La Junta tribune., 1907-07-06
Camera Hunt
BY HoNoRE wILLsIE.
Copyright. 1907. By c. II. sutclire.
yVVVVvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvVv
BY HoNoRE wlLLsIE.
Copyright. 1907. by c. II. sutclire.

Penelope took long breath and
started on after her brother and his
wife, who were chatting with the
guide. After the rough climbing of
the morning the little plateau seemed
heavenly But even this respite did
not ease Penelope $ sense of irritation.
.Arthur's and AIi,.'s fad had seemed
lily accepted their invitation to join
them To hunt the wild game OF the
Rockies with camera was unique
enough To bc Interesting. but the hunt
OF the long tailed deer. SO high among
the peaks that rapid work was misery.
had been very bad. The three days
chase for Il snap ut the black wolf had
been worse. and 1t ended In failure.
But this chase for Il mountain sheep
was trying Penelope beyond endur-
ance.
Its easy for Alice" thought poor
Penelope. digging her stan viclously
into IL crevice "She's like bundle of
steel wires. She loves to get up before
daylight and crawl half mile on her
LA ndss and knees to walt at II spring
for some silly beast to come for
drink. But I'm Just worn out. Alice!
Arthur
The three enthusiasts ahead turned
back. "YOu three leave me here In the
shade OF this rock and come back for
me when you are finished. am worn
out
Arthur looked at Penelope In dismay.
but don't you want to see mountain
sheep!' he coaxed. 'Since the black
tailed deer were In the river bottom
this morning the sheep are sure to be
up here. Just think. Penelope. one OF
those curious. rare mountain Sheep
But even this vision failed to move
his sister She shook her head. Alice
gave resigned little sigh.
I'll stay with you. Penelope" she
said
mo. you won't" said Arthur hastily.
ITS not safe. Two women are no
better than one hers-"
Here the guide lnteSposed. He had
been with them but day. but already,
besides being their guide. he was their
counselor and friend. He was too well
bred to be treated otherwise. Penelope
looked nt the staiwart. heavily beard
Ell fellow In II troubled way. His re-
sembance to Dick in spite of the
beard was startling.
Now. tell you. Mr.. SeymOre." he
said. you know as much about this
business ns l do. and you tell me you
have been up this trail half dozen
times before. Why can't l stay here
with your sister. Tx up camp for the
|
OH and locate the sheep?''
Good. goodr exclaimed Seymore.
! Mrs. Seym0re looked little dubious.
but Penelope spoke eagerly. Here was
chnnce for an hour or two OF rest
that was not to be foregone.
ut will only be couple Of hours"
she said pleadingly. You will be back
before dark. and l am so tired, and"
she added artfully, you may miss
your only chance at the mountain
sheep"
Come on. Arthur" said Mrs. Sey-
more. and the two started Off up the
mountain.
The little plateau on which the col
loquy had taken place was smooth and
wide, with n little spring tricklinS out
of the great wall of the mountain.
Penelope sat quietly watching the dis
taut peaks In the afternoon light while
the guide set about his preparation for
the nights camp. watching Penelope
surreptItously the while Very lovely
was the sunlight on the masses of her
hair, tue quick glow of color in her
checks. the delight in her eyes as she
looked at the distant glory of the can
ypn walls
Finally her gaze wandered to the
guide as his work brought him close
beside her and again the troubled look
came to her eyes.
"Do you know" She said abruptly,
you huve IL resemblance to some one
used to know that is startling"
The guide Strengthened himself and
| looked mt her keenly rs that So!
lie said in his quiet way.
Without knowing why, she added,
sit was some one who was very dear
to me-
"And now?" said the guide tenta-
lively.
There is no now." said Penelope,
rising and walking toward the edge Of
the plateau.
The guide watched her anxiously.
Not too near the edge, please" he
called.
Penelope did not answer. Far, far
below curIed the sllvery line that WAS
the river. then up and up chnos of
color In the rock masses, and silence.
silence so intense that, though every
sense was keen to catch the brllliancy
Of the canyon coloring. Penelope stood
counting her own heart beats. She
leaned over a little to look ut the ledge
below her.
And then the thing happened = a
sudden vertigo, a hoarse cry from be-
hind her, sense OF endless falling.