The Forrest City times., 1894-10-12
fuse to stir when their loads were too

heavy.
 Fortescue had plenty of time to think of all these things. for Gertrude had managed to urge her burro for ward until she caught up with some other members of the party, and he was left to the company of the guide. The party had planned to go up the North Canyon to the Silver Cascade Falls, then cross the Divide and come back by the South Canyon. They now reached the trail which led them from the road they had been travelling up the mountain to the falls, so the guide left his place at the rear of the process sion and look the lead. The others followed him, single file, down steep pitches and then up-vup the narrow path, the burros 10th to go. until they reached level place just below the falls. There they dismounted to rest. Some of the party descended to the H. II. Falls in the brook below them, while far above their heads, down over the broad masses of gray rock, leaped and shimmered the Cascades.
 Fortescue threw himself upon the ground. Gertrude had gone down to the Falls, and Benson was assisting her. If there was a person whom Fortescue despised, it was this same Benson. And he was always stumbling in these rough places. Suppose he should stumble down that steep hill side and drag Gertrude with him. But there, he hardly thought he should care -much--he would be glad to have her see that she was safer with him than with anyone else. Fortescue was plainly in an unenviable state of mind, but Gertrude had been cruel. If she had only shown little regret.
 His reveries were interrupted by the party's preparing to mount the burros, and they were soon picking their way back down the mountain. There were some rather rough places climbing the Divide, but what view from the top. Once or twice Gertrude's eyes sought Fortescue, as he sat silent amid their exclamations of wonder and delight, but he was not looking at her. She al- most decided to speak to him, then she thought:
 No, who would have believed him so stupid?" referring to the love epi- sode, and she again felt vexed.
 Now, what did Fortescue do that evening early. but go up to the differ ent members of the party and bid them good-by, explaining that, as they were going early the next morning, he would not see them again. Gertrude, standing near the piano with several others, gave him timid glance as he carelessly put out his hand, but she re- ceived no look in return.
 That night she cried herself to sleep, and if one had asked the reason she would have replied, in all probability:
 .sBecause.
 After all, what better answer is there for some stupid questions?
 The next afternoon t'.v all met again at Cheyenne. and thi- is how it happened:
 Starting for the east that morning. the train which carried our party met with an accident and could not pro- ceed. so the passengers were brought back to the city.
 What shall we do with ourselves until to-morrow?" they asked each other.
 'Oh, the Casino, by all means." was tie general answer.
 So, out to Broadmoor Casino they drove, and had not been there long when they encountered Fortescue. He stared at them.
 "How's this?" he asked.
 They explained.
 You can see by my dress that the Casino was not my chosen destination. started for Cripple Creek this morn ing. but the stage broke down not far from here. There was to be long de- lay and lost my desire for Cripple Creek, and at last found myself here. ]"
 Tt almost looks like fatality" said one.
 At this remark, Fortescue sent a quick glance toward Gertrude. She met it and a vivid blush shot up into her checks She quickly turned aside, but Fortescue felt sudden hope. He grew animated and quite like his old self. But he did not attempt to walk with Gertrude, as the party broke up in couples and strolled about the grounds. He walked along with Miss Ellison and they went toward the lake.
 Would you like to have a row?" he asked.
 'No, thanks" she replied. 'I prefer to move about. l never had anything tire and cramp me so much as that burro yesterday"
 There isn't much poetry of motion about them" laughed he. land we did some rather steep climbing and rough riding"
 .Poetry connected with burrosr' she