The Delta independent., 1895-10-16

fIe would have liked to say sweet
thing to her--to most women he would
but his role now was that Of benev-
o1ent friend; SO he only answered
vaguely: mot at ALL" as if he did not
know to what she referred. The horses
dragged themselves wearily forward;
it was six o'clock, and they had come
fifty miles over difficult road in less
than seven hours. Two parallel lines
of iron stretched far in the distance;
the clumsy outline Of water-tank
loomed up just ahead. The goal was
reached, and away in the north rib
bon of smoke outlined on the sky pro-
claimed the coming train. Oliver lifted
Mrs. de Restaud down. Skye rushed
madly to the hole Of venturesome
prairie dog who had taken up resi-
dence near the tank and was out en-
joying the morning air. The terrier
found only vanishing, and vented his
annoyance at this and all the other
vagrant dogs in shrill barks. His mis-
tress was vastly amused; the stranee-
ness OF her undertaking had quite
gone out of her head.
Oliver, in some concern, gave ner ad-
vice regarding her journey; he was un-
certain of his horses about the train,
and had to stand by their heads; SO
Mrs. Minny frislxed about with her
dog, entirely confident her difficulties
were over.
you must send me word to Denver
when you get to Maine," he said, "and
be sure and make no acquaintances on
the cars"
"One would think I was just out Of
boarding-school."
'The primary department" he said,
Grossly. 81 wish you would be reason
able and listen moment. 1 shall
tell the conductor you are one of
q eamping-party and your mother
is ill at Colorado Springs that
you had to leave in such hurry to
catch the train you had no time to get
ready. 1t must tell wrong stories for
you, Mrs. Minny, please don't make
me out in lie the first thing"
"How good you are!" she said, softly.
II shall never, never forget what you
have done for me. l shall say to my
self: 'Minny,' you may be frivolous
Aunt Hannah says as unstable as water
but one big, handsome man is your
friend and always will be-"
always, Mrs. Minny, to the end of
my life"
The rush Of the near train terrified
his horses almost beyond control. and
he was obliged to send her for the con-
ductor when the train stopped for
water. The obliging official showed
no surprise at divers ingenious story;
he was used to camping parties. He
impaired the welcome news that the
statcroom was vacant-she could have
that-and accepted two fine cigars.
My daughter is unused to travelling
Alone" Oliver said, gravely; $50 will
you telegraph for carriage to meet
her at the Springs, and see that she
gets out at the right place?"
The conductor would be very happy
to oblige. Then the young lady asked
meckly if dog. very little one,
might also ride in the stateroom.
''He might" said the official, eff
hidden under shawl; for, If this pre-
caution is not taken, on the next trip
all the women in the train will be
bringing along their dogs. And guess
it's time to get aboard"
"Good-by," said Oliver, holding out
his hand.
Mrs. Minny picked up her dog: with
tt under one arm, she took divers
hand, reached up, and shamelcssly
kissed him. a ghost of kiss touching
his check.
"Good-by, papa" she called, running
to the car. and from the step waved
farewell until the train vanished in
the distance.
Oliver, as he drove along the road by
the track in search of the Mexican who
had the good horse, was almost dazed.
He could not forget that farewell. He
was haunted by the presence of the
little lady of the Troublesome lie had
not returned the kiss-well, there was
no time-but how thoughtless, in front
OF the train! and was there ever an
other woman like her? He had never
seen one. Trying rs she was all that
long way, could any man have PLAYED
the role Of honest friend better? "Eot
even DR.. John" said Oliver.
CHAPTER Ill
: M. Dc Restaud looked up from his
cards as the chill gray OF dawn stole in
the window.
"Heavensr' he muttered, what a
night I've hadv"
He pushed the chips away, for he had
been heavy loser, and staggered to
his feet. He flung the banker at the
49,
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