The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1902-04-29

THE HUMPHREY GIRLS HAD CHUNG TEAR
FULLY TO NELL.
Reginald Blackmore, second son of Sir
Roland Blackmore and manager of his
fathers ranches in the southwest. had
| been visiting at the Bronze home for
ten days, his third visit in twelve
months. Mr.. Bronze was rich man
and ambitious. Arthur Reginald Black.
more's elder brother was at the RIVE
"a for his health, and Arthur Reginald
himself was returning to the southwest
| and his ranches on the afternoon ex-
press.
The vessel was gliding from the dock,
and the young people rushed to the rail
enjoying the amazement on friendly
faces at sight of Nell still on board.
Mr.. Humphreys was not looking at the
crowd on the pier, but at Jack Hunter,
studying him with the keen, calculat-
ing glance of man of business, and
yet in time his glance softened, and he
took the young mans arm impulsively.
Come along. Jack, and we'll make
everything sure for your trip back to
New York. Girls, when you get through
waving those absurd flags and have
wiped your eyes, go down to the saloon
and see the flowers and fruit your ex-
travagant admirers have sent you"
But the two men did not turn right
in 10 see either the captain or the pilot.
They walked TO deserted corner Of
the boat as if by mutual consent, and
the elder man began sententiously:
Ever been out west. JackY
mo. sir
'Then you don't know what grub
stalking is, do your"
"I've a pretty fair idea. Mr.. Hum
phreys."
We'll, Jack. my lad, | think I'll grub
stake you in this deal. l believe the
investment will pan out all right. If
you keep things running smoothly
while I'm gone, you'll have an interest
In the concern when | come back.
That ought to put you on your mettle."
Hunter tried to say something, but
the words choked him. He looked his
gratitude
''Therf. there Don't make promises.
Work And might as well he frank
enough to say that, while like you, it's
fr the girl. knew her mother-years
ago" Then with a sudden change of
manner and something that bordered
closely on wink he added, Now for
tie piiotr'
The last farewells had been spoken.
The Humphrey girls had chung tear
fully to Nell as their last link with the
homeland which had become mex
plic;,bly and suddenly dear to them,
then pushed her away with messages
and flowers, consigning her to the ten
der mercies of Jack. the pilot, and a
saucy little tug.
Nell and Jack had been sitting in the
diminutive cabin talking of many
things and thinking OF but one when
suddenly the girl glanced at her watch
and uttered an exclamation:
where are we? I'm dreadfully
afraid we won't get to town in time"
She rushed on deck and gave a dis
mayed little cry.
''Why, we're not going back to the
city at all We're still in the Narrows.
Jack. Jack, whatever shall | do? Mr..
Blackmore will never forgive my rude
ness"
Jack led her back into the small
cabin safe from inquisitive eyes.
do you really care. Nell, whether
he ever does forgive your"
Her honest eyes fell before his.
"Father-you know how he feels''-
what / want to know is how you
feel. Are you willing to wait? Oh,
Nell, Mr.. Humphreys is going to do all
sorts of things for me If only you'll
wait. This was his plan
He stopped guilty, and NeIrs eyes
opened wide.
DO you mean = Jack. Jack, you're
Aidnaning meT