The Red Cloud chief., 1901-03-29
AS GOOD AS GOLD.
by Clio stanley.

TX
Il was a pleasant place--the old
mill where Rita Canton lived with
her father, and where his father
L had lived before him. ror nifty
wears the busy wheels had turned III
their places, and morning after morn
ing, as boy and man. Peter Canton
had listened to their music, until he
felt as II he could never be content
TO live or uie anywhere else.
1t was lovely landscape, too, that
was spread out before him as he
looked out from the mill window. with
pretty Rita peepiIg over his shoulder.
In the tops of the elm trees life was
beginning to stir, for 1t was the first
bright day in May; and down In the
short, green grass the soft wind
crept long with murmu ing caresses.
There were apple trees full Of blush
ing bloom. and over them red.breasted
robins were twittering.
"Ah," said Rita, with long, wish
ful breath, "shall we not be happy
when II IL all our own? Those smiling
hollows and little dreams Of hills, that
green lane and the beautiful meadow,
and best of all, this dear old MILL"
what would you do, child" said
the old miller. without turning his
head. III you had to give 1t all up and
20 away to strange place."
What do you mean. papa? Surely
there Is no such danger as thar for
u.s." said Rita. opening wide her blue
eyes.
The old man sighed wearily, as he
turned away from the fair landscape
Papa, you would not leave this dear
home? Why, IL were In the faires,
garden In the world. l should dream
OF the old stone mill, hear the sOunt
of our laughing waters, and die Of
Inconsistencies"
Rita, darling, you do not mean wha
you say"
81 do, indeed, papa. You are vexet
about that little mortgage, are yo'
not?"
Little. Rita? IL Is a hundred an,
fifty dollars. and fifty liz all hav,
been able to save in these last tw,
years
II know it," returned Rita. with
bright blush; "but, papa, only las
night Gustave said he would buy
share In the mill, and then you ca
pay the debt that so worries you!"
When you and Gustave marry-bu
when will that be?"
Next summer, papa. He will hav
no money until then. But we can a
wait little to be so Kappyw
Rita laughed merrily, but old Pete
Canton groaned.
Now, papa, something else trouble
you. Let me share your secret. that
clouding your face In the midst of a
this sun shining"
Rita" said the old man. slowl
'you love Gustave dearlyI"
"Surely. papa, with the life of me
"And you could never give him ,
to marry another?"
"No, no! Why, papa, trouble hi
bewildered your brain"
Yes, little Rita. fear II Is so. o
Vondeldorf, who held this mortgag
TO his own loss, for II was due Y
years ago, has sold II to his nephe'
and the young man demands 1t
once. with interest"
"Not Rafe Vondeldorfw exclaim
Rita. with flashing eyes.
"Yes. Rita: and he will make on
one compromise"
'What Is IT." she asked, with
sparkle of determination In her bl,
beautiful eyes.
THAT you will consent to be
wife, my child. Then he will ne,
trouble me for the money. And. ri
he is coming tonight for his answe
"Oh, papa" sighed Rita. softly,
there no other way to save you 81
distress?"
''He is n rich young man. and {
give you better home than Gusts
can provide"
what care l for his gold when
brings no true heart with it,"
Rat HI loves VOW, Wy child"
"No. He loves only himself. and
would not even regard n sacred pr,
Use, when | should be his wife, Pa
never wish me such fate as that!
''As what, Miss RitaY"
1t was Rafe Vondeldorf. who
stolen In upon them unawares, '
put the question.
"We were talking about leaving
home, Rafe vondeldorf. DO you kl
1t would break my fathers hear
leave the old place"
"You need not leave II, Miss RI
81 am lot speaking of myself, bu
him. His peace of mind is deare
me than my own pleasure. A thous
times dearer"