The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-05
REASONED.
BY R. c. PITZER. NCopyright, 1904, By Daily Story Pu

IC0pyrtght, lS04, By Ddiiy- DUTY Eoo'
 Co.)
 They sat on a flat boulder in Pine Canon, while a heavy-set, bull-necked man in a black mask leaned on a rifle and look at them. The girl was white and silent. and her escort held her hand. He was young maan. dark and imperious, but his eyes had q soft glow in them. and he looked at her with that ecstatic expression (which but one woman can bring to 1man's face.
 Don't worry" he whispered, as he l1ondled the little hand. it isn't any, .thing serious. The men have my checks to pay for our ransom. and when they return with the money we will be released IL is only the mat ter of an hour or so. Turn you head, Mary-I do believe you are crying. And I thought you such brave girl" he continued in a tone of forced rail- Jery You are always laughing at me because am timid with dogs, and last week you refused me again. for mo other reason than because I ran away from a gang of drunken row. tdies. I never thought to see you cry tang over such a harmless adventure" !"
 Don't make fun of me. Harry" Iehe pleaded. as she struggled with Ter ttears. T never said that was brave. n know that I'm a c-coward. but I lwant my h-husband to be brave for itndignation getting the better of her Hear When these men came. you f5ust held up your hands; and you've been like a 1-l-lamb."
 a Harry turned his head aside to con- sceal the broad grin that flashed across his face. Then he moved nearer and caught her other hand
 Listen. Mary," he said. T know that you think me a coward, though am but cautious. I can risk myself when there is any reason for doing so, but . reason with me must be something more than mere braggadocio. You have lived in the West so long that you can appreciate nothing but spec tacuiar bravery. In my part of the country. that is not needed. I am not what you think me; indeed I am not" Mary disengaged her hands and hid her face in her handkerchief. T think that know you" sine said in a smoth- cred voice. At least. there Is noth- ing hyprocritical nor false about you. You do not pretend to be what you are not"
 Harrys face was convulsed in an extraordinary manner. and turned to . sea-green hue. 'No," he answered faintly, T have never pretended to
 
 if anything would make me false to myself, 1t would have been a desire for your appreciation; a wish to be what you would have me to be-"
 T understand you" she said. ever know what you are thinking of now You believe that might-love you if you could make me admire youi bravery. Is it not so? And you arc thinking of attacking that men there It would be a brave deed. Harry Il would be too brave-too rash"
 "No." Hary answered, mot rash. and not as dangerous as you think. Il would need but little quickness. and have that. I am going to do 1t. Mary am going to get you away from here before the men return. I will not ask you to marry mel will not do thi: for reward. But you know that I love you, and I would risk a greater dan. ger than this for your sake.'
 "Oh. mol mol" Mary whispered Don't do it. Harry. He might kill you, and land a." Her voice died \ away.
 And you love me?" Harry asked ca. gerly. You don't say so. but I know 1t already. It is only your exagger. ated ideal of bravery that keeps you from confessfng 1t. You think that am not worthy of you; but I am, and will prove it."
 You take a good deal for granted. said Mary with sudden coldness. q don't think that have given you any season to say that my interest is more thaan friendly"
 Tt isn't that" he replied. T spoke hastily. but I meant that you could love me if you would. At least, I will show you that you have a false opin.