Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1897-12-09
The OLD SILVER TRAIL.
By MARY E. SHCKNEY.
copyright 1896. by ). B Lippineott Col
CHAPTER Vu.-CoNTINUED.

which threatened TO break into laugh
ter at her feminine simplicity. "And 1
am sure also that it would be very much
nicer" he agreed. his tone almost
caressing in its gentleness. II only
wish we might settle it so easily; but !
am afraid it would take more than my
eloquence to induce your father to see
the matter from my standpoint"
But can you not see how very easily
he might be deceived?" she anXiously
urged. He has not had the manage
ment of the mine himself; and if any
wrong has been DONE
you do not know how glad IL makes
me that you are even willing to admit
the possibility of wrong having been
done,' he said. as she hesitateG--'t0
have you of your own accord giving me
the benefit of doubt, Miss Meredith,
You cannot guess how sweet it is to me
to feel that you are a little bit my
friend in the case. Whether l lose OF
win, I shall always like to remember it.
But you will not listen to any talk
of compromise she tentatively re-
joined, with a disappointed air.
Pardon me; / shall only be too glad
to listen if your father will consent tt.
such a conference. You must further
pardon me. however. if I say that am
not very sanguine as to the results;
though Heaven knows how gladly l
would tie to any hope that-well. that
would make US friends
She did not answer anything to this;
and after moment he went to fetch
back his horse, that had wandered too
far, feeding by the roadside. He
changed the subject as he came back.
land how is your wrist. Miss Mere
ditE2" he asked. TT has been on my
mind for several minutes that | should
like to know"
almost perfectly we'll. thanks. And
that reminds mel told you that
wanted to apologize"
And told you that I could not pos
sibly imagine why" smiling broadly at
the idea.
about your handkerchief, you know.
I ought to have returned it to you be-
fore this, but the fact is, did not quite
know how to manage it." looking up a
him with a little. embarrassed laugh.
her glance shyly falling to her flowers
as she went on. you see. I did not eS-
plain to papa about meeting you the
other day. II think it. is a great
nuisance explaining things"
$50 it is" he cordially agreed. "And
I'm awfully glad you did not bother"
''But | have been so worried about
that handkerchief" she laughingly de-
clared. ''Ife ventured to put It in the
post Office, knew that the postmaster
would be discussing with everybody
how it might happen that 1. Col Mere
dith's daughter. should be sending a
parcel to you; while if I sent the boz
who does chores at the hotel to take it
to you-well, you know the landlady's
peculiarities, perhaps. She would be
bound to ferret out the mystery or die
Ia the attempt. If only I could have
had a Premonition that l was to meet
you to-day, so that might have brought
it with mel"
could you not have a premoniticn
that you would meet me some other
day-to-morrow. perhaps?" he daring
ly suggested.
''I had thought that I might send ii
to you by mail from Denver; but that
would involve some delay" she re-
turned, looking up at him uncertainty.
''But would it not be much less trouble.
simply to give it to me here?" he urged,
ingenuously.
"You would have the trouble of cola
ing after it," she protested. doubtfully
He regarded her inquiringly for an
instant, breaking into laugh as he saw
that she was quite in earnest. "You are
so consideratei" he exclaimed; but
should not mind coming in the least,
and in fact, I shall be going over to
Tomtown tomorrow anyway. If you
could be walking here at about half
past nine in the nnorning-would that
be too early for your"
She rose with slight accession of
dignity, an embarrassed flush rising TO
Der face. Excuse me; I did not say
that I would come here to meet you at
all. I could not, don't you see? 1t
to say the least
Are you referring to the impression
it might have upon me. may ask?''
Certainly not; you would under
stand the circumstances: but other peo-
ple-'
"And has Mrs. Grundy. perchance, 4
COUNTRY seat in this neck of woods ?-I
should never have supposed it," his
glance ranging the rugged heights witt
masculine contempt for such argu-
ment. However, it must be Just as
you say. Miss Meredith And perhaps
should ask if you mind my leading my
hoxse along beside you here?'' They
had been lettering down the road with
the last words.
oh. no: only her glance straying
uncertainty to the turn ahead, beyond