The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-08-16

was concerned. Just now she had a
wild, joyous belief that if this west
erner were to ask her to be his wife
she would say "Yes." She wondered
If he would.
If they were only not going tomor-
row; if only there were not home and
her father and Rodney-of course
Rodney. She almost laughed out loud
to think all at once how completely
week. And they were to be married in
Easter week next spring. Poor old
Rodney! She looked at the figure
ahead on the black pony and sighed
happily. If only he would talk to her.
They turned bend in the path and
faced a small mountain cabin Some
chickens and pigeons wandered
haughtily about, and a girl was shoo-
ing them away from a struggling
fringe Of red geraniums that grew
around the stoop. She came toward
them smilingly. Lady Kitty thought
she had never seen such honest, trust
ing eyes before except in deer. She
looked up at Allison.
Hello, Bob! Them chickens are
just terrible. No, dads gone over to
the ranch. There's a washout down In
the gulch. He wants some Of the boys
to help him fix up the trail. Want to
rest up a bit and waitT'
little and see If the path was safe
down Booty's side of the mountain.
This is Miss Booty, Lady Kitty"
he added as he rode away.
Dimple Booty watched until the
pines hid him.
I'm always afraid Of washouts."
she said confdentially. What If you
and Bob had ridden plumb into the
gulch. You would, too, only it wasn't
dark yet But Bob knows the way.
He comes up here so often"
II suppose he does" Lady Kitty
looked thoughtfully down at the slim
figure in the red calico dress, at the
pretty dimpled face that had not yet
lost the roundness or dainty coloring
Of childhood. HE seems to be very
interesting young man."
"Yes, Bob's nice" Dimple spoke
simply, with an air Of peaceful owner
ship. Il guess We'll get married soon
as Bob comes to the point
HAS he" Lady Kitty hesitated
delicately-"has he asked your
Dimple's eyes opened in surprise.
"Why, no, not point blank, but
we've been going together over q
year. I'm seventeen. Dad says that's
kind of young, but think such a sight
of Bob he'll let us get married"
Allison came up the path among the
pines.
Its all right" he called. well
make the ranch before dark. Goodby,
Dimple"
by, Bob" Her glance followed
him wistfully. BE up tonight?'
Maybe" Allison did not turn
around When the cabin was out Of
sight he spoke.
You are going up to the canyon to-
morrow, aren't your
LAS far as the springs; then we go
over into Arizona"
I'm going too" Allison's tone was
quiet and decisive.
Lady Kitty smiled and reached for
leaf off the bough that brushed her
face
Are you, indeed? AS guide?'
A dull flush crept up under the sun
burn. Lady Kitty followed up her adj
vantage.
II am glad the major secured you.
We are really such a lot Of innocents
astray in these parts that you will be
welcome"
Il am not acting as guide to stray
ing innocents. l am going after you"
Lady Kitty's eyebrows lifted. She
did not meet his gaze, however. She
knew her limitations.
ut is very kind of you, I'm sure, but
don't believe l would If were you.
We sail for home in November, and I
am to be married next spring. Even
if''-her voice was suspiciously gay
and clear-"even If one does forget
sometimes IN this wonderland, after all,
ones ain countree is best, you know"
He stared at her in dawning knowl-
edge, and his face was pitifully boy
ish in it's hardened pain.
II ought to say I'm SORRY" he said at
last but I'm not 1t was your fault
too. You ought to carry danger sig
nails If you don't want wrecks along
your track"
keep off the track" she laughed.
There are no wrecks up on Red noun
tain"
His face softened. When they found
the trail again and started the ponies
toward Lost Moon at faster gait he
said one word:
Thanks"
They rode on in silence, Lady Kitty
ahead. She did not trust herself to
speak, not with the memory Of the girl
in red calico fresh in mind and the face
of Allison a few feet behind. He was
riding with loose bride, chin up, his
hat low over his eyes. and Lady Kitty
sighed as she thought Of Rodney. She
almost hoped that she had returned
the kiss.