The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-04
NN.N!NN.NNN .NNN.!NN NlNlN9N. |.NNN.S

Ddna. II was al NbIldl NOlNts
and it rose from the river. Cronin
started When a voice lies so nasty on
the conscience that it becomes audible
IL is bad company for a man who is
much alone. Cronin held his hand to
his ear to intensity the sound. "Dana!'
The woman called again. She knew
his real name. and was standing near
the water. Cronin halted half way
down the cobble trail, but the foliage
hid the figure. "Dana!" The voice
rose now above the gurgle of the water,
pitched as of old. in plaintive, unpleas-
ant accent.
1t had haunted all the loneliness Of
four years desert service, which had
freed him from the person of it's pos
SCISSOR, and now it sounded like the
soul-cry Of dead reproach, haunting
and helpless.
He stepped on the bed Of powders at
the base of the rapids where the figure
stood outlined against the current, The
face was there, framed in the foliage.
1t was more than four years older and
very pale under the shadows of the
willows.
What madness brings you here
ELEM" he said at length.
THE one that you kindled and shared
for awhile" she replied. There was no
bitterness in her voice, but there was
all the wearinesS of the miles she had
travelled and the silent reproach Of her
own uncomplaint She smiled sadly.
Il am not come to upbraid you or to
ask you to relight ashes that won't
burn. | have come to be near you. ]
have come very far and | am very
tired"
She stumbled toward him with eX-
tended arms. lie caught her hands
without tenderness to prevent her fall
ing on the slippery stones, and led her
to a seat on the bank.
How did you track me here? Did
Dalton tell you I had enlisted in the
army?"
He was angry at the thought COM
rade had betrayed him.
NO one told me. / don't know Dali
ton" she said simply.
Then how did you ferret me out?"
His anger was toward the woman
now.
Through your picture drawn by
Remington in the magazine. Sergeant
Cronin rescuinG IA wounded comrade in
the Cimarron.'
He ignored this unearthed compli-
ment to courage and hurried on.
THE idea of your coming here is in
sane"
why insaro?"
What are YOU going to do?'
Il am going to stay"
Going TO stay! Stay where?"
"To stay here"
"Then the idea is more than insane.
1t is impossible"
why is it impossible? I am inde-
pendent, and utterly alone now what
matter where I stay''''
Because this is OF a post. This is
military cantonment. where women
are not allowed. Where did you spend
the night"
Below here on 1lc, river with
Mexican girl called Marta"
Cronin drew his hand across his face
10 destroy a vision.
So no." he answ red vehemently
lyon must leaVe' You must so back"
You are very hard. | wanted to see
YOU and have Travelled far. ! have the
right to know if time brings change
Your going was all Il mistake, Dana!
All a hdeous mistake | saw your
courage i'm the picture and have come
To worship it near, if need be unnoticed,
by you. Oh You are brave and will
bear with a woman who exacts moth
ing and for love of You has suffered
much"
Cronin felt that he could not face the
inCoherenCe of hysteria and tears. He
hurried on ia preserve the velocity of
anger.
1T is pitiless to me and to yourself
to hound ami pursue ne. You know
that it is all ended and that / cannot
bear to see your face. Your presence
drove me from my first career. To es-
cape you | entered the service and ac-
Cepted the shame of an assumed name
| tell YOU there is no change. Go,
Go!"
Perhaps you forget that YOU need
lcssly entangled my life at its girls
beginning"
Her voice was infinite in sadness-as
sad as wasted years.
Then suddenly new hope seized her
Money, inconsequent to her. might
have a hidden value With n joy with
out shame she FASTENED to say. Il can
make amends"
She drew a purse from her bosom
and extended it eagerly. "I am indie.
pendent. l am wealthy now. Take
this and return to your career.
Cronin flushed hotIy, and recoiled
from the blow.
go" he whispered hoarsely. your
presence here will drive me to deser-
tion. There is nothing more between
us, and tell you there is no change!
The hope in her face faded and the
woman sat stunned. Before she could
reply Cronin hastened up the hill
From the crest he saw her still sitting
by the rivers edge. staring stupidity
into the current.
On the mesa he overlook Marta
walking toward the cavalry corral. Hel
swift steps unperceived, had preceded
him up the trail.
"Ola, Marta! mi Estrallaw
"ola, Jorge! Porque no es "a Ca.
ballo?"
Because l hoped to meet you and
my horse would be in the way" M
said gayly.
"You have the beautiful American
now; you have no need of Marital"
What. my heart? My star-eyed one
already Jealous? but forgive you fo
you have been a guardian angel to IN!
sister in her foolish surprise visit"
Does ones sister cross the 'Somado
to see a brother?"
She ignored the assurance she sough
and perversely continued her teasing
Northern birds return in the spring
Shall / wait until the lark is gone, O
do You propose going with her?" The!
spoke in Spanish, for Marta knev
only the language of her land.
am pOinR with Uot1 ba rar,Iia1