Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1899-03-24

"fhat we might find some specimens Of
She Adiantum pedatum."
True, my dear. Let me see what
the time is. We don't want 20 70 60
far that we will not be able to get back
TO the boat in time"
He drew out bis watch, but before
he could glance at II Grace had snatch
ed IL from him.
"Now guess, HERBERT" she Dried
merrily, putting her hands behind her.
Guess the time"
Professor Harper smiled indulgently.
1T must be 2 O'Clock OF after" he
said.
"Oh, you bad guesserr' Aud Grace
laughingly handed back the watch.
ut IL only BALI past L."
"Wby, so II isl" exclaimed tho pro-
fessor, amazed. 81 was almost positive
that IL was after q; but that will give
us time for n long tramp"
So ON they went farther and farther
into the woods. until at last, with arms
nlled with fine specimens Of maiden
hair, they sat down on a NOISY stone to
analyEe them.
"When we are married, Grace, l hope
to find a rare pupil in you. We have
only a year to wait now until your ia
ther considers you old enough, " con-
tinued he. 81 don't mind saying to
you, little girl, that l find the waiting
tedious at times"
Grace's heart throbbed rapidly.
"Then you would not mind very
much II something should happen that
would make as marry sooner, would
you?'' che asked. in a low tone
"No. dear l should not; not in the
least. But therei' the professor sighed
heavily. Your father IL quito right,
quite right, and we must wait. Now.
shall we analyze n few more ~spooimensi"
They turned again 20 the ferns and
so the time passed. Suddenly the pro-
fessor seemed to realize that time was
flying and whipped out his watch.
"Bless my soul I" he cried. 1--WE will
barely have time to get to the boat. Il
10 4 o'clock. We must hurry. Grace"
They had not gone far before the deep
whistle sounded ON their ears.
"Why We can never reach the boat
in time in the world We must run for
1t, Graoer"
But, despite their efforts, when they
reached The shore the boat was hidden
from view by a lend in tho river.
"This is a predicament, " said PNo.
fessor Harper, az he mopred bis brow.
1.-THE worst of il is that they will tbinh
we did it on purposel r. Aud he frownod
In annoyance. ~ cAnno think how my
watch came to be SO far behind time
Do you suppose you could have mad
vertently turned the hands. Grace
when you took it from me?"
Grace hung her head. but made nj
reply.
"Grace," he exclaimed, II believ,
that you did it. aud on purposei Die
your"
Grace nodded.
"But why. child2 Why should yol
want to be left way out here in tn,
woodsi't
"I'm going to run of with you, Her
bert. So that yen might Az we'll max,
up your mind to it,"
"Whyi What does the girl mean?'
gasI 'the professor in amnzement.
"Just what l cay If you will nRre'
20 marry me right away. l know a mai
that lives about a mile from here VIII,
will drive us to CLANCY. II you dom
promise, Twill not tell where he live
and you will just have to stay here al
night"
Professor Harper stared at her fer
moment in nstonishment. and then, a
her meaning burst upon him, gave ven
to a oar Of laughter. Graoe's lii
quivered.
ooh, / surrender / surrender I" oriei
the professor hastily. II will do any
thing you ask, my Gear. But what
very desperate character You areI"
Shamefaced, but determined, Grac
led the chuckling professor to the hons
of a farmer, with whom arrangement
were soon concluded to drive them I
CLANCY.
"You don't really mind, do you
HERBERT" whispered Grace as the
reached the house of the minister.
"Mind? No. ! wish we had done
long ago." whispered back the profess
or, smiling boyishly. 81 haven't bee
on such a lark for years."
The O, e. club held a private jollif
cation when it was known that Profess
or Harper and Grace Dawn had eloped
and the villagers wondered at the de
pravity Of a man Of his age.
IAN the same, my dear" said tn
professor to his wife, 81 hope that so
won't always use such desperate meth
DDS TO obtain your way"
"But there wasn't anything else
do, /" answered Mrs. Harper.
And, laughing. he kissed her.-I
Foster Madison in Cleveland Press.