Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1904-03-12

sickly, and he's dreadfully run down.
He couldn't be alone out here" A
glow Of confidence lighted her eyes,
and she continued: We've been saving
long time to get home out in the
country somewhere. Tom was never
strong and the last year or two has de-
veloped consumptive tendencies, and
the doctors advised him to come on
In this part OF the west and live. They
say he'll get well and be stronger than
ever. We got this land real cheap
through the agent, and it's all paid for
md enough over TO bring me out and
get some sort of shelter and start IN
cattle. | thought l could buy some
calves cheap. and I'll hire some break.
ing done and raise some grain and get
chickens. They'll come out as soon as
we get enough to bring them. l hope
it won't be long, I'm so anxious about
Tom" There was a thrill of apprehen-
sion in her voice. HE coughs bad at
times and some days can hardly get to
his work. Annie, his wife, goes in his
place part of the time and makes him
rest off and stay with the children. l
must get them here as soon as posi-
ble."
Eyes, he needs to come" Lee said, re-
garding her with a sort of amazement.
"And look here" cambridge put III,
''we'll put up your shanty and do your
breaking, and it shan't cost you any
thing. We always do that for our new
IL ~ te,tl Ii.
up some calves for you, and you return
them when you're all here and your
herd grows"
The tears rushed to her eyes, and she
exclaimed: "Oh, what big hearts you
have out here in this big country! I'll
be the best neighbor you ever had.
There's lots l can do for you if you are
plone"
"Yes, ma'am; l reckon there Is" he
said awkwardly. a wistful pity min
Cling with the embarrassment in his
face.
He strolled away presently, and Lee
followed in obedience to a sly sign, and
she relapsed into dreamy contempla-
ton, her heart warm with the kindness
Of these new neighbors.
"Look here" cambridge said savage
y when they We're out of sight, 'if you
let it out III kill your
'"rhat's right" Lee assured Him.
"Whats beggarly quarter section
anyway? I'd cut 'em OF that much
and welcome
but it's already cut off of nine
mi inoIntTslN 'sfIlt :
rascally blackguurd! This is only one
of the many pitiful cases OF his THEY
ing But they've dropped right on TO
their feet! I'll fix II so they'll never
know"
Lee gravcly shook his hand. then
burst out: Put Lordy, Lordy, the in
nocence OF it. Cattle raising on IL quar-
ter section, and all the rest of it
ITEMS the kind that fatten the rascals.
But she's good! I've got good wom-
an. | know one when | see her"
Yes, she's good" cambridge assert
cd absently. Makes you feel like sun
day morning, and all the bells ringing"
"IIo, ho! l must tell Ellen that. She
says you're Il born poet and only need
good woman to bring it out"
Reckon I've found her" cambridge
grinned sheepishly, turning away.
The moon was diffusing Il mellow
daylight when he returned from Il long
walk in communion with himself He
found her still OH The porch and sat
down in awkward silence. Then he be-
gan abruptly: Don't be frightened,
Miss Burton, ut what I'm going to say.
My heads level; anybody round here III
tell you that | always know what
want, and we do things quick out here.
Once when l was young was going
to be married, but she died" He paus-
ed an instant. "Since that | never
found any one | wanted till right now,
and-and-I'm waiting to be married
any minute you say SO. If it's too quick
I'll keep on waiting, but I'm not going
to let anybody else have you
Mercy" she gasped in helpless sur
prise, but with appreciation of his
sturdy manhood cleaning in her eyes.
II mean anybody out here" he
amended. "Of course if there's one
back there Tm OUT"
She shook her head, her face one
vivid flame.
swell, then, / think you can trust
me-" He leaned toward her coaXingly.
his strong hand swallowing hers TON
and Annie and the kids IL be our next
door neighbors, and If you get tired of
me you can go back to them" His
eyes twinkled.
She was still silent, and he went on:
"We've been together several days and
have pretty good notion of each other
and I'll feel like the bottom had
dropped out of everything if it isn't Il
60"
I'll guess it's go" she STAN
mered.
Glory he exclaimed, taking posses
sion of her. "And see here-l'm going
to telegraph money to fetch my broth
er-in-law out Immediately. Give me
kiss, little woman