Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1893-08-08
Clot hiinb.
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and, taking his arm, they went dow,
the road and through tho woods, where
as little girl, she had often gathers
nuts, while Ralph, then a sturdy hov
sent them to the earth from his pidd,
perches high up In the trees.
she did not hesitate to tell him tbor
that she thought him the bravast
strongest and handsomest boy in ali the
Mo.u ne would give q great deal to
Know what she thought of him now.
IL was with something OF a feeling al
desperation that he resolved to learn
hsI Ieenngs tonight The courier
:. t. forgot the barrier that sprung I'M
n - MS mlnd, every time he thought Of
Ralph knew who he was-r.tb.r +.
did not know who he was. in regard to
name and parentage-and thonoh he
consoled himself with the belief that
neither could be bad, he realized
tnat In this community. there was a
strong, even bitter, preiudic. AGAIN At
these OF illegitimate birth. and that
maidens far beneath Lea Hedges in the
social scale would hesitate before DIV.
ing MIN their hands in marriage.
Usually, Ralph was the soul of cheer
iulness; TO- night, he was gloomy, and.
IN her futile efforts to rally him. Lea
herself became taciturn,
Az length they reached a promontory,
mat commanded magnificent view Of
the bay. and Of the islands to tho oast
now cloud Of green and gold. in the
distance. Here they sat down on the
trunk OF a fallen tree and, turning to
her, Ralph asked:
how long have you known me, LEAF"
~ have known you Ralph" she re-
Piled. ever since can remember"
He became silent again, dreading to
launch out on the sea, to whose shore
he had led her.
tom" aN0'
She did not look at him, but toved
with the ribbon of the hat which she
held in her lap.
Il was wondering how long two
friends-good friends as you and / are
could be acquainted without knowing
exactly what the one thought of the
other. he said.
Il have never doubted about that: you
have been to me a brave brother. in
whom felt all sisters pride; and I
think have been to you a sister; you
have often told me was, in these very
woods" And now she began to knot
the strings as if she had spite against
them.
L was then youth and you little
girl. We have both changed. You are
no longer sister to me. Lea"
Not sister, Ralph"
No; the tlme-the time I have so
often thought of. and always with q
feeling OF dread-has come. Oh, Lea,
you must be much more than a sister to
me-or-or less"
He turned to her and reached out
both his hands; and, as she did not
make response, but sat there trem-
bling, with face as white as statue,
he called out:
Forgive me, Lea. l could not help
it. 1t seemed that my heart would
break il I did not tell you Of my love
before left. Now care not to return,
but 1 do not blame you. We're you in
truth my sister, and one in my position
asked for your hand. 1 could not en-
courage him"
"Oh. Ralph, Ralph" she cried, spring
ing to her feet, and clnging with her
white arms to his neck. DO not leave
me 80, Ralph, my more than brother!"
As he folded her to his breast, and
kissed her face. which the setting sun
seemed to surround with an aureole Of
golden light. Ralph Denham became
aware OF another presence.
He looked up and saw the scowling
dark face and towering form of the
Montauk chief before him.
Releasing Lea, Ralph strobe before
the Indian, and in an angry tone de-
manded:
What brings you here?"
Here" said the chief. defiantly
glancing around him. Here stand on
the lands of the Montauk. What brings
you here?"
Il should give my reply if this lady
were not with u.s." said Ralph.
Il shall receive your reply when she
is not with you" said Uncas, throwing
his long rifle across his shoulder, and
striding into the forest from which he
had come.
CHAPTER x.