The daily morning Alaskan., 1902-02-08
THE GAMEKEEPER'S
 l ..... DAUGHTER

kl% hiuNh NhfNH aA"N W smile.
 Brlcr. Bonnat shambled along the hedged and tree arched highway.
 When he reached the lodge gate. he deliberately sat upon the fender rock. "why. Brler." exclaimed Marlbel turning quickly to return to the lodge where did you come fromr
 Prom home. Maribel. and a-purpose to sec ye." soberly replied the simple farmer. "rve heard ye have been re- celving attentions from a soldier"
 Maribel laughed merrily and blushed. "Ye has guilty look. MaribeL and | fear what hear be true. But ye must not encourage those chaps, Mari bel for ye know ye are promised to me"
 'I am promised to you. Brier? Why you must be mad. And when. pray, gave such promlsel"
 "It was not ye. Maribel. as gave ;he promise. It was yer father told me ye should be mine"
 Look to my father. then, to fulfill the promise"' exclaimed the quick tenn pered Maribel. casting a glance where the dust had risen. then turning and walking quickly up the avenue toward the lodge.
 Brler. Bonnat looked puzzledly after her. but he neither called her back nor manifested chagrln.
 He dragged his corduroy cap from hls glossy. black head and twlrled it In his hand. his eyes fixed on the turf re flectlvely. until Herr Weize came along homeward from the village.
 What do ye here. Brier?' called out the jolly gamekeeper.
 "Slt a minute. Herr Welze," called out Brier. strengthening up. Did ye not tell me should have Maribel for me wlfef"
 "I did Whyy"
 An hour ago l came up the road from the place to pass an hour with Maribel. AS turned the bend of the road beyond saw the girl and a sol dier"-
 Captain Lurt:'
 "The same. l stopped just beyond the stlle Co walt for them to separate. { heard the soldier ask Maribel Co be his wife. She gave him her promise. and. Herr weizc. they sealed it with a Kiss. Now. Herr Welze, never has Marlbel honored me with kiss
 And ye saw this. BrlerT
 with me own eyes"
 The sturdy. gray bearded gamekeep- CT strode up the graveled avenue to- ward his lodge.
 Brier Shamblcd on down the road.
 It was a stormy interview that took place between the father and daughter The mothcrless girl pleaded her love for the dragoon. Her stern father swore she should wed in her rank and that bis wish was that she become the wife of Brier'Bon- nat.
 The same blood flowed in their veins. Their quarrel increased until the dark browed parent. goaded by disobedicnce and loves obstlnacy. threw open hls door and bade his high spirited child leave his sight forever.
 
 "Yes. here was the very spot Do you remember, dearE'
 "AsIfIt were yesterday. Come here, Myrtle. want to show you some thing"
 A tall. beautiful young woman ap' preached the gray mustached' horid, portly man. upon whose arms leaned the gracious. well preserved lady who made th. first remark and who was regarding an old broken down gate with peculiar interest.
 Myrtle" said the gentleman. "it was at this very spot that mamma promised to be mine
 He looked into the bright eyes of hls daughter as he added:
 Just here we sealed our troth with a kiss" Then he took the race or the couteh'' ed looking lady In his gloved hands and said:
 And mother doesn't regret that first kiss. does sheT'
 The response was not in words.
 What were you then. papaT asked the girl
 "A captain. my child"
 And you. mammaT'
 "A gamekeeper's motherless daugh' fer. Myrtle. This Is the first time have been here since your grandfather drove me from home because was in love with your father"
 Where Is grandpa. mammaT
 Dead. dear. years ago" And was he gamekeeper hereF'
 "Yes. Wonder in the trees was our | lodge"
 Who Is the gamekeepSr now, man. maj"
 ! Trha .1fo o Ia