The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1907-09-05

you don't seem to be able to get
along without me-" he said, with a
chuekle.
The girl glanced at his face for a
moment, and then. without word, she
ieaped to the ground and when the
carryall came past slipped back into
that vehicle. disdaining the invitation
shouted at her by Tony.
Bogner tried to convince himself that
he was glad that she was gone. but
somehow the bright dawn grew very
gray to him, and he pulled modify at
his pipe. He did not love Bessie. That
sort OF thing was foollshness, but he
dld enjoy her companionship In the
early morning, and as the days went
by and she came no more he grew
morose and dispirited.
Even then he could not diagnose his
trouble and 1osed himself with a pat
ent nostrum In the belief that his liver
was out of order. Bessie was coldly
polite when they met at the table or
passed each other g61ng In or out of
the ring, but that was all. There were
Do more little chats while the sun
climbed up from its bed of night.
The awakening came ten days later.
1t was Sunday. and after reaching the
new show lot and getting the tent up
there was nothing to be done but look
after the stock until the morrow. Some
Of the men had gone out to look at the
town, but most of them were lying In
the grass on the shady side of the
font uyafpbiDu no 20 ell
the canal. on the bank of which they
were pitched. Bogner felt thirsty and
went into the dressing tent to get q
drink of water. He was standing be-
side the pail when he CHANGED to look
through on the other side.
Bessie was coming back from
church, and couple of the town boys
were following her In an effort to at
tract her attention. As she reached
the lot one of them stepped forward
and caught her about the waist There
We're dozen others sitting by the
fence watching the circus people, but
they made no effort to help Bessie,
and Bogner went bounding forward.
Just as he came up the masher sue
ceeded In stealing a kiss, but the next
moment he measured his length upon
the ground and Bogner stood over him
waiting for him to rise.
The other men sprang forward to
their townsmans assis lance and fell
upon Bogner, bearing him to his knees,
but not before he had raised the old
cry of Hey, Rube" and others of the
circus crew had come running around
the corner of the tent.
Ten minutes later dozen badly
thrashed youths were stealing from
the lot mounting loud threats of venge-
ance, and Ben was kneeing beside
Bessie, who had tainted In the excite
ment
A dash of water brought her around,
and she smiled up into the white face
bending over her own.
I'm all right" she whispered. 81
was Just scared. not hurt"
I'm hurt" he answered back I'm
hurt In the heart, Bess. | didn't know
1t until that young fool tried to kiss
you. but then was wise that loved
you. Can you ever forgive me for be-
ing such a brute dear? You were all
SO much part of my life that didn't
know | loved you. VIII you forgive
me- dear? VIII you always ride with
me through llfep"
after the way you treated me l
don't see how you can expect me to
say yes" she said family.
Il don't" he admitted, with despair.
But I'm going to-" she added as
Bogner turned away 81 think you've
had your lesson
~ guess | have" declared Ben. 81
won't need to have 1t rubbed In
either"