Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-07-19
The Daily Short Story
A MANS WAY.
BY Katherine Harger.

twas a right smart step too. Mountain
seemed mighty long an steep that
night, Mr.. Clark, but l wasn't skeer-
ed"
But, Bess. that was too much to do
for me. l would never have allowed ii
had known. or course. as told you
before. you saved my life. and-well If
here isn't Ginger as the door flew
open and a large reddish brown dog
entered. Tell me-. Bess, what have you
been doing since l was here last sum-
mer? Did you study real hard. as you
promised me you would. or did you go
to school all winter and fall in love
with the gentleman teacher, same as
the other girls?'
A flush spread over her already rosy
face as she replied: II don't know
much bout love, but didn't like that
Teller teacher, an l wouldn't go TO be
teached by him. The winter was mighty
long an lonesome some way. lonesomer
AN us'al. Bout all the 'joyments l had
was when l read your letters an the
books you sent me. Orter seen me
watch fur you'll letters. l would go
down the mountain most ever night 10
see If / wouldn't git one. You didn'
write very of'en, but 1 s'pose you was
busy with all 'em balls an dinners an
things. / read the books, all OF 'em.
Some of 'em had mighty long words.
an / had to spell 'em out, an Wen l
didn' know what they meant L jest
s'posed 'em. L liked that story bout the
kings sister best. Mary Tudor was her
name. Do you know. Mr.. Clark, If L
was beautiful an rich l would do Jest
as she did l would marry the man
loved. an If he didn' love Newell. L
would make him, that's all; | would
make him. jest make him, love me. L
am only n dumb. know nothin noun
tain gal: no one wants me or loves me,
an can't do nuthin. Wen l do want
some one to love me. they won't do 1t,
an can't make 'em. cause | am-jeSt
Bess. that's al
Il declare, Bess. you're getting senti-
mental. Every one loves you. You are
dear little girl. and-why, love you.
Bess l often thought of you when
would he out somewhere last winter.
would see some girl who reminded me
of you. and l would think. She looks
like Bessie Carr, only Bess would he
prettier than she is With those same
toys Sometimes in the office l would
sit half asleep and would dream Of the
iolIy times we had last summer-such
fishing and hunting trips and flower
gathering excursions. l tell you. Bess,
you're all right. You know how TO treat
fellow. 1t seems n relief TO get to the
mountains and you after putting in
season with so many designing girls
one meets. I'm glad you are just the
way YOU are. You're my wild mountain
rose"
1t was several weeks later. The trees
were filed with blossoms. likewise the
ground. The birds were singing joyous
ly i'm the branches, making the earth
seem unusually attractive, but not to
the girl. who sat with man and gin
ger colored dog beneath the tree. Her
face wore look of sadness.
Don't look so down in the mouth.
Bess," the man was saying. "Of course
l am sorry I must go. l hate to leave
You. In spite of my sickness l have
had n royal time and thank you for 1t.
/ have been wanting TO have a long
talk with you. Bessie, but have been
putting IL off from time to time be-
cause-wen. to be frank, Bess. l was
conceited enough to think you liked me
pretty well: too well, you know. L
know now | was wrong, and l am glad
OF IT, for YOU are too good n girl to fall
I'm love with wild fellow like me. l
am glad You told me what you did yes
tertlay-that you would not be surpris-
ed il 1 should get married. because.
Bess. that's what is going to happen. /
am going to marry Mildred. the girl l
talked about when 1 was sick, the girl
YOU kissed me for. but she will forgive
Won. Bess. Don't look so sad about it.
She will come up with me the next
time l come to thank you for restoring
me to health and her.
'.She is n splendid girl. and when you
come to the city you will pay us long
visit, and you will like each other. L
know. Mildred will treat you right.
and you must come You know you
often promised me you would pay me n
visit some day. BY the way. Bess, here
is n little trinket / want to give you to
show nv appreciation of your kindness
when l was sick. Ny mother gave IL to
me, and would not part with it under
anv other conditions" As he spoke he
drew from his little finger n magnifi-
cent diamond ring, and. taking the
trembling hand of the girl into his, he
placed the ring upon her finger.
II must go now. Kiss me goodby
Bess." The dropping head was raised;
the kiss was eagerly given. "Remem-
her we will expect n visit IL we do not
come back this summer. l will write
Won when 1 have time. Goodby. Bess;
roodby. Ginger" But his words were
unheeded and his waving handkerchief
unnoticed by the broken hearted little
mountain girl, who wept a secret sor-
row upon the neck Of Ginger dog fun
of pity and MISUNDERSTANDING Dis
patch.
mn st,,Ie Tbourbt