The Aberdeen Democrat. (Aberdeen, South Dakota) 1???-1909, 1903-10-16
A. Coward's
Courage.
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nDoN'T you hear 1T, Mark-tha
light step, step, behind us
Talk of the quiet of the woods, ther
~ no sucn thing"
Florence Lindsay peered over he
shoulder searching the brush-shade
hillside for the disturbing feet.
Mark Lindsay sprang from hi
couch of brown leaf-mound, saying
No Nine. Fine Ear, hear nothina
but will gladly search for the depreda
tor"
You'll not find him that way" sal
Florence. we are the ~intruders dis
tuFbing the woodland housekeeping
Sit down again Mark, 1 want to tel
you something"
"Ha! There he is! Look at him
Flo-entirely substantial and harm
less. my superstitious wife, I do as
sure you. There he goes. He ha,
added wings to his steps and taken
coign of vantage where he can sp,
upon us. Quite handsome for a mag
Pie. 81 . : Glad to make your &C,
q~uaintance, sir" Mark bowed witt
profound respect in the birds direc.
ton.
Florence laughed with relief and
fun as the saucy-looking bird settled
himself on a boughs high above Their
heads and studied them with sidelong
scrutiny. HE needs only spectacles
to look quite professional. But come,
Mark, | want to tell you something l
neye told before"
$50 you have reserved confidence
these six long months of our union
said Mark, teasingly, as he returned
to his place among the brown leaves.
The lady studied the place, looking
up the length of tree-boles and out
over the mystery of wood depths far
below. signing a little that there
should Turk about it all a spirit of UNI
rest.
81 am a coward, Mark" she abrupt
ly announced. "afraid of all sorts OF
things, but most of all sounds that I
can't define,
Don't believe 1t of yourself-you,
q fearless horsewoman, and timid!"
Mark was not disturbed by the confess
sion.
"a fearless horsewoman in the park
and in the company of-well, yourself
for instance-but you know this is al
most my first experience in the real
wildness of out-of-doors. 1t has al
ways been"-a touch Of sarcasm in
her yoice-'dusted and aired in the
summer resorts. But here, only a
brief climb from the snow-line of our
Sierra Nevada range, it is most SUI
perbly new
Your fear doesn't spoil your pleas,
ure. then? You like our camp?"
Mark was sleepily solicitous.
Camp is all that one could desire. |
Your friends. the Dennisons-it is
good to know them-are wholly will.
ing to foster the latent barbarian in
u.s."
-Fred's a fine fellow" Mark idly as
eented. whislling to the policeman
maybe Wish his health was better.
But he nus get well here if any
where This claim of his is over 81
600 feet above the valley. The stream
running through the place comes
from the heart Of the SHOWS. the can
.oIs are full Of game. and best of all,
to my notion, the resinous odor of the
pines ali about him. l have great
faith in pines But tell me more OF
your vile courage. Mrs. Mark. Per-
haps something can be done about it.
You don't look like a fearsome per-
SON."
I'm vigorous enough, surely"
Florence Strengthened out her fine
shoulders and held out a weii-mus-
cled arm. Il have friends who are
little more than bundles of nerves,
whose bravery is a thing for man him
self to envy" She lightly sighed,
adding: TITS a desperate faw in a
character-this cowardice."
They started many a little busting
creature from his feast of grasses and
juicy roots, and awakened a sleepy
horned owl. just to see him blink his
yellow eyes. Florence bent quite
sportsmanlike over a o track that
Mark traced in the wet mould on the
bank of the stream.
HE was here. lately" said Mark,
studying the bear-like impression.
Something disturbed him, for he is
q night prowler, like all the rest. That
reminds me- must leave long before
daylight. Andy, Fred's man. goes
with me, and 1 shope to bring you q
handsome pair of antlers. You will
study out more woodcraft by yourself
and let me know of your progress"
1T will be lovely, Mark. but-the
pages are many, and-yes. I'll have a
good report for you. i shall ride
down to Oakview In the morning IL
Mrs. Dennison needs anything"
swell. start early, If You go, so as
to get back before the hottest part Of
the day. Jess carries you well and.
will make good time. I am>glad you
use the crOss-saddle."
Lift up the latch and the bolt will
FALL" sang Florence to an improvised
air.
sIzook out for the wolf" my child,
admonished Mark
Because the green huntsman viii
pr pyer the hills and far away?!p she
esked.ah hint Of reproach Is her guess