The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1905-04-14

fshed IL grimly and strobe clrcultousl
upon the impudent thief.
III was a big field, and George wa
considering how best to trap his enem
when something brought him TO
standstill.
Proximity proved the enemy woma
"a young woman-attired after III
fashion OF town. The irate farme
Shifted his pipe and pulled doubtful,
at bis beard. George was n bachelc
and wonderfully shy OF women. III
was half minded to beat a cautious re
treat.
Pooh! n chit Of n lass. Now
George" and throwing his weapon
aside, he urged himself forward.
He climbed the fence and walked
briskly up to the trespasser unper
ceived.
"Hellow
The woman raised her head, and
with a startled cry. recCiled. She had
small, pale face, that was powerfully
suggestive Of angels to rustic George
II beg" George hastily recovered
the dignity of his position. His heart
beat quick, and he felt n 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.
"Ohw
The woman breathed sigh of relief,
Rnd-smiled
George was feeling bewildered.
You are only the farmer?" thank.
fully.
only the farmer" he replied, stu
pidly.
II thought was so frightened" and
the woman smiled n wlnsome apology.
You are so big, and strongr-she
looked him over with sincere, almost
childish admlration-at his brown, mus
cular arms, his mighty chest, and rest.
Ing her glance at last on his bearded
face. "But you have kind eyes," she
added
George blushed like any schoolboy
Then all the stories he had ever heard
Of woman's Establishments burst warn.
tngly over him, and he grew half indig.
nant "The mink" he muttured, under
bis breath.
And, determined not to be outwitted,
he stretched an arm toward the wom-
ans basket, which was full of mush.
rooms.
81 must take charge of this, missr'-
sternly.
"No, you wouldn't take them from
nlno1p1
been hunting them since 6 O'Clock. |
only reached the treasure house after
trampng weary miles. Now I'm LOST
ruefully-"and look at my poor feet
wet through
She held her skirts aside.
what brute l amw muttered the
man.
81 will pay you for them eagerly.
"No, no." he burted. at vast was
a 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. l don't mind you-you
won't hurt miss; but I'm pretty smart
on poachers, as | call 'em."
This was vast piece of oratory for
George.
And l have never looked at il in
that lightH' the woman frankly con-
fessed. "Of course it's stealingl I'm n
thief-oh!' and she put down her bas-
ket and held forth her slim arms, with
the wrists together, in a manner which
George could not mistake.
He laughed and manacled the pretty
thief with his thumb and first finger.
Now, what have you TO say for your
self" judicially.
ooh, ] won't do it again, sirr'
Her eyelashes fell roguishly.
George discreetly let go and picked
up the basket. She was a little witch.
Are You staying In Fensbro' (the
village, miss?"
'Yes; but I'm lostw hopelessly.
'Your best plan would be TO cut
through my farmyard."
George led the way at good pace.
"How far is it to Fensbro'?" she in.
CURED
Two miles, miss"
"And what time is II, please?"
'Half-past s."
"Half-past Sr'-surprised. 'I may
well feel hungry"
you might have n bit OF breakfast
with me-that is, if you don't mind, '
obviously.
They stood by the farmhouse door.
"You might dry your feet as well. ;"
he pursued, slowly, land then could
put you on the lane myself Polly's out
for the day-thats the worst OF 1t. But
come in, miss"
And George crossed the threshold.
1t was quite a charming little adven
ture to Rose Carol, and. desaous oi
seeing IL through. she followed the bis
farmer without demur.
He drew a snug chair to his hearth
and threw a bashful glance at her feet
then he brought forth pair Of capa
cious slippers.
"You might get four feet into them
at a pnchw he rald. humorously. an
plunged into the business OF breakfast
With a restrained ripple Of girls
laughter, Rose changed her sodde
boots and placed them to dry. Thi
Done, she sat and watched the ma
Glling the breakfast table.
2he was quick to guess his singl