Motion Picture Story Magazine (Aug 1911-Jan 1912)

TEE GYPSY BRIDE 25 mare standing with forlornly drooping head. "Oh, only a little twist to this wrist of mine," he laughed easily, enjoying the concern on the sweet, brown face. "Missy, here, brought us both down as we were climbing from the ford back there, by loosening that right fore shoe of hers. ' ' "Oh!" exclaimed Lola, looking at Missy with concern, ' ' think how tired she must be traveling on this loosened shoe," and quickly leaning, she lifted the mare's foot, and with a deft twist of a stone, pried the shoe from the hoof. "Say, that's great! and I'm awfully obliged to you, ' ' and young Carter looked at Lola with pleasant friendliness, as she dropped Missy's foot and softly patted the satin neck. "You're evidently fond of horses," he added. "Yes," she returned quietly, "they have always been my friends. If you'll ride to the camp, sir, you can get your mare shod and I '11 find something for your arm. ' ' " I 'm no end sorry, but I 'm awfully afraid I cant mount with this bother here," shaking his head, and looking ruefully at his wrist. "Why, of course you cant," she said, "you must come with me." Her own troubles were forgotten in her eagerness to help the stranger, and she turned her face once more toward the camp from which she had fled, her right hand on the mare's bridle, Frank keeping pace on the other side. The sun had passed mid-heaven and the early afternoon shadows were beginning to fall at the edge of the camp. The picturesque gypsy girls were moving about at their camp duties, or weaving baskets or bright grasses and straw along with the men, laughing and sparring after the manner of their kind. Jean, sitting hunched up on the tail-step of one of the wagons, suddenly removed his pipe and straightened up in angry surprise as he saw Lola approaching with a well-groomed tenderfoot — handsome, too, and well set up, Jean noticed, with black looks. Lola went directly to the Chief, who turned at their approach. "This gentleman's mare," she explained simply, holding up the shoe, as young Carter greeted the Chief courteously, "near cast her shoe and threw Mr. Mr. , ' ' she paused in sudden confusion, looking up at Frank, with flushing cheeks. "Carter," he added, helping her out with a smile. "And his wrist — see! he can't use it, ' ' she hurried on. The Chief scrutinized Frank sharply, then turned and called out : ' ' Jean, put on this mare's shoe!" As Jean slouched up, his eyes drawn together in a surly frown, Lola sprang up the steps of one of the wagons and disappeared within. Jean, with evident reluctance, led Missy away, just as Lola returned with a bandage, rolling it swiftly in her fingers as she came. "Push your coat-sleeve up a little, please, Mr. Carter," she directed. "This will help to keep the inflammation down," she continued, as Carter obeyed, smiling his admiration of her fascinating ways. Having deftly bound moist herbs on the aching wrist, she stepped back with a little laugh of mingled embarrassment and satisfaction, as Jean hurried up with the mare, which he had lost no time in shoeing. "I'm no end obliged to you," said Frank, addressing the Chief, ' ' for the hospitality I have received in your camp." "That's all right, Mr. Carterglad you got off so easy, ' ' replied the Chief, giving Frank a friendly hand to his saddle. Lola drew quietly aside, and stood with proud, uplifted head as Frank's hand sought his pocket and some loose coins jingled into Jean's greedy clutch. But she flashed him a sweet smile as he rode up to her, with uncovered head, to say good-by. "Until we meet again," he said, softly, smiling into her shy, dark eyes. Jean noticed Lola's sudden smile at young Carter, and seeing its reflection