The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1902-11-13
the place might tell somemthing Of the


where the horse and rider had lain.
He picked IL up quickly and turned IL
over eagerly. He thought 1t rather
dainty handkerchief for man to car
nv. and uttered an exclamation OF con-
tempt for the swell who would carry
such a thing. Then he found the name,
Laura Lauriat," and a smile came 10
his lips.
at may be his sweethearts. In that
case he may not condescend to admire
Kate I'm put her a bit on her guard,
and show her this, at any rate; it'll do
no harm
He went directly toward Purcells,
actually going out of his way to avoid
going near the spot where he and the
old man had found the mysterious
chest the night before.
IT'S ill.luck about that place" he
muttered. Il can't help having a feel
ing that we shall get into trouble about
that affair Purcell is mighty simple
minded about some things"
In a few moments he reached the
house he sought. Kate was outside
the door picking up chips for the
breakfast fire, and betrayed some sur
prise at seeing Burt again.
Something in the expression of his
face, much as he attempted to con-
ceal his feelings, made her feel like
shrinking a little. But she only said:
It's time you rested, Dick; you
were up all night, | think"
"A nights rest, more or less, makes
but little difference, | fancy" he said,
coming nearer and taking up the has
ket of wood. How is the stranger
this morning."
Very restless. Father Is with him
now. Are you coming into breakfast"
Dick entered the house, and while
Kate was attending to the frying fish,
Dick drew the handkerchief from his
pocket, saying:
Il picked it up where l found the
man last night. Do you think that's
his manner"
He was surprised at the strength of
the interest with which he watched
Hates face as she took the handker-
chief in her hand. But his suspicion
might have been soothed by her man.
ner.
Laura Lauriat must be the name of
the lady to whom he is soon to be mar
ried," she said, quietly, handing back
the handkerchief.
Again a chill went over her as she
saw how Dicks face lighted at her
words.
What do you mean?" he asked,
quickly.
That he told me he was to be mar
ried next week; that is why he is so
very DESTROYS not to have fever now"
"Oh, what fool / have been!" ex-
claimed Dick, joyously, and his face
was handsome as he spoke, his black
eyes sparkling. Kate, may you never
know how jealous have been. quite
hated the fellow. | have been a fool
OF course, you could not think of him. 1"
Kate turned away to hide her blush
ing face. She was coloring with in
dignation, but there was an under
feeling Of fear which she could never
divest herself of when with Dick Burt
She had a secret belief that he had
some unknown power over her father,
and she was afraid to irritate him
Thus far she had been able to prevent
any open declaration of love from him.
She went on briskly with her pre-
parations for breakfast. She made
several remarks upon other subjects,
but Dick was too eager now to remem-
Der his resolve to WOO her cautiously.
Kate, listen to me one moment"
he said, catching her hand as she went
by him. Il must say something to
youl"
Il am so busy now" she replied, re-
leasing herself. Don't you see | can't
attend to your"
She smiled serenely as she spoke,
but she trembled inwardly.
If she refused Dick Burt she knew
she made an enemy of him. Yet the
thought of the stranger up stairs made
it seem more impossible than ever for
her to love the man by her side. Ev-
cry nerve in her shuddered at his ap-
proach, yet she felt obliged to be civil,
nay, kind, to him.
Dick felt like uttering an oath. But
then, he told himself girls were al
ways offlsh-they liked to be followed,
and urged, and courted; and Kate Pur-
cell, in that, at least, was like all the
rest. They would say NO" when
they meant, eventually, to say Eyes"
But, willing or not, Dick was bound to
have Kate for his wife.
You know want you to give me a
promise, Kate. You know I have loved
you these five years past-you must
know that-and you can't wonder at
1t. Just give me your promise to be
mine some day, and I'll wait as long as
you tell me-"
1t had come now; there was no
avoiding the answer; and Kate Purcell
was not the girl to deceive and give
hope where there was none.
Dick was standing by her, as she
leaned one hand upon the table. She
was pale, and her eyes we're cast down.
Never had she looked so delicate and
lovely to Dick, never had he coveted
her so much, and he was doubly re-
solved to win her.
There was silence for several min
utes, and Dick saw how violently beat
the girls heart-that her breath came
In quick, uneven paintings.
Il wish you had not spoken thus, I"
she said, at last, in so low a tone that
he could scarcely hear her.
why? You know that must final
ly tell you that l have loved you so
long. Surely, there Is no one else"
"Oh, mono one!" quickly.
Dick frightened.
Then you will say yes to me? I
will promise to make you happy. I
love you, so you must be happy. |
have some money-we can start in life
comfortably. Kate, believe it will be
the death of me IL you refused"
You must not talk like that" she
exclaimed, raising her eyes to his face,
and Tayealinp tbot tbara xro. - II. =. o