The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1907-12-26

HolOr OF Mica spencer. Lieut.. Braut
meets Silent Murphy. Clusters scout lie
reports trouble brewing among the Sioux.
CHAPTER Nlv.-continued.
Lieut Brant was somewhat delayed
in reaching the scene. Certain mill
tary requirements were largely re.
sponsible for this delay. and he had
patiently wrestled with an unsatisfac.
tory toilet mentally excoriating a
service which would not permit the
transportation Of dress uniforms while
on scouting detail
The dance was already In full swing
when he finally pushed his way
through the idle loungers gathered
about the door and gained entrance to
the hall Many glanced c~uriously at
him. attracted by the glitter OF his uni.
form. bat he recognized none among
them. and therefore passed steadily
toward The musicians stand. where
there appeared 70 be 3 few unoccu-
pied chairs.
The was one OF color and &C.
zion. He watched the speeding fg.
ures. striving to distinguish the par
ticular q whose charms had lured
him thither. But among them all he
was unable to distinguish the wood.
nymph whose girlish frankness and
grace had>Ieft SO deep an impression
on his memory. Yet surely she must
be present, for, to his understanding
this whole gay festival was in her
honor. Directly across the room he
caught sight Of Rev. Alr. Wynkoup
c~onverslng with a lady OF somewhat
rounded charms. and picked his way
in their direction.
The missionary, who. In truth, had
been hiding an agonized heart behind
a smiling face. was only too delighted
at any excuse which would enable him
10 approach Miss Spencer, and press
aside those cavaliers who we're mo.
nopolizlng her attention. The handi-
cap of not being able 10 dance he felt
TO be heavy. and he greeted the lieu,
tenant with unusual hearfiness Of
manner
Why, most aBsuredly. my dear sir,
most assuredly,r he said. Mrs. Hern-
don. permit me to make you acquaint.
cd with Lieut. Brant Of the Seventh
cavalry"
The two. thus introduced. bowed and
exchanged a few words, while Mr..
Wynkoop busted himself in peering
about the room. making 2 great pre-
tense at searching out the lady guest.
who, In very truth. had scarcely been
absent from his sight during the en-.
tire evening.
"Ah." he calculated. at last I 10.
cate her. and. fortunately. at this mo.
ment she is not upon the floor. al.
though positively hidden b. the men
clustering about her chair. You will
excuse as. Mrs. Herndou, bat / have
promised Lieut. nrant a presentation
10 your niece"
They slipped past the musicians
stand, and the missionary pressed IA
through the ring Of admirers
why. Mr.. Wynkoopi" and she eK.
tended both hands impulsiyely. And
only 10 think. you have never once
been ear me all this evening" You
don't know how much / have missed
you. / was Just saying to Alr, Nionat
--or Il might have ben Mr.. McNeil-
that / was completely tired out and
wished you were here 10 sit out this
dance with me"
Wynkoop blushed and forgot the
errand which had brought him there.
but she remained sufficiently cool and
%obseryant She touched him gently
with her hand.
8Who Is that hnelooking young on
cor2' she questioned softly. yet With
ont y%enturing 10 remove her glance
from his face.
Mr. Wynkoop started "Oh. exactly
4 had forgotten my mission. He has
requested ana Introduction He drew
che lieutenant forward. 'Lieut. Brant.
Miss Spencer
The officer bowed. q slight shadow
Of disappointment la hts eyes. The
lady was unQuestiunably attractive.
her face animated. her reception most
cordial yet abe was not the maiden OF
the dark. faihomless eyes aud the
wealth Of auburn hair.
such B pleasure 10 meet you. ex-
claimed Miss Spencer. do you know.
.iiouicnant that acl0slly / have never
Dclnfe had the privilege Of meeting
tn once et als army feuf appear.