The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1906-06-23

when she sees him?" and suddenly
reeling up to the girl. he chucked her
under the chin.
with a movement swift and strong
America sent him sprawling back. his
body spanning the PROSTATE statue.
His companions staggered 20 the res
cue as the ruffian arose .uttering vol
ley OF oaths.
you black she-devill" he roared.
with clenched fist raised. "I'll teach
you manners"
Bot just then n voice said: Better
learn them flrst. my man." and a
slight. but muscular frame was inter
posed between the women and their
assailants. The girl gave scream
half OF fright, half OF relief. as she
recognized the gentleman who had led
the strangers this morning-he who
had introduced himself as Winslow
AZ assistance from this unexpected
quarter, the other soldiers retreated
through the shrubbery, leaving their
leader alone to face the indignant res
cuer
Half soDered at the situation, but
too angry for caution, the bully drew
sword and made a lunge nj Winslow
"a thrust unsteady and weak. Wins
low easily parried IL with his cane
but as he did SO. the lace ruffles OF his
shirt fell over a wrist white as a WON
ans. AT the sight OF its delicacy his
opponent laughed contemptuously:
II never fight milksops; get home TO
your mother!" and he turned TO go.
But, angered now. Winslow barred
the way. You would draw upon an
unarmed man. but you sneak out OF a
fair, hand.to-hand fight; you are n
coward"
The man made a sudden dash for
him. which. however, Winslow evaded
by an agile turn. Then, before the fell
low could rally his sodden senses
Winslow knocked him down. and
snatched up his sword. Thus armed he
faced his opponent. Got" he com
manded. IL. myself. will return this
sword 10 your superior officer The
man who insults women is unfit TO
wear Il"
Paralyzed less by fear than amaze
ment and chagrln at being worsted in
a bloodless encounter with one he
thought so mean foe. the soldier
skunk away mutterlng vengeance be-
lied by his hang-dog manner.
In the short silence that followed.
America continued her way to the
spring house. leaving her young mis-
tress and the stranger together.
she picked up his coat, and flecking
the dust from 1t. said
Il am very much Obliged to you,
sir"
THE pleasure Is mine; ! was fortu-
nate in being here"
THE trial, then, Is over?"
"As farce II began; as farce It
ended. can only regret the emba--
rassment II caused YOU"
She laughed joyously. pray. sir, do
not consider Il. We have had so much
to bear for the past two days tina. a
triiie more does not matter"
Her voice was very near to tears
Then. quickly recovering: "An this
time. Mr. Winslow. have the advan-
tage. You do not know my name; am
Lavender Creighton"
She extended her nand, adding: You
must forgive my not sooner summon
ing my aunt; she has but just returned
from Marietta"
"Then Mrs. Blennerhasset is your
aunt?"
II call her SO: Il Is. however, the
privilege OF friendship only. We are old
and dear friends My mother and /
have been staying with her this winter.
We are en- route to the west-to The
new territory, and were waiting for
good weather-for the spring--to con
tinue the Journey. IL seems now" she
added with a little catch OF breath,
that we are 10 go on regardless OF the
season. The law waits no mans pleas
ure-no, nor woman's, either"
Here America, returning, inter-
rupted.
'Scuse me. missy. but y all better
come on 10 de Kitchen" and they fol-
lowed her in silence. Then the cook
DldNtu III dtOuuu ls4t
stove while she hustled about getting
dinner, and this informal introduction
into the family affairs delighted the
guest. but Lavender apologized.
Il fear this is a poor sort OF hospital
ity. sir, but Americas domain is the
only private part OF the house. The
soldiers bow TO her will alone, and so
give her wide berth"
busting a foury chair for him. she
placed Il before him with little ex-
aggerated bow: then she left the room
TO call Mrs. Blennerhasset.
A few moments later the mistress OF
the house entered. She was a woman
past the prime OF life. but still at
tractive. her face beautifed by the
eyes. large, dark and full OF purpose.
The stranger rose. my name is
winslow." he said simply. "and have
the honor TO present credentials from
our distinguished leader, Col. Burr"
The name was open Sesame TO the
heart OF his listener.
"You need no higher right OF entry
TO our hearth, sir. May ask. then, IL
you come TO join the expedition"
II do. madam. and dozen stout
hearts bear me company"