Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1894-09-06

and the two women were rejoiced to
feel that his pulse was beating reassur-
ingly.
W hile they were thus absorbingly
occupied Lonnie stole off and sped like
deer along the road to the Doane
farm mhouse. The sky was rapidly
cloudlng over, and the air was sultry
and oppressive. Faint mutterings OF
thunder were heard in the distance. 1t
was plain that there was going to be a
storm.
The idiot pressed on wildly, unheed-
ing the threatening aspect of the
heavens, until he had covered the long
half-mile which separated him from the
Doanes, Mary was standing in the
doorway, looking up at the ragged
clouds. When she saw Lonnie coming
she started little and made as though
she would go in and shut the door, but
she finally did not. Indeed, there was
an agonized expression on his face,
which moved her tender heart to pity.
"Oh, Maryl" he cried, bursting
through the gateway and rushing
toward her, you won't let them take
ne and shut me up, will you?"
mo, no, of course | won't, Lonnie,
she answered, soothingly. Come in
and sit down till you get your breath,
but you don't want to wait long or else
you will be caught in the storm. 1t is
almost time for father and mother tc
come, for they will see the storm com
ing up, | think, and won't stay to the
meeting. I'm afraid they will get wet,
though, the best they can do"
She sat down and looked at Lonnie.
There was something about him to-
night, eager, bright look, which
brought back the face of the boy that
he had been before he was hurt, when
he was the best scholar in his class, and
full of hope and promise. 1t made her
feel very sad. and trife uneasy.
II don't want 20 be shut up" he re-
peated, piteously, breathing hard still,
but evidently much comforted by her
promises.
'Of course you don't" she said,
cheerfully. Nobody does, and there
isn't any need of it."
IF man tells me | lie, oughter
knock him down, pursued Lonnie, ten
tatively.
"Oh, n-no, guess not" faltered the
',irl, 81 wouldn't knock anybody
down. if l was you, It's wicked"
mo, itisnt, he reiterated, positively,
Not if he tells me lie."
He watched her narrowly. Some
cunning instinct forbade him to reveal
the name Of the man whom he had
knocked down.
"Ges," she continued, more emphati-
cally. "Some men might knock him
own, but not you, 1t would make
people afraid of you, and then yoL
would surely have to be shut up, anG
Ill that | could say wouldn't help you
my"
Her manner was very serious. HI
looked at her with painful intentness.
Il don't want to be shut up he
vent on, because want to go to the
Minister'S
The girl laughed. well, why don't
you go, them" she asked.
Il want to go to the minister's and
marry you, Mary" he said, simply. H
cad, with again something of the
.lignity Of man.
Il want to go now, Mary" he con-
,inued, rising and strengthening his tall
'igre, while she, too, stood, astounded
'efore him. And you must go with
me, right down to the minister's, and
be married, and then no other man
can marry you, and then they won I
iare to take me away and shut me up '
Oh laughed the frightened girl
rremulously, and trying in vain to con
ceal her agitation at this strange pro
posal you must wait till the folk,
come home. There l think l hear
them coming now !"
She ran to the window and looked
out, but though she offered up an
anguished prayer for their return, no
one appeared down the long, dark road
The sky was growing blacker con-
stantly. Great drops were already fall
ing, and distant thunder was rafting
hoarsely.
You had better hurry home, Lon
ME" she pleaded. Hurry! You will
be wet to the bone if you don't hurry"
No" he said, decisively. 81 am
going to the minister's with you to get
married, and then Idalye can mlrry
Lem Harris l want her to marry
aim, and l will marry you. Put your
things on as quick as you can. We
can get there now before it rains
much"
No, we can't" she replied, with
spirit. 1T is raining now. Don't you
see it is?-And couldn't think of going
without my father. The father always
has to give the bride away"
Her convincing tone made the poor
fellow pause a moment. Then the
sweat broke out in great beads on his
forehead and he cried furiously: mo,
he doesn't | You are making fun of me
You are like the Barry children, who
run out and make faces at me land
call me Fool Lonnie!'-Yes, you are,
too And you must come, Mary
right away why, Mary p'-his tone
changed to one of infinite tenderness,
u can carry you, Mary,-see how
s+ronp am Get your hat Mary