The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-07-24


Once Healy was safely away, his long
legs quickened their action until he all
most ran down the sloping, slippery
trail to the creek, across the unraiied,
dangerous bridge over the creek, and,
with a mos the hopeful spring of youth,
across the plain to the outskirts of the
mushroom town. 1t neared sunset when
he reached the first outlying houses,
and branched off across lots to one
little two-stOried cottage, which stood
quite by itself. very small, very neat.
and Very unprotected. Healy paused so
yards from it. drew long breath, blew
it out again with explosive determine
ton, and charged the little front door
as if it were an Indian outpost. Yet,
when he reached it his knock was most
modest. and the martial red of his face
fcebled to a pickering pink a little
woman, as neat and unprotected look
ing as her home, opened the door Per
haps it were more explanatory of her
appearance to say that she looked as if
inviting protection, such slip of a
woman, yet not devoid of plumpness in
the cheek. such a blushing woman, yet
not without twinkle in her eye.
20! Mr.. Healy," said she, Il hardly
expected am glad to see you. Won
you come in? What has brought you
''Ah. Mrs. Bell. Mrs. Bell, said HeaIy
gallartly, what wud be afther bring
in me but just a soight O. thin swate
oyes?"
Mr.. Healy, I'm surprised" said the
little widow. with a quicker ryinkie
of those dangerous eyes. But | dom I
believe you. You people at the post all
say the same thing. and none of you
mean what you say, not one"
that same thing?' cried Healy, in an
cry surprise.
Mrs. Bell laughed gleefully.
Come in, corporal" she said. do
you think I'll tell you who said any
thing to me at ali, and have you eating
the poor things up? Do come in.
"Begab an 1 cant jist yet, Mrs
Bell,' H ally answered. They'll be af ef
calm my name at retrate. Mrs. Bell,
swate Mrs. Bell. I'm askin' yez to look
at this wee bit aV Writin'."
"Oi" cried the widow, suddenly ami
mated. do tell! Is it an invite to a
hop at the post? Are the soldiers going
to give another dance?"
Nat yitl' exclaimed Healy, throw
ing out a restraining hand IS Mrs. Bell
began to tear the envelope. NAT ~"
he repeated tenderly 'W hin I'm gone.
Mrs. II. It's-it's-a matther av bust
ness. me dear.
Business cor9ora!?"
IN be afther an answer tonight. Lit
it be the roight wan, swate Mrs. Bell. y
20. Mr.. Healy," the widow mu-mur-
ed and blushed. Healy caught her in
his arms and gave her hearty kiss.
"Oi o. Mr.. Healyi" she cried, and
biushed again.
Lit it be the roight wan. swate Mrs.
Bell" the corporal repeated. and ran
away. himself a shame-faced red. and
fearful TO look round to see if anyone
had noticed them.
The farrier. being a privileged char
acter was excused from tattoo roll call.
Therefore. there was notI-lg to hinder
him. an hour after retreat, from Jock
ing his room door in the troop stables
and speeding away through slight
fall of snow. on pleasure bent. SO II
happened. while Corp Healy was stand
ing stifily TO attention along With as
troop. answering the call of his name
at tattoo. with the snow gathering
thickIy about them, that Fin Strait
was comfortably seated in the neat
little unprotected house, protecting
from all corners the neat little widow
But / must be going" he said, for
the tenth time. It's getting late, and
the snow gets deeper every minute. II
want to set home at all tonight, !
should De GOING HOW, htS. -oe-s-
Yes. Mr.. Strait"
Il was thinking You must be very
lonely here since-you know
The Widows eyes ceased to twinkle,
and winked away a tear or two.
1T is lonely. Mr.. Strait she an
swered him.
Fin shuffied his feet nervously. and
looked out beneath the neat red win
dow shades.
It's still showing, Mrs. Bell" he
said.
Yes. Mr.. Strait"
Its not lonely up at the post" said