The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1898-12-03


hour that the grader-man addressed =
number OF remarks to the Missouri girl.
and that he found several occasions for
happening within talking distance.
There was no shamefacedness in these
approaches. lie easily maintained his
oif-hand, smiling manners, as II he were
rather melting TO good-humored in
diligence toward a stranger than fall
ing under the spell of her attraction.
No one ever got chance TO make Jim
ridiculous.
AS for the girl, her reception of this
nascent acquaintance was in perfect
form. Quite without show of embar-
rassment she made no sign of pretense
or offishness. Why should she not be
glad TO learn something of the ways of
this spirited young fellow, who had
looked at her perhaps rather vigorous
~, but not in way to call for any other
defense than she always had about her?
When things are managed In this
mastery way, the malice Of on-lookers
Is stifled at birth. 1t is weakness that
invites troublesome comment. The
strong may lead their affairs through
the crowd without molcstation. The
smiles that followed this progressive
pair were rather of approval than de-
rision. There may have been jokes, but
the mean and bitter ones are saved for
feebler victims.
Some days later the new girl hap
pened TO reach the packing-house few
minutes earlier than the general arriv-
al. The doors were all open and the
place was freshly swept, but no one was
in sight as she reached the doorway.
Then she heard quick steps, and the
grader-man stood before her.
He was ready for his opportunity, for
signs had been in his favor in the days
just past.
your clock fast?" he said, sweeping
his eyes over the several approaches,
and finding that the nearest comsrs
were some minutes distant.
IL don't KNOW didn't look at II. /
just came when / felt ready. Maybe
twas the splendid morning that hurried
me-"
ut is a splendid morning, isn't it?"
said he; and there was something in
lis smile that seemed somehow less
careless than usual. II feel little in a
hurry myself" he went on, noting the
freshness OF the morning light on her
inquiring face, and astonished a little
at his own audacity. How much can L
say before those girls get here?"
II don't know" laughed the girl, but
her checks flushed a little; II have
never heard you try"
Il can say this, anyway want you
TO say you like me and that ! can walk
home with you sometimes, and that
you'll 90 10 church with me next Sun
day"
She looked none the worse TO him aN
consciousness took unwonted posses
sion OF her face, and he saw that she
wanted 10 look away, but would not.
Not far was she tipped off her poise.
She answered proudly, still laughingly,
and stray lock, escaped from her
hat, danced at him on the edge OF her
forehead, as light breeze whisked by.
you can say good deal in minute
but | think you are too much in hurry.
If you should walk home with me this
evening, you would have more time,
Isn't il splendid morningl" she shout
ed to four girls who were coming up the
walk and who wondered at her eNhilara.
ton as she whirled toward them The
grader-man climbed TO his perch and
watched few angels among the rafters
as he waited in sublime patience for the
materials OF his Industry
A week or two after this the Missouri
girl came late and without her lunch.
pail Jim saw that her face was sad
and weary. He had never seen IL 30, and
II sank deep into his heart. She glanced
at him, but walked right past and spoke
to the manager, who looked regretful
but consenting, and they went 10 the
pay-desk together. Then she walked 70
the door. There she hesitated a mo-
ment
Get on here" said Jim quickly, Il
one o. the bumpers, climbing dowr
from his seat and not stopping TO see
his orders obeyed. They walked slowly
toward the street, and the curious eye,
that followed them were sober som,
Of them sympathetic.
Her sister, for whose recovery sh,
had come 10 California, and for whcn
she had been determinedly hopeful
had just been pronounced to be In
sinking condition, and desired TO ~
back 10 her mother. Beneath this grief
the brave girl was also hiding fore
taste Of the loss of this new friendship
and it had suddenly become known Il
her how deeply her life and hope wer,
involved.
The interview was short, ont II lief
a notable effect in the girls bearing. n,
she moved rapidly away, and Jim cam,
I'm with n look in his face that nigh
have been borrowed from an old Italiar
painting.
At noon he stopped the manager
"Could you put some one I'm my place
George Barnes would do all right.
want 10 go TO Missouri in the morning.
"All right, jim" said the manager.
The packing house ratified on merri