The Washington herald., 1907-01-03

on a Sunday afternoon Dick strolled
across the meadows beyond the town. He
had grown 20 love the swelling slope that
stretched up from the river TO the min
ing sheds. For the first time he was be-
ginning 20 think that his fathers taunt
at the leader of eotillons" was 20 be
productive of good; that combined with
Alice Uphams refusal. the Jauut had
forced him 20 seeing life with broader
view
It was the mines that had worked the
change. The mines and Marian Consid-
ering that she was a miners orphan.
Richard Houston gave large amount Of
his thought 10 Marian. Considering that
she worked a bit for her board" with
Mrs. Lisbon, the miners wife with whom
Dick boarded, Dick was having bad Iapses
Of the Houston pride. Still. as Dick said
90 himself. there was not much danger Of
a mans making a fool of himself over
girl OF sixteen.
On this particular Sunday, after week
when the miners pick had been particu-
larry distasteful 10 him, Dick had asked
Marian to walk with him. At first she had
hesitated. then she had refused. looking
zap into his face with little smile that
even though she was only q child. he
had come 10 watch and work for: smile
that curled delicate. deep red lips back
over perfect teeth: a smile that Hghtened
up the wistful little face to dazzling love
illness. AS she slipped from the room.
Dick watched the 1.-THE figure and the
wonderful braid Of hair that swept her
back
If she were five years Older but
the sentence remained unfinished as he
filled his pipe and started on his solitary
tramp He walked for hours. and it was
late twilight when he again crossed the
meadows near the mines. II was "a lonely
spot, so Dick was surprised as he heard
Cd voice
"Oh. Mr.. Houston
Yes, Marian"
oh. I am So glad Mrs Lisbon and 7
have been worrying about you" Then.
walking beside him with "a distractingly
confding air. Ever since YOU and Jim
Lisbon took such stand against the
strike, some of the toughs down at the
end OF the village have been making
threats. Mrs. Lisbon went TO find Jim
and I got to worrying and came out TO
find you"
Steady. now. steady" said Dick TO
himself, remember that she is nothing
but a miners little girl" Then aloud.
We'll now, that is mighty good Of you,
but there isn't a bit Of danger. l.
Great heavens
They were enveloped in an unbreath-
able cloud Of dust. There was q duh
muffled rumble little scream from
Marian, then silence.
Marian" called Dick. as he strug-
gled 20 rise. Marian rose to her knees.
struggling and gasping for breath. The
ground caved into gallery. I have
heard of il often"
Are You hurt?" asked Dick
II think not"
Dick was now on his feet and pulled
the girl up beside him. Then he took
out his matchsafe and scratched three
or four matches in rapid succession
They were in a pit formed by the sink
/ ing Of the meadow into mining level
that had run too close 10 the surface
The pit was but half a dozen feet wide
but il was many times that to the field
above Dick dropped the match he held
II won't light any more for a while
We may need them later"
Let's call" said Marian
Dick gave a few lusty shouts but the
silence seemed deeper than ever as he
/ paused A small hand crept into his and
I his fingers closed warmly about IT,
Il think I am frightened" half wills
/ pered Marian.
He chafed the slender fingers. It's use
/ less to try to climb this soft clay" A
mass Of debris slid 10 their feet We've
/ got to get out Of this" He scratched a
match then gave a quick exclamation
/ Marian, there is a level opening He
/ paused Through both their minds flashed
picture Of the dangers that would at
/ tend any attempt TO escape through the
mine Yet they knew that each moment
/ IN the pit might mean death Then. a
/ quick plunge and they were In the dark
ness Of the mine They felt their way
/ in silence for several minutes then:
Are you frightened, Marian?'' asked
Dick
Yes said Marian, but that does not
matter"
\ new tone in the soft voice puzzled
/ Dick Ii was as if q woman and not a
child had spoken. New thoughts we're
crossing Dick Houstons mind-if this lit
tie girl were five years older. if she were
educated. if she were not miners
daughter, if The slender fingers Law
very warmly and confdingly in his. a
/ soft, thick braid OF hair touched his face.
/ as Marian flung it back over her Shout
/ der Dick smiled tenderly as he pictured
/ the familiar little gesture.
/ Keep up your courage" he said.
There is no actual danger. you know,