Argosy All-Story Weekly, April 4, 1925 — page 79: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

IN fortable design and a snaffle made it pos- sible to govern the horse in a gentle manner. She drew up the snaffle, letting out the curb somewhat, and was amazed at the pleased fling of the head with which Thun- derbolt* indicated her appreciation. Thun- derbolt cantering on a snaffle! The thought was too much for Hazel’s humor. She laughed delightedly and, pirouetting the red mare, she came galloping back to where Cosgrove awaited her. As Hazel pulled Thunderbolt in, the mare, suddenly feeling the curb, bucked and pranced sideways. Instantly Cosgrove seized the bridle rein and brought the ani- mal, prancing, to a standstill. He did not fail to notice the cool adroitness of the girl’s horsemanship as she balanced in that sudden plunge, and he was all admiration as she resumed her place beside him. ‘That was lovely,” he said. ‘I’m sorry Thunderbolt bucked. But I’ve only had the training of her for a few hours. We rode a lot last night, and I’ve had her out since four this morning. She’s the most intelligent horse I’ve ever worked with.” “Now tell me why you are looking for Gaines,” she said. He laughed. ‘“That’s why I asked you to ride Thun- derbolt,” he explained. ‘‘ Lederer’s trying to get a warrant against me now for horse stealing.”’ Hazel’s eyes grew wide. ‘For horse stealing! The man must be mad!” ‘He is. Mad as all get out. But the point is, I don’t want to lose Thunderbolt. She’s mine now, and I can’t let them bru- talize her again. I’d as soon put a woman to a plow as to put her into the rodeo work again!” “Of course!” she cried. is yours by right of conquest! get that warrant!” ‘“ That’s what I’m out to arrange!” She stood in silence for a moment, watch- ing him. ‘“ And while vou arrange it, you have to neglect your case!” ‘“‘ Ves,” he admitted ruefully. ‘I know. And I ought not to spare a minute from ‘ Thunderbolt He’ll never THE EVENT OF DEATH. 869 the old law books. But, Hazel, this horse iS never going back to them! Never! It’s too much. That horse is a friend of mine now and to give her up, why, it would be like surrendering—”’ He stopped gazing at her with blazing eyes. “You!” he cried. ‘“ What do you mean?” she faltered. ‘‘' Yes, like surrendering you!” he insist- ed. ‘‘ You, who have given me friendship where I least hoped to find it. Friendship, Hazel, that nothing in the world would take away from me. And they can’t have Thunderbolt, either!” She was fixing him now with a strange smile. It was happiness, that smile, a hap- piness which filled her body and glowed in her heart with a warm and secret glory. And with that happiness came a certain knowledge that she could help him. ‘Go back to your books, old Hair Trig- ger Harry,” she scofted. ‘‘ Only walk back. Leave vour beautiful red Thunderbolt here and I’ll promise that she’s yours, legally and unredeemably before the dav’s over. “What are you going to do?” he asked her. “Don’t stand asking questions.” She knew now that she had him completely in her power. She knew the Jast infinitesimal degree of the Strength she could wield against him. ‘‘Go and do what you’re told.” Then the importance of the work she urged him to resume fell upon her with its cloud of impending tragedy. ‘You ought to be at them now!” she cried. ‘‘ You have said yourself how little time there is to prepare. Oh, don’t let this matter of a norse interfere. Keep your mind and your work on the charge they’ve got against you. They'll move heaven and earth to convict you now!” He frowned, knowing the truth of her words. “But I can’t let them take her—” he began miserably. “Then trust me!” she cried. Impulsively she stepped to him and grasped his arm and the lapel of his coat. ‘Trust me!” she cried. bring her back! “T swear I'll Trust me to do it!” Conn lDOOlK