Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1895-11-29


preston were supposed to portray, and
finally and fatally he was unable to de-
tect the feminine hysteric jar and dis
cord that underlay it all. He thought
it was strong, characteristic and real,
and accepted it literally. He rose.
"Ef you allow you can stay, why I'll
go and get the horse. reckon he amt
bin put up yet"
DO, please.
He grimly resumed his coat and hat
and disappeared through the rassage
into the kitchen, whence, a moment
latter, Zuleika came flying.
well, what has happened?" she said,
eagerly.
ITS all right" said the woman,
quickly, though he knows nothing yet.
But I've got things fixed generally, so
that he'll be quite ready to have it
troken to him by this time tomorrow.
But don't you say anything till I've
seen Jack and you hear from him. Re-
member.
She spoke rapidly; her checks were
quite glowing from some sudden
energy; so we're Zuleika's with the ex-
element of curiosity. Presently the
sound of sleigh bells again filled the
room. 1t was Hays lea ling the horse
and sleigh TO the door, beneath a star
lit sky, crisp from northeast wind.
The fair stranger cast significant
glance at Zu eliza, and whispered hur-
reilly: You know he must not come
with me. You must keep him h re-"
But you cannot go aone, said
o,-1
kalkilatin -"
You're too tired to get out again.
dad" broke in Zuleiba, quickly. You
amt fit you're all gray and krinkly
now, like as when you had one of your
last spells. She'll send the sleigh back
tomorrow.
Il can find my way" said the lady,
trlskly; there's Only one turn off, l
believe, and that"
Leads to the stage station three
miles west. You needn't be afraid OF
gettin' off on that, for you'll likely see
the down-stage crossin' your road as
soon as you get clear of the ranch.
Good night, said the lady. An arc
of white spray sprang before tho for
ward runner, and the sleigh vanished in
th9 road.
Father and daughter returned to the
office.
You didn't get to know her, dad, did
ye2" queried Zuleika.
NO" responded Hays, gravely, "ex-
cept to see she wasn't no backwoods or
mountaineering sort. Now, there's the
kind O. woman, as knows her own mind
and yours. too. that man like your
brother Jack oughter pick out when he
marries.
Zueika's face beamed behind her
father. you amt going to sit up any
longer dad2" she said, a she noticed
him resume his seat by tho fire. It's
gettin' late, and you look mighty tuck
cred out with your nights work. "
"Do you know what she said, zulyY"
returned her father, after pause, which
turned out TO have been a long silent
laugh.
NO"
"She said, he repeated, slowly, that
she reck oned came back here tonight
TO have the pleasure Of her acquaint-
ance." He brought his two hands heavily
down upon his knees, rubbing them down
deliberately toward his ankles, and lean
ing forward with his face to the fire and
a long-sustained smile Of complete
though tardy appreciation.
He was still in this attitude when
Zueika left him. The wind crooned
over him confdentially, but he still sat
there, given up apparently to some
posthumous en- oyment Of his visitors
departing witticism.
1t was scarcely daylight when Zuleika,
while dressing, heard a quick tapping
upon her shutter She opened it TO the
scared and bewildered face OF her
brother.
what happened with her and father
last night?" he said, hoarsely.
"Nothing-why?"
Read that. 1t was brought to me
half an hour ago by man in dads
sleigh, from the stage station.
He handed her a erumpled note with
trembling figures. She took it and read:
THE game is up and I'm out OF it..
Take my advice AMI clear out of it too,
until you can come back in bet er shape.
Don't be such q fool as to try ard fol-