The Delta independent., 1897-12-10

gently stroked the soft tresses which
fell back behind her ear in such beau.
tiful waves. For a few moments could
not answer Her words startled me be
yopd expressinon. What, in Gods name
was there about this back-country
place? Had its uncanny my ysteries ever
entered my darling's sweet life to tain,
its happiness?
do not give way to an unreasonable
terror, dear heart" l finally said
"What possible harm can reach you?"
'It is not for myself that am fear
full. and suppose it is unreasonable;
but think, Nelson, If he had shot you!"
She shuddered, and then with an ef-
fort became calmer.
'Do not worry about me. Be sure
am able to take care of myself; and
forewarned is forearmed. What else
is there? Tell me. You know you may
count on my help and sympathy"
ayes. yes, know that, Nelson. And
/ do need your help. 1t seems as though
I were walking blindfolded on the edge
of q precipice." The loved form
nestled closer to me. 1t made me fool
ishly happy to hold her in my arms and
know they were as haven Of refuge to
her.
"Then. too" Florence went on. II
am SO worried about father"
$50 you said yesterday. Have you
any reason to be?'
Maybe not; at least I know Of none,
except that he is SO changed Of late.
But q woman's instinct often divines
causes for worry when none are per-
ceptible."
"You cannot mean that he is changed
toward you?"
"Oh, no, no! Not in his love for me.
Indeed, there seems to be an augment
ed tenderness toward me. And it
makes me feel as though. somehow,
was partly the cause of the trouble.
Why, know there is something wor-
rying poor father. He is even chang
ing in appearance, and is becoming SO
haggard. There il some secret sorrow
he is enduring. spoke to him about
IL only the other day"
"Whst answer did he give your
asked.
"Just laughed, and said was gifted
with . vivid Imagination"
There, you see, it must be only
business worry. If it were anything
regarding yourself, he would not make
light of it,"
Florence was partly comforted by
my assurance. She glanced up into
my face and smiled. But the troubled
and perplexed look came back when
she answered:
perhaps IL Is as you say. But i can
not get IL out OF my head that Mr.. Jack
s0n In somehow connected with IL all"
jackson? How could he ahect your
fathers life 80 seriously?" I exclaimed.
II do not know. He used to come
here frequently until lately. And after
every visit father seemed to be 30
troubled and worried"
Being satisfied in my own mind that
the difference between Mr.. Morley and
jackson had arisen over business af-
fairs, l sought to lead Florence away
from a subject which seemed to cause
her distress.
'And what can you tell me about the
station agent Mt Sidington?" asked.
''Oh. Nelson! how puzzled am over
what you have told me! You say he
tried to shoot you?"
Yes; but do not agitate yourself
over that. lie did not hit me, you
know" / answered.
"Eut why should he want to shoot
yon?- she exclaimed.
.That is as much a mystery to me as
to you. Who is the fellow. anyhow :?
Where did he come from? His real
name, I understand, is Skinner"
ayes. that is his real name," was
Florcrce's answer.
"why. what reason could he have had
for telling me his name was Hunter2
ToII vna xs-bat yo,, L lpoVx about bir, m