The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1907-12-07

the weapon against a tree. Then he stretched
himself out, his soft hat under his head. T.
Vincenza- in the last twenty-four' hours how
often the thought of her had come to him! What
contrast this girl of the fields was to Dorothy
was little woman to be priced as a jewel by q
fortunate man.: >.... -. >: .~@~:a
Something moved in the chapparal clump above
him. He turned, and saw two small brown
Quail" he said under his breath. He reached
Tor the gun, aimed quickly and fired.
instantly mingled cries went up; the frightened
gobb1ng of grown turkeys, the, pitiful cheeps Of
young bird as it tumbled about in the grass and,
lou Louder than these the waiing plea of girloh!
her nat gone her dark hair flying her face white
with anxiety for her flock. -, - .
She saw the little crumpled victim now, and
with q pitful sob sank down and took it into her
lap: "Ah! poor Maria!" she wept, smoothing a
stained wing. -,
'Vjncenza," pleaded Austin, putting the gun
aside and kneeling beside her, II didn't mean to-
do It, I thought it was quail Oh I'm SO sorry:
Listen I'll make the loss up a thousand times.
Come, please don't cry"
The cbapparal crashed about him: He stood.
up-in time to meet the angry black=eyes of q
stalwart young man, who came painting upon the:
scene; carrying vincenza's hat,
whats the matter?' demanded the new
conner. my. vincenza, are you hurt? This fool
has been shooting" And lifting the girl up, he
held her, as If in defence, against hts breast.
''rll make it right" Austin answered in low
The DEVIL" began Guido. almost shaking Vim
cen2a in his wrath. but she loves each little
one" T.. -
vincenza interrupted him.
"Guido," she entreated, "do not be so mad 1
would have to sell them all before the wedding
would not: And Maria was young-she was
not worth two-b'ts. Only'-plaintively- dies
little sooner"
well, anyhow" went on Guido, not a whit
pacifed, Il like to know why you hang around
here all the time. Vincenza she is mine, and I
do not"
Again, the girl interrupted. This time she
stepped back little, holding her lover at arms
poor Guido she cried teastngly. with swift look
toward Austin. What you think? He is jealous
And of this kind old gentleman!"
Austin involuntarily Strengthened, and his head
jerked back as II to avert "a blow. The doubts
that had troubled him were settled. Truth: had
spoken.
He took out bullying leather purse opened it,
and let dozen shining f1ves into his hand.
Then his sensitive face pale, his look subdued, he
held out the money to Guido
The young Italian received it with something
short of bow, and profered it to Vincenza.
"Here," he said soothingy. g.. -
Vincenza, black lashes still we, ,gazed IL won
dernent upon the little pile Of coins. "Oh" she
cried but Maria was not worth 50 much! =. :
Austin picked up the gun, buttoned his coat,
and returned .Guido's bow 1T 10 partly "a
little wedding gtft,', he said. AND I wish You
day." He lifted his hat and wheeled. = -
At that moment he saw, halted in well-screened
turn of the distant road by the creek, two figures
One slender and dressed in white and one was
topped by a wide sombrero, And, as he looked.
the white-clad figure was suddenly caught close
to the otherso close that two heads were shielded
by the same broad hat. -2'~' ~ '~ ':":'
WELL said Austin, at luncheon, smiling upon
his hostess, II go back to town to-day"
Mrs. Thorburn's face. until now wreathed in
smiles that were marvels of ELUSIVE amiability,
rr01o an~lr hnnI hoL
drawn down across it; then it slowly Redeemed,
and two eyes, startled, even apprehensive, ex-
changed glance with Hal. 49,. >
''Nonsense" cried the son Of the house, leaning
toward Austin. eve can't let you go-that's all
there is about it. Ned here is of in the morning.
and--and we can't afford to lose anyone else.
Can We. mothe1?'
BY now Mrs. Thorburn had recovered somewhat
from her momentary surprise. Once more beaminE
%s1 she ags at. at Austin in playful
can't CO. We all protest. Dorothy ="
eyes, indeed" chimed in the girl, but with lily
feigned enthusiasm .nas Whywhy should you go?
"You know Larry-the man that's been with me
such long time? He's just been married, and 1
want to attend to a weddins-present for him."
''The idea of your hurrying away to look after a
servants comfort" cooed Mrs Thorburn when
You need rest so badly yourself"
II think you're right" admitted Austin, atrly.
"I'm not as young as was once" -. ---,
mot SO young! repeated Mrs. Thorburn "oh.
how ridiculous!'
Eyes, not so young" continued Austin jovially.
I'm fact, I'm nothing less than old gentleman
He gave a hearty laugh. ....y,.,s .
Mrs. Thorburn shifted. uneasily His sdemeanor
had in 1t an entirely strange note The subdued.
seemingly pliable Austin. she understood. But
what of this new one, changed all at once-rnore
youthful, CHEEKY and dominating? =, r. 49,.
''You know, these two weeks, I've had time to
take stock of myself" Austin continued. .I*w was
in groove. Well, travelling over these: hills has
taught me the value of change and recreation. I'm
going back to town to settle things up SO that
can get away to Europe for long vacation. I'm
afraid that means mote work for yyou Ned
The young man looked back. at him soberly.
eyes, sir?" .55.., 5-e..., = -, a. III.
''Sort of general manager. What do you say?''
For moment there was perfect silence; next .