Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1903-11-07

arms of the Rev. Ephraim Hofiister.
wlo was hurrying with equal energy
in the opposite direction
why, bless mel Why-Miss Lett
tiat" he cried, recovering his umbrel-
la, which the shock had knocked from
his hand, and gently assisting her to
regain her feet. you out in all
this storm-and without any protec-
toni May I not take you homer?
"Oh, MOI" cried Letitia, noting with
faint thrill even in her agitation that
he remembered her first name. 1T is
Letty-my niece, little Lefty! She has
run away, Mr.. Hollister-that is, she's
gone-out in the rain somewhere
don't know wherei Could you-oh,
could you help me to find herr"
Help youi" said the minister, with
an energy that filled Letitia with as
her or her feet, for he turned about,
tucked her hand roughly under his
arm, that he might better protect her
from the rain, and started on down the
street at a pace which left her cling
ing breathless and helpless to that
strong support. Now, which way did
she go?" he demanded with masterful
sternness.
Il don't knowi" said Letitia- "She
was-she had been-disturbed, and
she ran out without stopping for
anything. She is so Quick-she never
waits to think-and she is delicate,
Mr.. HOLSTER, and 1 must find her."
Her voice was broken, for her eyes
were blind with other drops than those
which the storm swept numerically
into her face. The minister's voice
grew suddenly gentle, and he lowered
the umbrella over her dropping head.
I'VE will find her, Miss Letitia," he
said quietly. Never fear. You may
depend on me-"
Needless of the storm, in her girlish
passion of grief and anger, she had
flown out to the rocks by path which
Letitia took almost instructive
ly, knowing it to be a favorite walk
of the girls at all seasons of the year.
And there, when the first violence of
the storm had spent itself, they found
her, crouching in a sheltered corner,
drenched and shivering.
She sprang up when she saw them
coming, and faced them with little
laugh of surprise, half vexed, half de-
faint.
'Why, Aunt Letitiai" she cried,
what did you come out in this storm
for? Are you looking for me? Don't
you know 1 always come out to the
rocks whenever l have chance, rain
or no rain? l love them!"
I'm such a storm as this? And with
out rubbers or waterproof? You must
love them indeed" said Mr.. HOLSTER.
But the girls face was beginning to
culver, and he turned away while she
| and her aunt looked at each other
l
spoke, gravely and gently.
1T was a wild prank, Lefty. and we
were worried about you; so 1 came
to look for you. and met Mr.. HOLSTER
on the way-which was fortunate, as
he is the only one of us who has an
umbrella. forgot mine. Come, child,
We must hurry and get you home"
81 wish you hadn't comet" cried
Lefty, laughing and frowning petu-
lantly in the reckless excitement of
her mood. Il was having such a good
! time, I'm a duck-did you know it,
Mr.. Hollister?- can go out in all
weathers without any harm to me or
my plumage. But since you have
come, we may as well go home at
we mustn't keep the minister and his
/
need it, but you do"
She ran ahead of them lightly over
| the slippery rocks; and as they hur-
ried home, she laughed and talked
with willful gayety, and babe the min
! lister a blithe and rallying goodbye
when he left them, draggled and drip
| ping, at their door. But once within
the warm room the reaction came,
and she fell back, suddenly faint and
| white
Then, carrying her away from Lee
titia, who insisted upon being left to
1 dry and warm and look after her own
exhausted self, Harriet and Josephine
took the girl in hand, put her to bed
and cared for her with sturdy skill
and tenderness, and as much explana,
ton as would suffice to quiet her trou
bled mind and relieve their own feel
ings, full to overlooking.
She was still upstairs in her little
bed, resting, when Letitia, who had
slept over" too. came down into the
sitting-room, and standing beside the
table, where the sunshine streamed
! over the cheerful morning order OF
book and paper and basket, began tC
speak very quietly. though with a Ger
tain tenseness in her voice and face, tc
her sisters, who went on with theil
sewing while they listened.
~ want to tell you" said Letitia
how Z happened. We haven't sait
anything about It yet, but of course
know we've got to. l know what YOU