Motion Picture Story Magazine (Feb-Jul 1911)

122 THE MOTION PICTURE STORY MAGAZINE The look of determination in the girl's face fascinated the professional man. He had never married because he had always said that women were essentially selfish; that he would never marry unless he could find a woman who, to his absolute knowledge, would risk her life from purely unselfish motives to save another — a woman who could be brave in the face of danger, be quick to think and act, and who would not lose her self-control under trying circumstances. He had been inclined to be annoyed at Edith's hysterical outburst. Now he regarded her with some surprise and interest. The fact that she was a remarkably pretty girl may have stimulated the interest, but in after years the doctor would never admit that. Bill and Helen, tho knowing that Edith was one of the best riders in the country, both exclaimed in dismay at her suggestion. Bill offered to go himself but Edith would not listen to his suggestion. "She is my mother," she cried, standing beside the still form on the bed. "No one has a better right to take the risk than I. Cousin Helen, if I can borrow enough horses at your place, I can make the trip in relays." Pressing a kiss upon her mother's face she ran from the house, hastily mounted the horse standing in the yard and started for the 0. K. ranch of her uncle. The entire place seemed deserted, for everyone who could, had sought shelter from the sun. There were horses in the corral, however, and Edith quickly looked them over. Selecting those best fitted to make the trip and fastening a heavy sack securely to the saddle of the horse she was riding, the girl started on her terrible journey, leading two horses and riding the one that had already done service in going for the doctor. On and on, over the hot, dusty trail the little cavalcade galloped, while the girl's thoughts reverted constantly to the distressing scene of the morning when she had talked, not for the first time, so angrily to her mother. And now, the dear little mother was nearing death without knowing how repentant she was. Sobs came up into her throat and choked her, but she forced them back and nerved herself to accomplish the purpose of her ride or give her life in the attempt. "I have gone far enough," she thought, suddenly. "Bobin is giving out." Quickly dismounting, she lost not a moment in hobbling the horse and springing to the back of the second animal which dashed on with its burden even more rapidly than had faithful Bobin. A few miles more and the same performance was repeated, tho a minute or so was lost in looking for a secluded place in which to hobble the horse. Edith realized full well the necessity for care in this respect, for there was more than the sun's bright glare to be considered. Black Ike, the notorious horse thief was known to be at large, and it was reported that he had been operating in that vicinity. If one of the horses should be stolen it would be impossible to make the return trip in time to save her mother. The last lap of the journey was made at top speed, tho the horse that made it would have to double his course on the way back. He was a fine animal, and had made many a record at the races, but never a run like that. The little town of San Pedro lay baking in the sun that day. The stillness was intense when the sound of hoof beats broke upon the air and the black horse with its wild-eyed, disheveled rider dashed down the main street, on past the public square and down thru a side alley, straight to the door of the one ice house of which the place boasted. Hardly was the foaming horse brought to a stop, before Edith, sack in hand, had dismounted, rushed to the door of the building and grasped the latch. It did not respond to her touch. She shook it furiously, only to discover that it was locked. Locked! Locked, and she had come so far ! "Mother — may be — dying — " she moaned to herself. In an agony of disappointment she beat upon the closed door with her hands. She called, but no one answered. It was the noon hour. Everyone who could do so was