Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-06-12

and, by all that's holy, I should hate
to see him fail, for IL he weakens like
the rest of Us my North star will have
dropped from my sky"
"Nice selfish spirit" muttered.
Entirely 80. I'm not a saint, but
feel like steering by one when see
him."
When, after q week had gone, Craig
rode up one early morning to his shack
door, his face told me that he had
fought his fight and had not been beat
en-. He had ridden all night and was
ready to drop with WEAKNESS.
"Connor, old boy" he said, putting
out his hand, I'm rather played. There
was bad row at the Landing. I have
Just closed poor Colley's eyes. 1t was
awful. I must get sleep. Look after
Dandy. will you, like good chap"
"Oh. Dandy be hanged" l said, for
I knew 1t was not the fight nor the
watching nor the long ride that had
shaken his iron nerve and given him
that face. go in and lie down. I'll
bring you something"
"Wake me in the afternoon" he said.
"she is waiting. Perhaps you will 60
to her." His lips Quivered. my nerve
10 rather gone" Then, with a very
wan smile, he added, Il am giving you
a lot of trouble"
you 60 to thunderw burst out, for
my throat was hot and sore with grief
for him.
II think I'd rather 60 to Sleep" he re-
piled, still smiling.
could not speak and was glad Of the
chance Of being alone with Dandy.
When I came in. found him sitting
with his head in his arms upon the ia
BILE fast asleep. I made him tea, forced
him to take q warm bath and sent him
to bed while l went to Mrs. Mavor. l
went with fearful heart, but that was
because l had forgotten the kind of
woman she was.
She was standing in the light Of the
window waiting for me. Her face was
pale, but steady; there was a proud
light in her fathomless eyes, a slight
smile parted her lips, and she carried
her head like queen.
Come in," she said. you need not
fear to tell me. saw him ride home.
He has not failed, thank God 1 am
proud of him. knew he would be
true. lie loves me"-she drew in her
breath sharply, and faint color tinged
her chcek-"but he knows love is not
allah, love is not all! Oh, am glad
and proud"
Glad" l gasped, amazed.
You would not have him prove
fnithless"' she said, with proud de-
fiance.
ooh, it is high sentimental nom
sense" 1 could not help saying.
You should not say So" she replied,
and her voice rang clear. Honor,
faith and duty are sentiments, but
they are not nonsense"
In spite of my rage I was lost in
amazed admiration Of the high spirit
of the woman who stood up so straight
before me. but as told how worn
and broken he was she listened with
changing color and swelling bosom,
her proud courage all gone and only
love, anxious and plying, in her eyes.
"Shall go to him." she asked, with
:imid eagerness and deepening color.
"He is sleeping. He said he would
come to you" | replied.
II shall wait for him." she said soft
ly, and the tenderness in her tone went
straight to my heart, and it seemed to
me man might suffer much to be
loved with love such as this.
In the early afternoon Graeme came
to her. She met him with both hands
outstretched, saying in low voice:
81 am very happy"
"Are you sure?" he asked anxiously.
ooh, yes" she said, but her voice
was like sob, quite, quite sure!"
They talked long together till l saw
that Craig must soon be coming. and 1
rallied Graeme away. He held her
hands, looking steadily into her eyes,
and said:
you are better even than thought.
I'm going to be better man."
Her eyes filled with tears, but her
smile did not fade as she answered:
"Yes. you will be good man. and
God will give you work to do"
He bent his head over her hands and
stepped back from her as from a
queen, but he spoke no word till we
came to Craig's door Then he said
with humility that seemed strange in
him:
"Connor. that is great-to conquer
oneself. 1t is worth while. l am go
Ing to try"
would not have missed his meeting
with Craig. Nelson was busy with tea
Craig was writing near the window
He looked UP as Graeme came in ant
nodded an easy good evening, bu
Graeme strobe to him and putting ont
hand on his shoulder, held out his 9th
er for Craig to take.
After moments surprise Craig rost
to his feet and, facing him squarely
took the offered hand In both of hi.
and held it fast without word
Graene was the first to speak. and hi!
voice was deep with emotion.
You are a great man, good man
Ia give something to have your grit"
Poor Craig stood looking at him, mo-
daring to speak for some moments
Then he said quietly:
mot good or great, but, thank God
not quite a traitor"
Good manw went on Graeme, pat
ting him on the shoulder. Good man