Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-06-12
srm's length. while admiration hlled


beautiful every time I see you. All, it's
a pity that 50 fair mountain flower
should be shut in from the admiration
of tho world.''
1.-The world." she repeated. ''Th;s is
my world" and she lifted her eyes
with an expression of alteration from
the valley to the mountains. away
from this home could not be happy"
"Well, well! Where one is content a
knowledge of better things may not be
prudent. But tell me, how is mother?"
Before the girl could answer gray
haired woman, with calm, patient
face and an Undesirable look of having
seen better days in other scenes, came
out and greeted the young man with
warmth and tenderness which only q
mother can feel
Put away your horse" she said.
''You have surely come to stay with Us
nOw''
"Only few hours" he answered.
Then he added, with forced laugh: 81
have too often broken the peace of the
valley. I do not think that my father
and Louis will care to have me with
them for even that time''
''You know they will All, Henry, if
you would only stay with us we might
be very happyv'
They had now entered the house, and
an Indian boy, who acted as a servant,
was told by Mrs. Kyle to take charge Of
the horse.
81 should like to make you all happy,
but I am afraid am an Ishmaelitc and
can never settle down. Have you not
often defended me by telling father it
was in the blood?"
mo. Henry. 1t is not in your blood
to err as you have done. Impulse has
been the curse of the-thc KyleS, but
not q one Of them has ever been capable
of deliberate wrong" said Mrs. Kyle,
coming over and stroking his wavy
brown hair.
II might be happy in this valley if I
could persuade young beauty whom I
recently met to stay here with me and
share my fate" said Henry Kyle with
the light, careless manner that was Pc
culiar to him.
''And who is this beauty?" asked
Mrs Kyle.
''She is with her father, brother and
another sister, now en- route to Oregon
or Washington territory. The immi-
grant train passes within two hours
ride of here tomorrow.
And where does this family como
from:''
From West Virginia, replied Hen.
~.
"West virginia?''
eyes, mother. Why, the name seems
to startle you," said Henry, turning
and watching the white cloud of trou-
BILE that swept over his mothers face
"Oh. no! Why should the name of q
place affect me?" She stroked her fore
head nervously and then asked with an
evident effort ct composure, ''And what
is the name of Che pecpie?'
Blanchard, - replied Henry. s'The
old gentleman is called DR.. Blanchard. "
DIR. Blanchardv'
No effort, even had one been made,
| could hide the emotion that Mrs. Kyle
| now felt. All the color fed from her
face, and her hands trembled SO that she
had to interlock her fingers to keep them
steady.
did you ever hear of the name be-
fore?" asked Henry
IL think have"
Nora was about to speak, but was in
terrupted by the joyous barking Of q
dog outside, and the sound Of voices near
by gave her an excuse to cry out:
Father and Louis! They will be
! glad to see you.
The girl went to the door, where her
father and brother greeted her fondly,
and she then led them into the room
where was her truant brother. Louis
Kyle was few years younger than his
brother and equally handsome, but his
face had stronger and more serious
expression. He welcomed Henry cordial
| ly, but the look on the fathers face was
not enc Of pleasure. Mr.. Kyle was a
tall, well made man Of so, with iron
gray hair and shoulders slightly stoop-
ed The story of a great grief was plain
ly written On his face.
Are we to have you with US long?"
asked Mr.. Kyle, addressing Henry.
''No, sir. was near here and came
to see how You all were''
Il suppose we should be thankful, {"
said Mr.. Kyle with a sneer. at must
have caused you an effort to leave your
companions.
LET US not blame him. broke il
Mrs Kyle. There is but little to occu-
Ply young man of spirit here
There is duty interrupted the
younger brother. ANY man who wants
a higher incentive would be incapable
of approaching it,
'.Ah, Louis" laughed Henry, 1--WE
are differently constituted! The blood
of the Scotch Irish Covenanters freezes
in your veins; the red current Of the
French burns through mine. I love you
better for being what you are If we
were alike, these mountains would be
too small to hold u.s.
IF you were like me, this valley, I"
said Louis. would be kingdom large
enough"
Leaving the brothers to talk, Mrs.
Kyle bsckoned to her husband to follow
her. She led him into another apart
ment, the floor of which was carpeted