Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1893-12-21

j. d.
by Special Arrangement
CHAPTER XIL-CoNTINUED
''By Jovel that fellow is hero, what
ever color his coat" he cried, as she
closed her guarded recital
''He certainly risked his life" the girl
paused an instant-''a dastard's death,
for mel" And, though her head was
averted, Mckee saw warm color glow
on what of her neck showed above her
wrap.
"You are a wonderful woman in many
ways, Miss Clay" he said, seriously
most SO in lacking curiosity. Any
other would have paused to ask his
name, even through the loop of n hal
ter"
There was small need" The answer
came absently, in a PARKWAY, dreamy
voice. But she quickly added: I'VE
shall neUer meet again."
II should have asked, anyway" he
persisted, boyish enthusiasm overriding
his wonted tact. "You should have had
his name, even if you kept it until you
met at the judgment seat"
''Should we meet there, he will know
my hayward spirit, so little understood
ny SSSIA. LIZ VIII fuo" tiiSH tletC
am not ungrateful-that 1 am just"
She spoke as though to herself.
II should like to shake hands with
''In gray coat or blue, he is true knight,
without fear and without reproach."
She turned her face full toward him,
pale, solemn, but very calm. And
something in her eyes told Mckee that
theme had best be left for simpler ones.
There's another loyal and true" he
went on, covering one error by another.
''You are blessed in your nameless
friends, Miss Clay! Though l might
have had you across a week since, there
certainly is best intent and great risk
in that fellow whose soul you pray for"
81 do, God knows!" she answered,
slowly, but with deep feeling. eff be
1nworthy-if judge not fearing judg-
ment-my nearer will weigh my in
tent"
"Well, he is one Of us, anyway" the
youth ratified on. why cannot l do
something like him
You are doing-far more; doing your
whole duty" she broke in, restlessly.
Not like him." he persisted. ''IIe is
good, true reb, 'sholy,' as Pete says.
Some day shall feel honored when l
take his hand and tell him how he
served you"
The woman turned short on him.
What the expression on her face said,
he could not TRANSLATES; but it cut his
speech off in mid-rush on his lips. Her
own quivered, as about to speak, but
she only dropped her hand istlessly at
her side and moved on again, silent.
After little she turned and said, with
evident effort:
''How much warmer it seems.'
warmer! why. it's colder than the
North pole!'' Mckee exclaimed; but he
seized the changed subject eagerly, for
his tact told him there was something
to avoid in the other, whether romance
or not. So he added:
There is a creek just ahead. Let US
try it for ice."
A thin skim rested on the surface of
the little run, but it quickly gave way,
even at the banks. under the pressure
of Mrs. Clonan's Sunday ties.
THAT will not do much HARM" he
said, confidently. "These flats freeze
day, at least, before the river. But you
must get across tonight"
81 acaA. Only death shall stop me this
time!"
The girls voice was calm, but the
ring in it made her companion stare
at her with open admiration.
For hours they tramped brislSly about
the crisp, cold woods, air and exer-
else bringing natural glow back to
the woman's checks, while her long,
easy stride tested sorely McKee's man.
agement of his heavy and novel skirts.
Then they went back to the cabin, talk
ing long and earnestly of her plans af-
ter landing, of chances for the enemy's
movement in such weather, finally
drifting to the congenial subject of Bes-
sic Westminster and her brave cleverness
on prisoners Sunday. But never once
did Mckee return to the thin ice of the