The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1902-04-01
CHAPTER XIII.
THE SPOTS.

That night as he walked back through
the streets he was thrilled with a sense
of strength and of triumph. He knew
his ground now. There was to be war
between him and the General to the bit
ter end. He had never asked her once
to oppose her fathers or mothers COM
mand. Now he would see who was mas
ter in a test of strength. There was
nothing left now but to fight for her
love. And he was eager for the strug-
gle.
Now, Bob. | count on you" he cried
to his friend next morning. Il am going
to have a merry Christmas and you are
to aid in the skirmishing."
I'm with you to the fnish,' Bob re-
sponded with enthusiasm.
I'VE must make a feint this morning
to deceive the enemy while I turn his
flank. l go home on the nine o'clock
train. You understands"
Yes, over the left. It's dead easv
too. There's to be a big Christmas par
ty tonight at the Alexanders'. She's in
vited. I'll see that she goes to it if I
have to drag her.v
Good. Don't tell her I'm in town. 1
want to surprise her.
The General had a man at the morn
ing train who reported Gaston's depart
ure. He was surprised at Sallie's good
spirits but attributed it to the magni-
fcent present he had given her that
morning Of a diamond ring and an ex-
quisite pearl necklace.
He hustled her off to the party that
night and congratulated himself on the
certainty of his triumph over an aspir-
ing youngster who dared to set his will
against his own.
ylou -
When the festivities began, and the
children were busy with their fireworks,
same Stfolled along the winding walks
OF the big lawn. She was chatting with
Bob st. Clare about a young man they
both knew Well, and when the reached
the corner furthest from the house. un-
der the shadow of a great elm with low
overhanging boughs she saw the figure
of a man.
She smiled up into Bob's face. pressed
his hand and said,
Now, Bob, you've done all a good
friend could do. Go back. | don't need
you"
Ana Bob with a smile and
lett her. In a moment CASTOR was by
her side with both her hands in his kiss
ing them tenderly.
Didn't l surprise you dearo" he SOFTLY
asked.
NO. Bob denied you were here, but
l knew he was a story-teller. I was
sure you would never leave without see
ing me. You couldn't, could you?"
Not after what | saw in YOUR ewes
last night he whispered.
II seems a century since I've heard
your voice." she said wistfully. "God
alone knows what l have suffered and
l am growing weary of it"
do you think 7 have boap froo+od ct.
ly? he asked.
mo, l don't"
NO, don't. And l will not starve nv
heart any longer And she pressed his
hand.
You have made the world glorious
again. When will you marry me Sal
1ie? He bent his face close to her. and
LOT an answer she tenderlv kissed him
Ihey stood in silence a moment will
clasped hands, and then she said slow
~, You didn't want your freedom. die
you, dear? That's the third kiss. ISM
II? l wonder if kissing will ALWAYS he
as sweet. But you asked me when we
can marry? l can't tell now. can dc
nothing to shock mama. She seems r.
araw closer and closer to me every dav
ana now that l have determined nc
power Shal separate us, it seems more
and more necessary that shall wir
papas consent We are much alike II
temperament. He loves me dearly.