The Mineral argus., 1883-08-30

Certainly" replied Tara, and re-
treated into the warm, fre-lit room.
The tall man followed, and quickly di-
vesting himself Of his s~now-covered out
err wrappings, drew near the blazing
ire. -.
he said, smiling, "and your father ad-
vises me to tell you that I am from the
East
glad am always to see any n from
home" she said.
'I have been in Montana, however,
all this fall" Mr.. Storey went On to say,
''and | come here nearly every fall TO
/ hunt. Montana is good hunting ground.
| But / have fingered a little too along
among the Rockies this time; winter has
overtaken mel"
at is our first real snow storm, but il
makes one feel it ought to be in January
instead of only November" Tara
said with a a sigh, as a gust Of
wind beat wildly against the ranch
cabin.
her companion, glancing up at the young
girls somewhat sad face.
She was leaning against the mantel-
shelf, unconsciously watching William
/ ONUICN aE hC INV MS AAAAAAN0 AAAAAAE
before the blaze.
mo, 1 thought 1 should like it, but it
is very disappointing" Then suddenly,
her face kindling: "Have you ever
been in Maine2 Havs you ever passed
through a little town called LsurelP" she
asked eagerly.
'Yes, to both questions" replied Sto-
rey, again smiling. 81 stopped ove
night once at Laurel, on my way to
Mount Desert n summer 1t is a love-
ly little nook"
"Oh, is it notl' cried the young girl
with almost a culver in her voice. II
lived there once. l was so happy
therel'
"Shall you not return there some
timer" asked Storey pityingly, not know
ing what else to say.
I'VE hope to; bat we can't set no def
mite time for our return. 1t all depends
on the sheep" said Tara, nsively.
as she spoke her father opened the
front door and came in, well whitened
by the storm.
cara fastened to help him off with
bis great, shaggy buffalo-skin coat, and
then drew another chair to the hre for
him.
Almost her hrst words we're: Faith
Ell, Mr.. storey has been to Laurel"
Mt, Josslyn laughed.
you couldn't have Ueen to q better
place, according 90 this foolish child, "
he said. addressing his guest.
Then Tara slipped away leaving lh'
two men 70 enjoy the cracking pine
logs. while she prepared something no
for supper.
"Weil," observed Mr.. Josslyn. anel
|. his daughter had gone, you were Rbou
lost-completely lost!-when ! anne VI
} with you'll" And he gave an amuse'
glance at his companion, as though be
ing lost was rather a comical situation.
81 should think sol" exclaimed Storey
"If you had not come along just then
should most likely have spent the nigh
on the plains. ] could not see any trai
J the storm was so binding. 1t wa
] worse than folly, my leaving Bozema
for a ridge on such an afternoon.
might have known il would storm! Blu
1 il only threatened when | set out"
Are you acquainted much win IN
country about hcre2" asked MI. JosslyI
3 81 ought to be-" said Storey, smiling
g II hunt in these parts every fall"
d "You don't say sol Come way {
e Montana to hunt! You must be yer
e fond for the SPORT"
: VERY. Montana is a good countr
for hunting, too, l guess that's all MI
3 Josslyn would admit it was good Tor
" added the yOung man, again smiling, 8
he recalled Zara's pensive young face:
q "She hates il; | can see that" M
p Josslyn said, in confidential ID
d she knows we have got to to stay her
st for the present, anyway; so b max
u the best Of il. OuI ranch Is not vel
D comfortaDle-not as comfortable as
J. would wish for Zarl's sake; but We a.
. trying TO get away from this wilderness
Z, SO Law by all we make. I'm sorry
>, haven't better shelter to offer you, att
le urging YOU to come with me, though
"a he added. .
III "T an very grateful for your hospitf
ity," Storey hastened to say. II a
-, more thankful to you for taking me
Y at all, and l have spent many a mig
on ranches far less comfortable than u
one" ,
-. Then lara appeared and said simpl
le "We use our kitchen for a OHM
~ room. Will you come to supper, please
ut Storey rose Immediately, and with |
. host followed the young girl into a Il
y. ceiled but exquisitely eat room.
be Earn presided at the head of the SIN
en- round dining-table, and poured iragra
cu1ee into quaint, real china cups.
n these came from home" she 50
= proudly, as she handed William Stor
a. one Of the blue and white treasures.
The evening was spent in pleas
II chat ny, and passed so delightfully."-
the young girl that she fairly star
"a at the little clock when it struck eley'
~ A bed was made mp in the 81
ROOM as Mr.. Josslyn's cramped sht
bedroom, opening, as Zara's did, out
Wv the kitchen. was not deemed suffice
ly comfortable foF the guest. And WI
,s William Storey fell asleep that night
~, dreamed Of the little red-curtained ro'
- in which he lay. and saw Zara's pret