The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1907-07-19
dircctness of the question. She had
not meant such a literal application of

dircctness of the question. She had
not meant such a literal application Of
her remark.
Win was horrid last night" she
said slowly, her glance directed toward
the tiny Indian island out in the lake.
"He was so certain that we could not
do without him that l told him not to
come"
"And then?" A soft hand fell lovingly
upon the girls soft hair.
"And then he said he would come
anyway, because he knew 1 never
could run the camp alone, and l told
him l was perfectly able to run the
camp and car for you and that l
didn't care If 1 never saw him again,
and he said I probably never should,
and then he went away and never even
said good night"
did you expect him to come after
your ~rudcness?" Mrs. Edmond's voice
gave no hint Of the smile that was
playing about her lips and in the cor
ner of her eyes. Nan, looking straight
out across the lake, did not see.
"Hc might have been polite" she
said aggrievedly.
"After you had been so discourte-
ous!"
"Well," she persisted, "he's 81 i'm
portant. Just as though 1 could not
build a fire or cook bacon and things!"
1T was very good of him to want to
help. I think you should apologize
to him." she counseled softly.
II won't" said Nan %mutinously.
Maybe" ~relenting a little, II shall
speak to him again, if he's very nice
and humble, but 1 shan't apologize"
"Then let us hope that he will not
expect it," suggested Mrs. Edmond.
'Shall we go on" And they resumed
their climb.
Nan was glad enough to rest before
they reached the summit. 'It's differ.
ent," she explained as she threw her
self Oh the soft moss, "when there is
some n to help you up the rocks"
even men have their uses,'' laughed
Mrs. Edmond. "What a beautiful
view we have from herew
"When you look OUT said Nan grim
ly, "when you look down and realize
how far we have to CO., I'm afraid it
will be too much for you, auntie."
mot at ALL" said Mrs. Edmond
bravely, but she shuddered as she
glanced at the trees far below them.
1T will be going down hill, you know"
I'm always making trouble for peo-
plc," cried Nan pcnitently.
ITS a popularity Of quecns,' re-
minded Mrs. Edmond, "but it will be
easy going down, dear"
1t was not an easy matter, however,
for presently the sun sank below the
line of hills, and the trail through the
woods was dark and lonesome. Nan
had insisted that Mrs. Edmond take
her arm where the trail made it posi-
bic, and, though the elder woman tried
not to lean heavily upon the girl, Mans
shoulders ached.
Suddenly Nan stopped and clapped
her hands.
They're back" she cried. "I'm so
glad. never could have cooked sup
per. I've been so worried about it
and so hungry"
She pointed ahead. Through the trees
the freight. glinted upon the white
walls of the tents, and already the
grateful odor of coffee filled their nos
trils.
The thought gave them fresh strength,
and they pushed ahead to the clearing.
and Nan stopped short as Winthrop
Leland sprang up from the shadows.
piggy" he called cheerfully, mot to
let me in on the trip. I'm heaping Goals
Of fire on your head, Nan. The coffee
and biscuit are ready, and some of the
finest trout you ever saw are waiting to
be broiled. Supper will be ready by
the time you've changed to moccasins
and washed up"
"Wint," said Nan %fervently, you are
an angel, and I'm sorry l was cross
last night"
Mrs. Edmond slipped into the tent.
The queen Of Quagmond was about to
abdicate in favor of a king, and she
did not want to be present at the cere-
mony.