Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-20

q burly rufTlan whose eyes cleaned desper-
ately through his mask Something flashed
let buried itself IN the tree behind him.
There was another flash, and, with an
oath. the man flung up his arms, his gun
clattered to the ground and he fell crashing
among the bushes, gToaning and swearing
painfully. A CLEAN of steel bracelets
sharp click as the locks snapped into place.
and with sigh of relief Burrows straight
ened out. Then he remembered. and his
handsome face paled under its coat of tan
as his eyes searched anxiously through the
little group for familiar boyish figure.
In a bright patch of moonlight something
lay on the grass, crumpled heap. white
and still, while beneath it a crimson stain
broadened slowly in the silvery light. Kneel-
Ing beside it, slender, boyish figure
Graded the quiet head, in loving arms,
grooming to it in sweet tender fashion as a
woman might. and showering kisses on the
still white face.
Fearing he knew not what, Burrows
have grown curiously heavy; his voice
sounded strange and far away as he bent
over the boy.
Let me help you" he said gently
mo one can help returned the boy,
crushing back hot tears. 1T is too late
Burrows gave quick start of amazement
as he bent over the motioness figure, then
the light of understanding slowly dawned
in his eyes. The face. lying so still against
the boys sleeve, was curiously like-and yet
unhke-the boys own. There were the
same clear features, the same dark chestnut
curls clustering softly about the high fore
head, but the fresh beauty of the boys face
had changed into something hard and des-
perate in this other; the mouth was grim
and reckless and, youthful though 1t was.
the heavy lines of dissipation had already
set their indelible mask upon the face
Silent, wondering, Burrows looked back
al the boy. His hat had come off and the
moonlight silvered his short, damp curls.
His face, in it's abandon of grief was the
face of spirit. The tide of blood stirred
and quickened through Burrows veins to
see him so in the moonlight, and reverently
he barred his own head.
Little pail his voice came out of the
darkness, don't look like that. Remember
l am here to help you," and then he
stopped, remembering how futile all human
aid might be.
At the forests edge the pine trees tow
cred CHASTITY in the moonlight: below, the
trail, a narrow silver ribbon, wound In and
out along the mountain side; through the
hemlock boughs the night wind walled
mournfuly.
The figure in the boys arms stirred slight
ly, and, with last CLEAN of consciousness,
the eyes opened and looked straight up into
Burrows plying face.
We'll the-game' s-up," he whispered
hoarsely.
Then his eyes rested on the boy.
Molly he cried.
Yes, dear" she whispered.
Molly" he began. Molly I wanted
you-to-know. Tell-father-"
The voice trailed off into silence and the
lids closed slowly over the gray eyes.
Gently Burrows put his hand on his little
pals bent head :.
1t was a week later that two people,
man and a girl. on horseback, rode slowly
along the mountain road. Underneath their
horses feet stretched a carpet of brilliant
leaves; overhead, the sky was bright with
the crimson glow of the autumn sunset, all
around them the forest in its vivid coloring
reflected the red and yellow glory of the
autumn sky.
Where the trees parted they drew bride.
The girl sat on her horse silently, motion
less, her eyes fixed wistfully on the distant
mountain peaks. The mans eyes rested on
the sweet earnest face beside him. He
spoke abruptly.
ut was the pluckiest thing he said, fer
vently, that girl ever did"
The girl turned her head away with
quick. proud little motion, but there was
sound like a sob in her voice.
81 have been so ashamed she said, and
her face famed.
''Ashamedr' Burrows looked at her in
establishment Good heavens! When it
was the bravest truest thing"-his voice
broke.
But I was afraid people would guess
that you would suspect-and then-the
mans clothes" The bright color surged
again from her neck to the soft rings of
chestnut hair.
Il never thought OF It when I began the
soft voice went on. but / just had to find
him. Fathers last words We're, 'Iell ROBERT
I forgive him. And then | wanted to; he
wasn't just my brother; we were twins.
That made 1t more"
She paused. and her eyes filled with tears.
'I searched everywhere, with no results.
At last I found a trace of him. here in the
west: Just the faintest clue, but l couldn't
follow It, A girl is handicapped at every
turn One night a man who walked like
him pushed past me into a soloon l was
on the street, heavily yelled, shrinking from
observation. Like a flash 1t came to me
that had been a man l could have followed
him That was the beginning"
She ceased: then, with a long breath, she
pulled herself up. The horses walked slow
", side by side along the narrow path
'And then you came into the story-and
You were so good TO mel shall never forget
that night when you believed In me, in spite
of everything I was so afraid you would
guess What must you think of me-!
Again the bright color dyed her cheeks
Burrows guided his horse close TO hers
81 have been trying ever since to get up
courage enough to tell you what l think
he said half humorously.
Then he bent. and, putting his arm around
her, leaned over and kissed her on the
mouth.
''my little pail