Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-10-12

won't keep en- there? I'll mako 'em stay
straight now-indeed WILL
Stella's eyes were full of an amused
surprise. In her earnestness Arizony
had grasped Philips hand as an aid in
softening the official heart. Stirling
hardly knew what TO say.
"You see they're such old trespassers,"
he urged in defense of his action. eyes
both of them-ahem! l hardly see my
way TO releasing either one. Why don't
you give them up, Arizony? You could
get on much better VITA different asso-
Gates
Il told you once before that / could
not give up my friends" she returned
somewhat sullenly.
He had not intended at first to re-
monstrate upon this head, nor had she
thought Of being otherwise than humblv
solicitous. But Miss Oberly was kind
hearted, nor had a fashionable life dulled
a natural quickncss of comprehension so
broad as to be, in her, quite unconven-
tional She had already OWNED touch
ing incongruity between Arizony and
her local surroundings.
Stay here with Inc for few DAYS"
she now said to the girl. 81 know al
most nothing of you, but you appear to
be both good and sensible. If Lieuten-
ant Stirling concurs. l will give you en-
ployment here. Meanwhile you will
have time to look about. From what
have heard of these boomers l should
think you would do we'll to keep away
from them in future"
'She is so energetic" said Philip
warmly. wants to be independent
and all that-don't you, Arizony? Why,
when | first met her she was playing
Crusoe upon a claim of her own. 1t real
ly distressed me to have to take her
away. Ii she will stay, Of course l shall
be pleased. You ladies can do so much
for your sex when you will. What say
YOU Arizony? Let these men go. A lit
tie discipline will do them good
While the girl seemed to consider,
Philip whispered in Miss Oberly's ear:
Zone of lese men is her lover, l fear.
A burly backyard, of whom l half
think she is afraid. and yet she seems to
care for him too"
Here tho lieutenant sighed and
shrugged his shoulder as if the seeming
contralieties of the feminine mind were
too much for Il nero soldier to entirely
fathom.
Il feel sure you are a nice girl" said
the admirals daughter rather patronz-
ingly. stay with us-a week at any
rate"
Thank you, miss" replied Arizony,
feeling quite grateful, yet not seeing her
way clear to comply. I'D as soon work
for you as any one, and if you will let me
go home I'll be glad to come back. But
| cannot leave them at the camp. I've
been with en- so long, You see. They are
good to me in their way, and it wouldn't
be right for me to turn my back on EN-
now. can do this sewing" tapping
bundle under her arm, Just as we'll
there as here, But, sir" turning again
earnestly to Philip, IF you would only
let Burl and John go, I'll make em be-
have. John is very poor. When he's
away, we cG,2 hardly get enough to eat.
As for Burl'--
"Ah-yes--as for Burl:' interpolated
Philip significantly as she hesitatcd.
Arizony flushed, looked at both her
auditors in turn, then let her gaze wall
der toward the distant guardhOuse.
"Gou know how it is, sir, twiXt Burl
and me- she resumed with an effort as
if overcoming a maidcnly reluctance to
speak openly upon so personal theme.
II cannot leave him--he'd 20 to the
dogs entirely if | was to turn against
him, for he's fond Of me in his way. Ill
much rather you'd let him go-itll be
dom a good deed to let them both off
this time. I'll never forget it, sir, or
you either, or this lady who has been
so kind"
Sterling, more and more perplexed,
looked again at Miss Obclly who, in her
turn, had been inspecting Arizony.
Il believe" said the adnirals daugh-
ter, gathering up her trail as if to go,
II would do as she desires Philip-this
time, at least don't know much about
these land affairs, but l suppose no great
harm can result. y little clemency now
and then sometimes popularizes good
deal of really necessary severity. But
all me. we poor women! What lambs
we are amid your masculine tyrannes
and destinations. Let them go, Philip,
and-let us take our gallop. In an hour
it will be time for luncheon"
Stella was still looking at Arizony with
an expression at once satirical, quizzical
and sympathetic, when the girl dropped
her bundle and seized the young lady's
hand.
Thank you, miss, " hundred times"
she exclaimed. "Al | have told is
true-we are very, very poor. and the
men are badly needed at home. You're
both awfully good to me, and l wish
could come and stay with you all-in-
deed do. But | cannot leave my peo-
ple-it wouldn't be right"
Miss Oberly gently disengaged her
hand and moved slowly away, while
Arizony fixed her eyes upon Philip.
Il suppose III have to do it." he said
at length, but it's irregular and sub
versive of good discipline Besides,
don't think they'll appreciate the favor
or thank mo- I'm only kind Of tyran-
nical ogre to them all fear"
"NOt to ma Won ain'tm exclaimed fine