The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1896-04-09

tity-my disguised Launcelot-my Le1
ander In a mask" she said TO herself.
Some subtitle feeling of instinct-some-
thing which was far stronger than mere
will or desire-lured and imPelled herto
the scene of her nights adventure.
Finally she had DapPle snddled, and
started for cahter to Sycamore Hol-
low.
The spot was safe enough in the broad
light of open day. AAd besides, Dap
pies stable comPsnien-a big ST. Der
nard-hsd followed her.
When she reached the hollow she dis
mounted and wandered about the place
as If searching for something - she
knew not what.
Presently she noticed a small frag-
ment of silk auttering at the jagged end
of low, broken Sycamore branch.
The fragment was brightest blue In
color, and dotted with an odd and I'M
usual figure in palest PINK.
Sbs-iNCu a. II NOM
Sh. was convinced that the scrap had
been torn from the handkerchief which
her Iescuer wore as a mask the night
before. Tracks in the frozen snow OF
the path showed where he had walked
to the road and back again. While far
ther along the creek bank a horse had
been tied In the shelter of the bushy
pines.
All this might have added to her per
pleKity, only 1t happened she knew the
owner of the handkerchief.
A wild, registering and inscriptions
young fellow, who was reckless rather
than brave, and whose strength was of
muscle rather than of heart and brain.
And he was her masked rescuer!
Natalie threw herself down on pine
log and wept aloud.
She was disenchapted, Inundated,
miserable.
ats too nortifyingw she cried. al
can't bear TO think hov owe my safety
to Barney D'Arey-how have made a
hero of hia"
Then she thought of Stephen Ran.
dolph-his beautiful patience, his no.
bility of soul, his grand noral courage
al might have loved poor old Stevie
just as Passionstely and Loyalty as he
loves ne, If he were oaly bold and dar
ing and courageous. But he can't be
he would have let those dreadful foot
pads carry me of before his eyes" she
murmured dolefully.
Footsteps, crunching in the frozer
snow under the trees, startled her, anc
the next instant she sprang to hei
feet with frown on her pretty brows
1t was the disparaged .Stevie whc
stood before her.
"Nat, ray little one, you have beer
crying. Oh, child, what has distressed
you" he exclaimed with all love-
passionate anxiety shining from hi
grave blue eyes.
She did not reply. Her own eyes wer
fixed on bit of blue pink.kgured sill
just visible above the edge of breas
pocket.
"Where did you get that handkerchief
Why is 1t in your possession" she de
manded wildly.
A guilty crimson wavered like fam
over his honest face. The flush and hi
conscious lock betrayed him, and tn
keen-witted Nat needed no further con
fessioH.
"Oh, l KNOW know" she erie,
breathlessly. "You borrowed it from
Barney darcy to deceive me. An
you--you were II e one who saved m
from those wicked tramps."
She dropped back upon the pine lo
and hid her face in her hands.
Stevie bent over her with infinite ten
derness in every motion.
al followed you, dear. | borrowe
Barney's hat and coat. was afraid 20
would be angry. And-and-I wante
you to love me as you had known mi
not because happened to possess
little brute strength and darling. or
darling, what more can say'" h
pleaded.
"Don't say anything Go away fror
me, Stevie. am sick with shame t
think how have wronged and hurt 20
how IL"
The choking voice ceased.
He drew the pretty hands softly ava
from the grieved face.
"Natalie?"
Just the one word. But 1t asked tn
question which she had at last learne
how to answer.
Eyes, Stevie," she whispered.
And the blushing face dropped fol-
W ,rd against his heart
Natalie had found her love and lore