Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1893-07-14

at Stirring. But AriZony with a loud
cry threw herself between. Then she
sank to the floor. at the same time re-
gardins her lover with eyes filled with
an expression of pain and terror.
Whether she was hit or not was hardly
at once apparent. But at that moment
another pistol flashed, and Burl, while
looking down aghast at the supposed re-
suit of his own act, fell heavily to the
floor.
Some one among the rescuers had fired
with fatal effect, doubtless in resolve
to avenge what seemed to be the result
of Yates hasty shot. But at her lovers
fall ArizOny rose to her knees, wrung her
hands. looked wildly around, then threw
herself upon his bosom.
Forgive me, Burl," she cried, lost ap-
parently to every other consideration but
this terrible result. Il meant for the
best-l meant for the BEST"
But over the stricken mans face
CHASTITY pallor was spreading His eyes
were glazing with the film of death. Yet
he was conscious to the last, for suddenly
his hand gripped hers firmly.
"Arizony," he whispered. 81 wanted
to-make money-for-you"-
A choking rattle interrupted the words,
and after the momentary rigor which
followed was ut All end the man lay dead.
Come, child" said Parson Tilney ten
derby. Its bad enough all round, but
then it can't be helped. You amt to
blame. Arizony. That's one comfort"
But the girl chung to her dead lover and
for a time refused to be comforted.
Meanwhile Lieutenant Stirling ordered
the rest of the captured boomers to be
conveyed to the guardhouse. The par
son lifted Arizony to chair. She
clasped her arms around the old mans
neck and hid her face as the body Of
Yates was borne out of the ROOM
I'm tired - tired" she whispered.
Seems like / want forest"
Stella, both shocked and plying, bent
over the girl. Mrs. Tolliver began to
hunt for restoratives.
'Arizony," said Miss Oberly. 81 wish
could say something that would make
you feel better"
'Burl was good to me-" sobbed the
girl. MAYBE he did do wrong things
but-but he loved me. Oh. miss! oh.
miss! I'm so miserable"
The old minister laid his hand upon
Arizony's head and looked into her eyes
as if what he saw there was bringing to
memory the features of his own dead
wife.
We'll go back" said he soothingly;
well go back to old Virginny. She
was always a-wishin for you to come
back"
A silence ensued that was broken only
by fitful sobbings as the girl gradually
grew calm. Philip, moving to Stella's
side. furtively clasped her hand. Ont.
side the prisoners were sullenly march
ing away to the distant guardhouse. In
the east. over the melancholy prairie.
lowered the promise of another day, for
the dawn was breaking.
At last Parson Tilney. rs if repeating
the echo Of his own thought. bent his
head again.
I'VE will go back to Virginny," he
said. 1T was your mothers wish, Ari-
zony."
The girl looked up.
whenever you wish, father" she
murmured. 1--WE got no call to stay on
here now"
One day several months later Parson
Tilney returned from the little country
postoffice near his Virginia mountain
home with a letter in his hand. Arizony
was seated in the doorway. A fresh col
or was in her cheeks. and she seemed to
be once more the saucy, jovial Arizony
of old as she sprang up and few down
the path to meet the old man.
The reception Of a letter was an un-
usual event in their now quiet lives.
Its postmarked at Washington" said
he. holding out the missive. II hain't
much Of q hand at readin writin. but
they lowed it was to you. Arizony."
She felt Of the envelope. then scanned
1t critically.
There's something hard and stiff in
side," she remarked in reflective way.
II wonder what it can be-"
Suddenly she clapped her hands.
Il know, fatherr she cried. Cant
you remember who lives at Washing
tonT
The parson sagely remarked that he
had no doubt there twas q many a one"
lived there if all he had heard was true
FOR instance, there's the president
howell Amt they beauties, childY'
This sudden change in the drift Of Mr..
Tlney's remark was brought about by
the sight Of two deliberately engraved
cards and photograph. Upon one was
stated that Lieutenant and Mrs. Stirling
would DO Sat home" to their friends on
Tuesday afternoons.
WELL" said the parson, I'D stay to
home more'n one day in the week, even
II l did live in Washington"
The other card bore the announce
ment Of Miss Oberly's marriage. The
picture was one of her and her husband.
An accompanying note informed Ari-
xony that the contents were sent with
much love and also contained kindly
invitation to visit them as soon as pos
sible.
Over this last request the parson grew
reflective.
ut would be q grand thing for you,
Arizony," said he. "But I'm afeard you
might not want to come back"
BLESS your dear heart! ! don't In
tend to 60. OF course it's mighty kind
for them grand folks to make out like
they want to see me once more, but !
know mother would rather I staid with
you"
So she remained. and Mr.. Tilney was
happy. As kind of atonement she hung
the photograph in place Of honor over
the fireplace and spent laborious hour
or two in inditing an i'll spelled yet ap-
propriate reply, which the parson with
considerable formality mailed the very
next day.
THE END.