The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1903-05-22

gate, which evidently communicated
with the rest of the building, and Job,
AFTER a moments thought, pushed this
open ana entered a narrow path that
led along the walls of the house.
AS he made his way slowly and eau
uously along. he became aware of a
strange .hummlng sound, as if some one
was grooming q lullaby. The moon had
now risen, and, as he reached the back
OF the house, he saw slender,
Womanfsh figure seated under a tree in
the garden. He passed her unobserNed,
/ ms feet making no noise on the grass.
Ihen he stood for moment contem-
plating the girlish figure. 1t was her
singing that he had heard as he came
along. She sat there, her face resting
on one arm, which was flung about a
lower branch of the tree, looking very
sad in her black dress, which accentu-
ated the palor of her face.
| Job did not move, his eyes fixed
yearningly on the white features,
While his lips moved, though not a
sound came from them. Many minutes
he stood there motionless, as if he
could not look enough at the girl before
! him.
Though he made no sound or be-
trayed any more life than the trees in
the garden, she seemed to learn in
stinctively that she was not alone. and,
turning, rose with an exclamation.
Who are you; what do you want?"
AS she spoke she advanced a few
PAGES toward him in the moonlight.
she did not betray any fear at seeing
strange man in the garden at night
Job sighed, as if he had really ex-
pected a different greeting.
Don't be alarmed, young lady," he
replied hoarsely. II am only DESTROYS
of being of service to YOU
who are you?" moved in spite of
herself by the deep feeling he put in
his simple speech.
"A friend-that is all. I bring you
message
From Dick ?" eagerly.
The same"
Let me have it," holding out her
hand
Job fumbling in his coat for the note,
she stamped her foot like spoiled
child, and exclaimed
"Hou clumsy you are; can't you see,
stupid man. that l am burning with i'm
patience?"
He finally drew forth the letter and
handed it to her with trembling fingers.
Having seized it, she paid no further
attention to him, but ran over to the
porch Of the house, where q lantern,
pillars.
Job watched her While she read the
lines, her pale face TRANSPORTED.
How she does seem to love the pool
fellow" he murmured, with a certain
longing in his voice, as If speaking of
one of whom he was envious. 1T must
be a satisfaction to be loved like that"
1t did not take her long to read the
| message, and then, thrusting it in the
bosom of her dress, she returned to the
man who stood waiting, cycling her with
an air Of uneasy interest.
Il don't know who you are" she be-
| gan.
ut don't NATTER" he added, humbly.
But you are friend of Dicks, and,
therefore, friend Of mine," said She,
| holding out her hand. He took it in his
great, rough paw, and held it so long
that finally, with a quick gesture, she
drew it away, regarding him curiously.
Why, my poor man, you are weep
| ing" she said.
| Job dashed his hand across his eyes
and laughed nervously.
Me, ma'am; we'll that would be
! curious, wouldn't it?" Then, after a
pause, as If trying to collect himself:
You see, had daughter once. Had
she lived she would have been just
about your age. That's why it makes
me feel kind Of upset"
WAS it long ago you lost herr" she
asked, with genuine sympathy in her
voice.
Many years, my child, many
years." Then, as if wishing to change
the subject which had become painful
to him: Il hope that note brought you
| is the means Of cheering you up. You
have troubles of your own u
1.-The deepest trouble that can fall on
a daughter" with a catch in her voice,
ITO lose my mother-and then that Dick