Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1888-04-12


"Oh, yes; remember"
"Our eyes viii soon be accustomed 10 tho
dark. I don't believe know the bcst route
70 Barlers. They live on tho main road,
don't thoyln
"Yes, and II we turn into tho woods hero
by the school.house there is sled road
which will lead us"
Into the woods near tho school-house they
accordingly turned. Tho night air made q
faraway aolian sound among tree limbs,
and beyond the Hollow, Guys dogs could be
heard barking at intervals
Phoebe covered ouca or twice again, but
tho sentinel object ahead OF them always
proved 10 be a stump instead OF Thano. She
glanced backward, suspccting that he had
followed them he had disappeared too soon
| after Bcss overthrow him TO be far OF. As
Gurleys and Bess' feet trod undisturbed
ahead, however, Phmbc's confidence re-
turned,
'If you come TO harm on my nccount,n
she said, II would not know how to en-
durc itn
"Do you think these woods are full
OF wolves and robbersm laughed Gurloy.
"As long ago as my jacket days thoy hadn't
even a wildcat TO mako them interesting.
Painter is the only monster that is sup
posed 70 haunt thcm now. Have you any
wrap ont Aren't you coldr'
Just little cold, but hadn't noticcd II
myself. | did not stop for a shawl And
what will they think when they find YOU are
| gone without any ovcrcoatV
They'll think I'm chasing Bcss toward
her stable" replied Gurlcy, In smuscmcnt
/ ut was fortunate l snatchcd up my hat
Here; you must lot me wrap this around
| your shoulders He halted Bess
"What Is it'm inquired Phubc, but the
| CLEAN Of his shirt-slcoves was token enough.
"Indeed, won't take your coat, Mr.. Cur.
| ley. Indeed, will not II you don't put Il
ON again III go bacl, in the dark by myself
II is not a cold night. don't shvor because
| am chilly"
"As you please" said Gurlcy, throwing IL
across his arm and moving on. ut does
smell n cigars. / feel like grand wood
chopper sta l''g along this way"
at wasn't cs,rs. You know IL wasn't
cigars. want you 20 put It ON. plcasc.n
"Hcre,n said Gurlcy, sis conflict Of
wills. The finc-tcmpcrcd but firm inolastic
woman's will, and the big brutal man'Swill
IL he gives way he creates a dangerous pro
cedent, and in this case makes himself CON
tomptiblon
ut isn't any conflict" said PhUbe. "I'm
only begging you to do as 1 want YOU to-"
That's the artful way IN which the wom-
ans win operates" 4" laughed Gurloy. "But
l will obcy you, ~ he added, with gentle seri-
BUSINESS, seven in this case, because your
slightest wish is going TO have lifelong
power over mo.n
'No,n gaspod Phoebe, feeling her heart
close ITS muscles as with grip.
"Yos. My place is at your bride rein"
He turned his face up toward her, his eyes
smiling through the dark, and throw the
l. -.
der his chin. II don't want 70 be too warm
while you are not wrapped at all, though
"And that's n mans obedience said
Phoebe, in a strange voice, which she could
not make playful.
"Yes; his loyal obedience"
They moved forward in silence, save the
sound made by walking. Phoebe felt the
blood beat in every part Of her body. The
sholtcring woods seemed warmer, having q
spice Of odorous barss and the breath OF tho
first spring flower in the air.
Il never have been on this path before"
SAID Guricy. Have youf
"No, never" brcathed Phoebe. "Oh-
what am l saying l have been through
these woods often"
I'D like it, he continued, 'if we were
going straight on 70 Heaven knows where.
Some happy valley, may be. So far as my
interest in the matter Is concerned the rest
Of creation may go by the board. This is
an unusual ride, isn't il! How keen tho
starlight is. Two going down TO Egypt 10
escape Hcrod.n
II feel quito safe from nerod,p said
Phoebe, rubbing an agitated palm on Bess'
neck, with you. Butthero isn't any happy
valley or pleasant end 10 this ride. Irsa very
unhappy valley. And your place is not at
my bride rcin.n
'The existing fact disp-cses that state
ment"
"But l mean any more"
"Now is always the beginning Of here
after said Gurlcy. u am here now. Let
a astronger man put me out Of my place If he
cam
'Listen - said Phmbc, sitting alert "And
don't you see somebody coming yondcr"
AS they crunchcd on, feet approaching
thom crunched also, and two figures way
cred, now together and now apart, as they
picked hrmer footing about the roots OF
wayside trees.
Gurley drew deep breath Of regret as
he looked up at PhTbc, and she said:
SITS Mr.. and Mrs. Barker. know his
voice"
"W hom have we herol" demanded the
master, Us the parties encountered each
other.
"Oh Mr. Barker was coming 70 your
house. And you arc going away"
"Nes, but you save us a walk, Miss
Phoebe We were setting out 20 see you. Is
this young Gurleyi Good evening, sir, good
evening"
Good evening" responded Gurlcy, car
rying his white slcevcd hand 10 his hGt Ia
saluting the masters wife. "Its flattcring
70 have convoy sent out for u.s. Miss
Phoebe has been trembling through tho
woods, but she ought 10 feel safe in the heart
Of party like this"
"Why, you surely didn't expect 70 bo
molested, child'" said Mrs Barker, with a
pang Of anxiety in her tone.
Il didn't know" hcsitatcd Phc,ba
."Fced you 90 any further now, Mr..