Mystery's xider was to be seen also in the van, but George Hobson had pulled Coquette back, satisfied that her £urn of speed would settle matters at the finish. The Colonel, standing up on the drag, to all appearance much more exeited than his daughter, drepped words of comment from time to time. -Thete is Jack Brooks down/ he exclaimed. ' Serves him right for riding with a slack rein/ Then after a pause, Hobson is lying too far behind, if he does not put on the pace a bit he will sever catch the leaders. Hillyiars in the brock. By Jeve, Mary, that scapegrace cousin of yonrs rides well. Mystery was o& his nead, but he picked him up like a good un" TSiej will never catch Bampaefc--

the Major means winning, and no mistake.; what the deuce is up with Hobson ?' Ho frowned, and for a moment pot down his glasees, and looked at hie daughter, weae, though thrilled with excitement, stood beside him, a little excited perhaps, but outwardly unmoved. Those who remained of the competitors had turned for home now. Rampart still led. Myßtery lying second, but Coquette, had crept up into third place, and before tbe last fence was reached the black and all black of her rider was aloagside the white of Charlie Lwnbert. Mary shut her eyes for a moment, the Btrain was almost more than she could bear, but a roar from the crowd made her quiokly open them again. Rampart, a little blown from his exertions, had struck the last hurdle, and although his rider sa?ed the fall, he lost a couple of lengthß, and Ccqnette, dashing the front toak up the running. The Colonel smiled, Things were going as he wanted them to. ' My dear, I congratulate you/ he eaid. 'Young Hobson is a;good fellow, and worth half a million if he is worth a penny/ Bat Mary's blue eyes were fixed upon the white jacket. Hundreds of voices were shouting ' Coquette winß !' when Charlie Lambert shook up Mystery, In half a minute the order of things was changed. George Hobson, at the very moment when he thought victory secure, saw the bay horse flash by him, leaving the mare as if she bad been standing still. He thrust in the spuTs desperately, and Coquette answered i gamely to the call, running game as a pebble to the last; but it was a vain effort, for Mystery's long, easy stride carried the wearer of the white jacket past the post an easy winner, and the Hunt Cap of that year was Joet to the all blick, and all that the rider of the favourite could claim wa3 Jhe barren honour of second place. Nefcner of the defeated rivals cared to oroea the course after their defeat, but Charlie Lambert lounged ep to the phaeton, a loose greatcoat over his racing jacket. The Colonel clipped him on the shoulder. • Well ridden, my lad/ he exclaimed. 'I tell you what: I will write you a cheque for three hundred for that horse of yours, if you want to sell/ ' You are very good, sir/ lisped the young officer, 'but, you see, I want something better of youthen a cheque—fact is, I want you to give me Mary. We have been very fond of one another for ages, you know.' • Give you Mary! I'll see you——' ' Hush, daddy, dear 1' the girl interrupted, slipping her hand coaxingly into his. ' You must keep your promise.. I u&vj it in writing, you know, that I may marry the winner of the Hunt Cup if I like. And I do/ The Colonel looked blank fer a moment, but finally burst into a laugh. 'You little jade!' he oricd, pinching his daughter's ear. 'So it's been a plot* between you two, has it P Well, I suppose, yon must have your way, though you are staking the love of this young scapegrace against half a million of money. Still, after that finish, I have not the heart to say' No/ even if I had not pledged my word. Only one thing I bargain for, Charlie, if I give you Mary you mast sell rae the bay horse/ And bo they shook hands on the bargain —a good horse well sold and a pretty wife ] well won.