Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1905-12-22
The Claim
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Continued from Page 1O.)

Ito be in spirit with The season." he
had apologizcd 10 Miley. These he
placed IN Bcssic's bands and watched
the expression of delight that illumi-
mated the child'S face. She had hardly
done thanking him when the door
opened and Faith entered. Her eyes
met DeSmUnd's in one long, searching
glance. then she turned white and
leaned against the wall. Rob let his
ward tie agitated girl.
Faith, Faith Haskins! he cried
rs it you-and hcre:'
"Oh. Rob. l never expected TO see
you again. she sobbcd, burying her
face in the folds of her shawl. The
sight of an old friend had thrown her
of her guard and brought back TO her
sharply and kecnly all her trouble and
loneliness and made her strangely
weak
When Clint came in few minutes
later he found his sister in the arms of
what appeared TO him TO lie big buff
falo. Never having heard that buffa.
locs We're in the habit OF coming into
cabins and hugging people, be up
preached Bessie, whose teeth had Just
decapitated Il candy rabbit, and asked
in an awcd whisper:
whats got Faith: Is it hurtin'
her."
Il deSs not" Bessie whispered back
rs we'll as she could with her mouth
fun. Hes awful nice. an ] dcss he's
relation 10 Santa Claus. See what
lie dibbed mel" holding up her pres
eDts.
Returning from the blacksmith's
shop. Ike ana jim left the repaired
wheel by the wagon and stole quietly
up 10 the shack. AZ they passed ono
of the windows they looked in to see
II their victim were there. With sur
prise they behold him sitting by Faiths
side. holding both her hands in his.
The freight revealed TO their aston
isiied sight the two happy faces. while
two equally happy children were sit
Ting on the floor ut their feet.
The fellows. realizing that their joke
lad missed lire" started TO walk
away. but Rob, catching sight of them,
Went to the door and insisted OH their
coming in. After they had partially
recovered from their embarrassment
ana the genial atmosphere did much
toward restoring them to their natural
selves-tlicy distributed their gifts and
received the young lady's blushing
thanks for all their Kindness TO her.
Desmond said:
Pretty good joke you tried TO play
ON me tonight, boys" with Il slap OH
their shoulders, at the same time laugh
ing heartily. But you sec how il has
turned out. Only Ill have TO explain.
This little woman, Faith Has5ins, and
| used TO 20 to school together away
back near the old Tippccanoc in H.
diana.
We grew up as lovers, but her
Father thought l wasn't Of much ne
count except 10 pick an old guitar or
play The fiddle, So when he bad taken
his family off 10 Nebraska he wouldn't
allow Faith TO write 10 me, and of
course / lost track of her. But loved
her just the same. and that / might
become more worthy gave up my idle
habits. taught school for few terms
and earned the money 10 give ne
start here in Kansas on this timber
claim and am III Il pretty fair way TO
make my living, as you know. find
my little school friend has not forgot
ten me, and since she had the audacity
10 jump my claim in my absence
think may as we'll keep her here.
Now. us you fellows have already had
a finger in the pie want you 10 20
with us tomorrow to visit the Judge
over at the courthouse. Something's
going 10 take place there that will eel
ebratc Christmas in proper style. 1t
was kind of you TO see 10 repairing the
wagon, but there won't be any use for
IT going to Uncle Elhan's ranch, for
Clint and Bessie will have TO stay and
help rs be happy. You'll so. won't you,
boys
Go? In course We Will! Well see
you and her through. il the Garth slips
n cog. We will. YOU bet. BY ginger,
but you're lucky galoot. I wish clio
Christmas Il drop jewel like u,at
inter my stochin's.'