The new enterprise., 1905-05-25
H';i:'':!!:!
Ey FANNIE WHITE.


nom his farmyHrd. lie took up an old
whipstock that was lying handy, flour.
lshed It grlmly and strobe circuitously
upon The impudont thief.
1t was a big field, and George was
considering how best to trap his enemy
when something brought him to a
standstll.
PROXIMITY proved the enemy woman
"A young woman-attred after the
fashion Of town, The irate farmer
shifted his pipe and pulled doubtfully
NJ his beard. George was n bachelt =
and wonderfully shy of women, He
was half minded to beat a cautious re-
treat
Pooh! chit of a lass. Now.
George and throwing his weapon
aside, he urged himself forward.
He climbed the fence and walked
brlskly up TO the trespasser unper-
ceivcd.
"Hellow
The woman raised her head, and.
with a startled cry. rccolled. She had
small pale face, that was powerfully
suggestive Of angels 10 rustic George.
Il beg George hastily recovered
the dignity Of his position. His heart
beat quick, and he felt bit Of an un-
couth fool; but surely it was not for
him to ask pardon.
You are trespassing, miss" he in
formed her brusqucly
OH
The woman brcaihcd a sigh Of relief,
and-Smilcd.
George was feeling bowlldcred.
You are only The farmcrg" thank.
fully
only the farmer" he replied, stu.
pldly,
u thought-I was so frightened" and
the woman smiled a wnsome apology.
You are 50 big, and strong!-shc
looked him over with sincere. almost
childish admiration-at his brown. mus
cuar arms, his mighty chest, and rest
ing her glance at last on his bearded
face. But YOU have kind eyes" she
added.
George blushed Ike any schoolboy.
Then all the stories he had ever heard
OF woman's establishments burst warn.
ingly over him. and he grew half indig.
nant "The mink" he muttured, under
his breath.
And, determined not to bc outwltted,
he stretched an arm toward the won.
ans basket, which was full of mush.
rooms.
Il must take charge Of this, mlssw-
stornly.
mo, you wouldn't take them from
mei' she pleaded, irresistlbly. eve
been hunting them since G O'Clock. |
only reached the treasure house after
tramping weary miles. Now I'm LOST
ruefully-"and COX at my poor feet
wet through
She held her skirts aside
What a brute l ann muttcred the
man.
Il will pay you for them" eagerly.
NO, no, he blurted. 1T vast was
n bit o. my fun, miss" he said, lamely.
There's plenty for both on us. only
deliberately-"I don't like poachers,
miss, that's it. don't mind you-you
won't hurt, miss; but I'm pretty smart
on poachers, as I call EN-"
This was a vast piece Of oratory for
George.
And I have never looked at It in
that light" the woman frankly con.
fessed. "Of course it's stealing! I'm
thief-oh!' and she put down her has.
ket and held forth her slim arms, with
the wrists together, in manner which
George could not mistake.
lie laughed ana manaclcd the pretty
thief with his thumb and first finger.
Now, what have you 10 say for your.
selfT' judicially.
"Oh, I won't do it again. slrg
Her eyelashes fell rogulsbly.
George discreetly let go and picked
up the basket. She was little witch.
"Are you staying in Fensbro' (the
village, missY
"Yes; but I'm lost" hopelessly.
"Your best plan would be to cut
through my farmyard.'
George led the way at a good pace.
How far is it to Fensbro'?" she in.
Qulred.
1.-TWO miles, miss"
"And what time is 1t, pleasep
'Half-past s."