Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1907-06-07

his life to save them. All her lingering
tenderness, the unwilling growth OF
many days. was sweeping away the
barriers Of her pride. "Mr. Oakley was
not hurt" she questioned breathlessly
pale to the lips.
HE is pretty badly shaken up, ant
no wonder, but he will be all right In
the morning."
where Is he now?" she asked.
Her father turned to her
Oakley You look tired out, Con
stance. Do 60 to bed. I'll tell you al
about it in the morning"
where is he now. papay' she ques
toned, going to his side and claspinl
her hands about his arm.
"Down at the shop. They carried hi:
father there from the train"
why didn't you have them bring
him here?" said Mrs. Emory quickly
After this l won't listen to word
against either of them. | would like tC
show the town just how we feel in the
matter"
81 suggested 1t, but Oakley wouldn't
hear to 1t. But don't worry about the
town. It's gone wild. You should have
seen the crowd on the platform when
1t saw Oakley in the engine cab. 1t
went stark mad
Again Constance's eyes swan with
tears. The strike, the murder of Ry-
der, the fire, had each seemed in turn
a part of the tragedy of her life at An
tloch, but Oakley's return was wholly
glorious.
Her father added, 81 shall see Oak
ley in the morning and learn If we can
be Of any service to him."
A little later, when Constance went
to her own room, she drew forward a
chair and seated herself by the win
dow. Across the town, on the edge Of
the flats" she saw dimly the long,
dark outline OF the railroad shop, with
Its single tall chimney. She thought
Of Oakley as alone there keeping watch
at the side of the grim old murderer
who had SO splendidly redeemed him
self by this last sacrifice.
Great clouds Of black smoke were
still rolling over the town, and the
woods were still blazing hercely In the
distance. Beyond her window she
heard the call Of frightened birds as
they nuttered to and fro in the dull
red light, and farther OF. in the north
end, the mufled throbbing Of the fire
engines.
II she had had any doubts as to her
feeling for Oakley these doubts were
now 4 thing OF the past. She knew
that she loved him. She had been pet
ty and vain. She had put the small
things of life against the great, and
this was her punishment She tried to
comfort horsef with the thought that
she should see him in the morning.
Then she could tell him all. But what
could she tell him? The time had gone
by when she could tell him anything
II was almost morning when she un-
dressed and threw herself down on her
bed. She was disconsolate and miser-
able, and the future seemed quite bar
rem Of hope or happiness. Love had
come to her. and she had not known
Its presence. Yes, she would tell Oak
ley that she had been little and narrow
and utterly unworthy. He had cared
for her, and perhaps he would under
stand. She fell asleep thinking this
and did not waken until her mother
called her for breakfast.
81 am waiting for your father. He
has gone down to see Mr.. Oakley"
Mrs, Emory said when she entered the
dining room. Constance glanced at the
table.
Us he going to bring Mr. Oakley
back with him?" she asked nervously
He expected to- | declare, Con-
stance, you look worn out. Didn't you
sleep wellT'
mo, not very. l wonder If they are
comlng?"
You might go look" said her moth.
er. And Constance hurried into the par.
lor She was just in time to see heI
father enter the gate. He was alone
Constance flew to the front door and
threw it open.
lie wouldn't comef" she cried
breathlessly.
Hes gone"
Gomez"
"les. train was made up early
this morning, and he has returned to
Buckhorn-- Why what's the matter.
ConstanceY
For Constance, with little gasp Of
dismay, had slipped down into Il chair,
with her hands before her face.
What is it, dear?" he questioned
anXlously. But she gave him no an.
swer. She was crying softly. unre.
strainedly. II was all over. Oakley
was gone, and with him went her only
hope OF happiness. Yet more keen
than her sense of pain and personal
loss was her regret that he would nev.
er understand that she respected and
admired him as he deserved.
Il am sorry, Constance. but | didn't
know that you especially wanted to see
him. said the doctor awkwardly. but
with dawnlng comprehension OF
what II all meant She made no an.
swer.
What is it, dearT' he repeated.
"Oh nothing I vrar+.,1 80 ell H..