The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-05
Our Daily Sport Story

What do you mean? man can't lose more than he's got" answered Cottle.
 NO, he can't; but you may remem Der that you got a pretty tidy little wife up there on the ridge and you ain't the only one that knows 1t. That there city chap. Osborn. what's been shootin round here. told Dolph New come she were the prettiest piece of furniture he'd seen in many a day. I met Osborn and Mrs. Cottle up on the road in his blackboard jes. now, and she didn't seem to be so powerful sorry yer wern't along. George. She blushed clear to her hair when she seed me. What! Now don't be takin' no offense whar none's meant, George Well. hev 1t yer own way"
 George Cottle, with an angry retort, had called to his dog started the hogs and was striding off on the trail, leaving Nelson staring after him. But where was she going with Osborn?" he asked himself Again and again he urged on the tired hogs, but never had a herd seemed to move so slowly Cottle, despite his efforts to put aside the suspicious aroused in his neighbours gossip was uneasy as he neared the clearing on which stood the cabin. Though he would not ad- init 1t to himself, the truth was that he, even in the midst of his preocupa- tion over his business cares. had noted the frequency of young Glenn Osborn's visits to Bald mountain. and the fact that the hunting in the vicinity was good did not seem to explain the mat ter entirely.
 when l know Anna's waiting for me with supper in the cabin" he said, as he came out of the redwoods at the clearing.
 The last words choked him and a l chilling fear, presentment of evil | seemed to grip him al the heart Instead of a smoking chimney and cheerful light gleaming from the win | dow, as usual the cabin was dark and without sign of life. Forgetting ehe hogs he ran across the clearing. He struck a match al l the cabin door and his heart chilled | with dread.
 side.
 He paused for half minute, afraid to lift the latch; then tore it open and went in. The cabin was empty He lighted lamp and looked round The table was set for supper, but there was only one plate. one cup. one knife and fork.
 My God. what has happened?" he cried in agony. picking up from the plate pice of torn newspaper on the margin of which were scribbled few words. He stepped closer to the light and read
 Dear George-I have gone with Mir Osborn. just couldn't stand it any longer. l was so lonely, and you don't love me any more, so you won't care. Forgive me if you can.
 "P, s.-Your supper is in the ov- en-"
 I'll follow them though 1t be 1o.- 900 miles. and kill them both," he cried starting for the door. Before he crossed the threshold he turned pack. dropped into a chair and with the pitiful note spread between his trembling fingers read his wife's mes sage again and again.
 Ills anger softened as he read He began to understand what was writ ten between the lines as plainly as the pencil scrawl itself.
 Poor child, poor child" he nut tered. She couldn't stand it any long, CT She thought I didn't love her. Oh. If she could only know how I do really love her. Poor misguided child. didn't understand her loneliness God forgive me-
 With the note still clasped in his nnsers he let his head sink to his arms. Hour after hour passed. The lamp grew dinner and dinner and went out, but the man at the table sat silent and unmoving, rehearsing the past three years day by day. and seeing as he had never before been able the blindness that had lost him the woman he loved
 Rain began to pelt upon the roof and a faint gray square showed be- tween the black outlines of the win dow but George Cottle heard nothing, felt nothing, realized nothing but the bitter sorrow and regret that there were in his heart.
 The light grew stronger. the rain stopped and the sun came out warm and bright Cottle looked up from the table
 Christmas morning." he said, with a catch in his throat. "Christmns morning-how can I get through this day?"
 Hark! Was that the sound of bug gy wheels or was he mad? Voices. too He stepped to the door and flung it open.
 Outside were his wife and Glenn Os- borne
 You, Anna. you have come back" ne cried, daZedly. The girl on the doorstep looked white and worn
 T have come of course, George" sh" said. with a tremor in her voice. Haven't you forgiven me? I'm so sorry Don't you want me back?"
 Do you love him?" he asked.
 Love who? Ieorge, dear, what has happened? Are you mad?"
 But you ran away, eloped found your note. I don't understand. Why are you here?"
 Glenn Osborn came up in time to hear the last words.
 mats all this nonsense. Cottle?" ne asked, Mrs Cottle and have been 10 SmithalTs dance Wed have been back sooner but the bridge Is uown over the creek. That warm rain last night has brought the thaw with vengeance and tho snow's half gone aready. Mrs Cottle's wet and" lie never finishhed the sentence.
 GeorSe' you didn't think" cried d Httle woman throwing herself at George Cottle's feet.
 Anna my darling. did. Forgive me, forgive me. thought you had