Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1904-06-23


Ily series of horses built Of timber,
across which thick Norway logs are
laid about four feet from the ground
to form a continuous pathway. In
summer it resembles nothing so much
as thick one rail fence of considera-
bic height. around which fringe of
light brush has grown.
Thorpe reached the fringe Of bushes
and was about to dodge under the
fence when he saw her. SO he stopped
short, concealed by the leaves and the
timber horse.
She stool on knoll in the middle of
grove of monster pines. There was
something of the cathedral in the spot.
The girl stood tall and straight among
the tall. straight pines like Il figure on
an ancient tapestry. She was doing
nothing-just standing fnere-but the
awe of the forest was in her wide.
clear eyes.
In a moment she stirred slightly and
turned Drawing herself to her full
height, she extended her hands over
her head, palm outward, and with an
indescribably graceful gesture bowed
cerenlonious adieu to the solemn trees.
Then, with little laugh, she moved
away in the direction of the river.
At ONE Thorpe proved great need
of seeing her again. In his present
mood there was nothing of the awe
stricken peace he had experienced aft
er the moonlight adventure. He want
ed the sight of her as he had never
wanted anything before The strong
man desired it And finding it impos-
sible he ragged inwardly and tore the
tranquillities of his heart.
So it happened that he ate hardly at
all that day and slept i'll and discov-
cred the greatest difficulty in preserv-
ing the outward semblance of ease
which the presence Of Tim Shearer
and the Fighting Forty demanded.
And next day he saw her again, and
the next, because the need of his heart
demanded it and because, simply
enough, she came every afternoon to
the clump of pines by the old pole
trail. But now curiosity awoke and
desire for something more. He must
speak to her, touch her hand, look in
to her eyes. He resolved to approach
her, and the mere thought choked him
and sent him weak.
When he saw her again from the
shelter of the pole trail he dared not,
and SO stood there prey to novel
sensation, that of being battied in an
intention. AS he hesitated he saw that
she was walking slowly in his direc-
ton. Perhaps a hundred PAGES sep
arated the two. She took them de-
liberately. Her progression was Sc
ries of poses, the one which melted
into the other without
appreciate pause of transition.
In Il moment she had reached the
fringe of brush about the pole TRAIL
They stood face to face.
She gave little start of surprise,
and her hand leaped to her breast,
where it caught and stayed. Her child
like housekeeping mouth parted
little more, and the breath quickened
through it. But her eyes, her wide.
trusting, innocent eyes, sought his and
rested.
He did not move. One OH either side
Of the spike-marked old Norway log OF
the trail they stood, and for an appre-
cable interval the duel of their glances
lasted-he masterful, passionate. ex-
igent; she proud, cool, defensive in the
aloofness of her beauty. Then at last
his prevailed. \ faint color rose from
her neck, deepened and spread over her
face and forehead. In moment she
dropped her eyes.
Don't You think you stare little
rudely. Mr.. Thorpe?" she asked.
The vision was over.
"How did you know my name" he
asked
She planted both elbows on the Nor
way and framed her little face deli
ciously With her long pointed hands.
IF Mr.. Harry Thorpe can ask that
question" she replied, che is not quite
so impolite as had thought him."
GLOW is that?" he inquired breath
lessly.
Don't you know who am:" she
asked in return.
"a goddess, beautiful woman" be
answered ridiculously enough.
She looked straight at him. This time
his gaze dropped.
II am friend of Elizabeth Carpen-
ter, who is Wallace Carpenters sister.
who, believe, is Mr.. Harry Thorpes
partner"
She paused as thoughkGor comment
The young man opposite was occupied
in many other more important direc-
tons.
1--WE wrote Mr.. Harry Thorpe that
we were about to descend on his dis
trict with wagons and tents and Indi-
ans and things, and asked him to come
and see u.s.
The girl looked at him for moment
steadily. then smiled. The change of
countenance brought Thorpe to himself.
'But never received the letter. Pm
30 sorry" said he. at must be at the
mill. You see, I've been up in the
woods for nearly MONTH"
'.Then we'll have to forgive you."