The National tribune., 1901-11-14

therefrom handful or gold pieces, which
he gave his son, saying:
She will need it, IL you don't"
She Shall have every cent Of it"
"Shan't we hear from you occasionally 2
asked the mother.
Yes; but you will never dare write
You shall hear from me as | am about to
change my location"
Two horses were saddled. They were
strong, young animals. One was provided
with a lady's saddle, and the flowing rid
ing skirt of the period. Then, with some
jerked beef, dried yenison, and bread in
his saddle pockets, and their clothing
strapped on behind, they bade all teGr-
full farewell, mounted, and rode away .
the west.
The mother watched the young fugi-
tives until they had vanished from sight
over the hill, and fell weeping in her hus-
bands arms.
From the first George had intended to
place Eunice in the home of Mr.. Bogss.
In that out-of-the-way retreat, that cabin
buried deep in the forest, no one would
ever think of looking for her.
Eunice, do you think any occasion
will justify the art of dissemblins" he
asked
1T might" she said. Jacob did, and
others have found it justifiable; yet, it
is dangerous approach TO wickedness." q"
Il am going to take you to the home
of poor pioneer, who lives far from any
Travelled road, and where you will be
safe. He does not even know my name,
though | spent two days at this house.
| viii go under a new name, and you
shall be my sister. Ny mothers name
was Murry, and my name is George Murry
McNair. Now, | will tell them you are
Betty Murry, your parents are dead, and
am your brother. 1t will prevent any
story Of a chance traveller who may stop
at the cabin arOusing suspicion"
Il suppose it will be right, George; and
though | don't like to do it, l will if
you say So"
Night was upon them, as they reached
deep forest which man seemed never to
have trod.
On the banks Of beautiful stream
they halted to make their camp. The
saddles were removed, and George built a
small fire near large oak, and broiled
steak
The horses had been brought in within
the circle Of freight, to keep them from
attacks of panthers and bears.
Before the first half of the night had
worn away, wild beasts began to appear
near the camp. Then he piled the dead
brushwoOd on the fire to frighten them
off. Their Ominous growls could be heard
in the dark, ard often he could see the
gleam of angry eyes all about them: yet
while the fire burned brightly, there was
no danger OF an attack.
When morning came, the beasts retired
to their lairs in the deeper recesses Of the
forest
He prepared breakfast.
Have you been awake all night?" Eu-
nice asked.
Yes; the wild varmints were all around
us"
She shuddered. and said:
Il did not hear them"
You were tired, and slept WELL"
And you?"
The varmints kept me awake" he an,
swered, land l had to keep the fire 60
ing, or we should have been attackedp
After breakfast he saddled the horses
and they again started on their journey.
That afternoon the humble home of Mr..
Boggs was reached. The frOntiersman re-
ceiyed them in his coarse way. George
returned the borrowed trousers, and told
him story Of being compelled to leave
his sister somewhere, and that he thought
their home would be quiet place.
The short hunter shifted his quid of
tobacco from one cheek to the other, and
said:
We'll, 1 reckon wen hey to let her
stay"
When George placed a $40 goldpiece
in his hand, he looked curiously at it, and
asked:
why, what's this fur?'
You need some pay for your trouble"
He handed back the money with an in
jured expression, and said:
We don't keep tavern"
You don't understand me, Mr.. Boggs.
You will have to keep my sister here
long while. 1t is nothing but fair that
she should help support herself. 1 am
willing to pay you, and want you to take
the money.
But appealing was in vain.
..rTha col cnrrId CFov InpD nc Oh
to, but long ez he had two bits to buy
powder and lead, he didn't tech his
money"
George told him he was going to leave
a horse with her. which he was welcome
to use as his own. To this the pioneer
After two days he took his departure.
in the road took them. out of sight of the
house.
Then he turned, and, seizing both her
hands in his own, said:
'Eunice, this is hardest of all"
Her eyes were now swimming with
tears. .s- H.
VIII you come backY she asked.
Yes, soon as | can. l wish l could
take you with me, but where I 20 you
can not come. 1t is too wild. He will not
ind You here, nor can he find me in the
forest"
Then they stood gazing at each other.
Both were young and rustic. They had
not been skilled in that school of fine arts
called society. Acting upon sudden i'm
pulse, he clasped her in his arms and
pressed passionate kiss upon her lips
She did not resent it
She clnng to him moment, fondly, |
and whispered:
Il can not see you go away
Il must: | will come again"
For a brief space longer he clasped
he pretty woodland creature in his arms. |
kissed her passionately, and, snatching his
rife from the ground, leaped on his horse !
md spurred away from the scene.
CTO be continued