Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 December 1904 — A HERO GUNTER [ARTICLE]

A HERO GUNTER

■ "Won't you give me my answer, Daisy?” said handsome Frank Allison pleadingly, trying to take his pretty little cousin’s hand. '

“How persistent you afe, Frank!” she exclaimed In some petulance, snatching away the diminutive white member impatiently. “I have already told you I would never accept a man of the ordinary level of mankind. I’ll wait until I meet a really heroic, noble man, oue who would risk his own life to save mine. There, Frank, you have your final answer.” “But I’d do as much as that, Daisy,” he said earnestly. “I would, Indeed, if I only had the opportunity.” "Without a doubt, sir, though I must say*l am Inclined to disbelieve your statement. You are not of a heroic make, Frank, and you ought not to aspire to things you could never perform. The Idea of considering yourself a hero! Oh, Mr. Allison, I advise you to abandon the foolish thought”

"Daisy, how can you say so?” he cried reproachfully. “I know—l am convinced you are speaking but idle, empty words. Daisy, you know I hold a greater part of your heart than you care to own; eh, my pretty hero hunter?” And his speech ended in a teaßlng tone of voice.

The Impudent fellow actually enjoyed the red flush that crimsoned the pinkness of her cheeks, the angry flash of her gray blue eyes, the scornful curl of her short upper lip. Daisy Vsme was very angry indeed to all appearances, and her words confirmed her Insulted looks. “How dare you, Frank Allison?” she exclaimed. “How dare you, I say? Hero hunter, Indeed! Very complimentary, I really must acknowledge! Thank you, sir!” Mr. Allison grew Instantly penitent, or perhaps pretended to be so. His face took on a sorrowful cast of expression. “Forgive me, Daisy, dear. I was beside myself, love,” he murmured, with a languishing glance. “Your Daisy dear! Your love, forsooth!” the Indignant damsel said scornfully. “Once and for all, Mr. Allison, I decline to listen to any more of your endearing epithets. You have belled your words, sir. I’ou are anything but a hero, sir, and consequently you are unworthy of my hand.” Frank fired up under this blaze of scorn. He drew his fine figure up proudly and haughtily. He "smiled as scornfully and spoke as coolly as Miss Yane herself. “My heroism has not been proved as yet, Miss Vane, that I know of. Until you are certain of my defects in that quarter I think you would do well to reserve your opinion. But I will not detain you any longer. Allow me to wish you a very good morning,” he said, with 'inimitable politeness of manner. And off be walked in fine style after honoring Daisy with a courtly bow and haughty smile.

“I hope he is not offended,” she thought as she pursued her solitary way along the verdant path on the wide, green field. ‘‘Though he did behave nonsensically, yet I do think, after all, he is of a heroic make. I actually wish something would happen to me and Frank would display bis heroism, and then it would turn out all right. Frank was right when he said he knew he held a place in my heart. But unless something does oecur I will never let him know I care for him at all. Oh, something must happen!” she exclaimed aloud, and from the depths of her tender little heart there fluttered a sigh. And, would you believe it then and there something did happen! Did you ask what It was? Well, a deep, sonorous growl fell on the fresh country air, and Daisy looked up to behold an enormous bull only a few paces from her and looking fixedly at her. In a moment she understood the cause of this unwelcome encounter. She wore a light woolen shawl of a vivid scarlet color, the very hue that arouses all the fierceness In such an animal.

Daisy gave a wild shriek, and, turning around, she fled with wonderful fleetness back the way she had come. But quick as she ran her speed was nothing compared to the terrible rate at which the huge animal behind her came along. Her fate seemed Inevitable. She paused a second for breath and gave a long, piercing shriek. The next Instant she certainly would have been tossed mercilessly over the high wall that inclosed a part of the field, when—oh, what a blessed relief -she beheld Frank Allison close beside her. Catching the terrified girl In his arms, he first tore off the scarlet shawl and flung it back at the bull, who, now that he bad the offending color all to himself, vented his fury on the poor little shawl by tearing It to shreds, after which operation he contented himself by beginning quietly to graze on the green grass. All danger being passed, Frank silently went on until they readied a low stile, and then he released his fair burden. Their eyes met Daisy’s face flamed with crimson blushes, and her pretty Ups quivered softly. Frank put his arm around her waist and drew the yielding form to him. “Daisy, will yon give me my answer now?” he asked. "You are my hero, Frank," she whispered slowly. “And you’ll be my wife, darling?" ‘TU be anything you want Frank, for I love you and will acknowledge you to be my hero,” she said submissively. “My sweet little heoo hunter, you have found your level at last So lam your here!” And Frank sealed his words with a kiss of their betrothaL— Exchange.