When A Man's A Man by Harold Bell Wright
page 7 of 339 (02%)
page 7 of 339 (02%)
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As the noise of wheels and hoofs grew louder a strange expression of
mingled uncertainty, determination, and something very like fear came over his face. He started forward, hesitated, looked back, then turned doubtfully toward the thinly wooded mountain side. Then, with tardy decision he left the road and disappeared behind a clump of oak bushes, an instant before a team and buckboard rounded the turn and appeared in full view. An unmistakable cattleman--grizzly-haired, square-shouldered and substantial--was driving the wild looking team. Beside him sat a motherly woman and a little boy. As they passed the clump of bushes the near horse of the half-broken pair gave a catlike bound to the right against his tracemate. A second jump followed the first with flash-like quickness; and this time the frightened animal was accompanied by his companion, who, not knowing what it was all about, jumped on general principles. But, quick as they were, the strength of the driver's skillful arms met their weight on the reins and forced them to keep the road. "You blamed fools"--the driver chided good-naturedly, as they plunged ahead--"been raised on a cow ranch to get scared at a calf in the brush!" Very slowly the stranger came from behind the bushes. Cautiously he returned to the road. His fine lips curled in a curious mocking smile. But it was himself that he mocked, for there was a look in his dark eyes that gave to his naturally strong face an almost pathetic expression of self-depreciation and shame. |
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