Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-04-26

PouScs I0TudQS uc USuoVcS yOu really do want him, in spite of your actions. l know have been trying to think that, though without much sue cess. will go, and not bother you again, if you tell me to-
 Penny appeared to be considering.
 I'd rather have you than Rajah," she finally decided; but if you stay, he will. Do take him down, like a good soul"
 Dudley turned and strode away, pre-. senting a stiffened back. Rajah, read ing purpose in his gait, rose and fol. lowed of his own accord, and Penny was left free to go on with her sport; but tEe woods sent forth no echoes.
 Dudley stayed away three days. Then, after packing his belongings and making the farewell arrangements his dignity demanded, he rode over to say good-by. No one was about, so he sat on the steps in the late afternoon sun- light and waited.
 Presently a shot sounded faintly from the direction of the pasture. Eff teen minutes later Penny came across the lawn, a pale Penny, walking with shaky bravado, her gun still at the sporting angle, but the arm that held it there visibly unsteady. She smiled brightly at Dudley, then sat down on the steps as though her knees had been abruptly withdrawn.
 Had small adventure" she said, with a laugh that was half gasp. I've proved my point about the bull, any. way; he's dangerous beast. Also, I have saved fathers life-though he doesn't especially appreciate it.
 She looked down thoughtfully at the gun across her knees, and. seeing how her hands were betraying her, thrust them behind her back.
 What happened?" Dudley asked, anxiously.
 Penny looked for all the world like she'd lost her last friend.
 ''The bull, of course. Father would cross the pasture, just to show of, and one of the dogs had to rush in and make the bull furious. So. naturally, he charged at father-who dropped his theories and sprinted." A shudder seized her.
 You poor girl!' ..... a....
 Tt was more like poor father" Her spirit was still consistently game, though rottering Tt looked like the proper moment for me to save his life II had always warned him I should I didn't want to kill the creature, just to lame him, so aimed low. Oh, there wasn't moment for anything. Dudley, truly. You know I shoot pretty well now, when I'm coor" But did you wing the bull?" Dudley asked excitedly. Her lip quivered. No; I-I wung father!" . "What?" [ She burst into tears.
 Just across his knee-it really wasn't anything. And it did save his life. For it scared him so much worse than the b-bull he jumped way to one side, and the beast charged right past over the very spot! And so he had time to d-double round tree and get over the fence I did save his life, But he wasn't grateful. It's the end of shooting for me!'
 You poor child! But where is he?" he asked.
 "The cart came by and he got in to go down to the doctor. Dudley, for once have made my father too an. gry," she said, solemnly. "I'm-rm frightened to death!' You only grazed him?" His arm was about her unrebuked.
 "Oh, yes-but he's all the madder. If only something awful enough to di- vert him would happen before he gets back!"
 Cant we find something?" A smile began to struggle through her dismay. .... "I know one thing that might" What, Penny?" . You say it."
 . But am not clever enough; I can't think"
 "Well-don't you think the-the prospect of-losing his only daughter -" she stopped abruptly.
 Penny"
 Not that I'd ever really leave him." she amended when she was allowed to emerge. Who takes me takes him"
 Yes, dear girl"
 And then, you see. having fright ened him to meekness. we can comfort him with that" She no longer pulled away from him.
 She would not look at him, and in her voice there was nothing deeper than amusement.
 Penny. are you tfsing me only be- cause you are afraid to face your fath- err" he asked gravely.
 "Um h'm," she assented. He drew her closer.
 Penny, are you?" -
 Yep"
 Penny. are you!"
 His eyes were insistent She tried to meet them with defiance. but sud denly a tide of red swept over the lit- tie. pointed face. a quick. stinging. glorious color that left her no defenses the first real blush of her life. She broke away from him. covering her face with her hands.
 Co away. I hate you," she cried. But Dudley laughed from the very