Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1900-11-09
The World Against Him
BY WILL N. HARDEN.
Copyright, 1900. by
A. N. Kellogg Newspaper Company.
CHAPTER u.-CoNTINUED.

It would have been impossible for
him to believe that she was not speak
ing to him as she would have spoken to
IAN old friend, and this drew him to her.
The irritation of a short while before
was swept away. He found himself
telling her that he had feared she would
never remember him, and that she had
made him very happy by coming back
to speak to him.
@AAs if could forget the first time
ever saw you'll" she exclaimed, clasp
ing her hands over her knee and look
1ngout over the stream. 81 had actually
given myself up for lost, Mr.. Fanshaw.
Being a man, it may not seem that you
did much for me, that day, but have
seen that frightful bull in my dreams
and heard his awful believing "a
thousand times. / remembered that he
had gored little boy almost to death
the spring before and when 1 saw him
coming 1 simply could not run. Then
i saw you rush into the very arms of
death and catch it by the horns. All,
I have seen that awful struggle in my
dreams, too! You don't know how ter
xibie it was; the veins of your face and
neck stood up like cords under the skin
and your eyes nearly left their sockets.
Once your foot slipped and screamed
as you went down. 1 thought it was all
over then, but you held onto his horns
and when he flung up his head he
raised you. Then 1 saw the CLEAN of a
set purpose in your eye as you slowly
BACKED him to the big stick near by and
then l saw you grasp it and beat him
off,
She paused out of breath, she had
spoken so rapidly.
az see you have not forgotten" he
laughed, modestly. 'My arms ached
for a week after that. L don't think
ever gave my muscles a greater test"
She gazed at him admiringly.
Il think strong, manly man is Gods
best creation"-her tone was almost
xeverent. mo, have not forgot
never shall forget that you offered you,
life as readily as Capt. Wrinkle" (she
sneered slightly would hand me {
afterwards that you could not speal
and yet you helped me over that higf
fence; know you were exhausted, fol
You sank down and could not RISE"
Ronald flushed slightly. II hoped
you would forget that" he said.
at is what 1 want to remembe
most" the girl declared, because i
proves how very much you did for me.
Her voice was low, and it quivered a
If strong emotions were working in he
breast. The branches Of the trees wer
moving overhead, and a shaft of shift
ing sunlight fell on her glorious, gold
en- brown hair. The breeze coming from
the east brought the strain of plan
eation melody sung by the negroe
working in one of her fathers cotto
fields. For one instant the eyes of thes
two met, and then, like man in bliss
full dream, he turned and picked up hi
rod. His cork was under water and b
could see the slack line being draw
here and there. 1t was fine trou
and he laughed merrily as he drew
out of the water. She sprang up an
stood by him as he took it from hi
hook and put it into his basket.
81 am afraid am disturbing you
SPORT" she said, tentatively.
You see you have given me goo
luck" he made answer.
81 have wanted another talk wit
YOU for a long time" She cast glane
In the direction of her party. 81 pr
sume L ought to join them. but hay
really not said all l wished. 1t seen
half a lifetime since we met"
Later that day he actually shuddere
over the boldness of his reply to thi
and yet Fam convinced that 1T was OF
of his remarks which she remembers
in its entirety.
THE meeting in itself seemed
whole lifetime to me-" he said, in
full, tense voice-"the beginning. Il
end short, beautiful life, for
thought might never. perhaps neve
see you again"