Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-12-05

Inc tram Scfea meu us way through ,
the valley. grunted up the steep in
cline and came to Standstill before
the ramshackle little station 1t paus-
ed while two passengers alighted, and
then it hurried off, IS if twas glad to
get away from such an insignificant
stopping place.
Elsie Lansing accepted her leather
bag, from the taciturn station agent.
who at the same time pushed a suit
case toward the other traveller. tall
young man buttoned up in Il gray III
ster
Stage here for Greentop?" queried
the latter. picking up his grip.
Not this day returned the agent
griinIy. Jim Laidlaw. he seems to
think Saturdays made special SOS he
can git little drunker'n usual. If
| you amt expected, you'll have to
walkr' With which remark he slam
med the station door and turned the
| key
| LET me see-its twelve miles to
Greentop. isn't it?' asked the stranger
tLoughtfully.
Twelve and a half Straight road
ahead The agent trampcd away
across the platform ard disappeared
inside a small cottage perched on the
| high bank above the tracks.
Elsie Lansing looked obviously at
the frozen read stretching away be
tween pine clad heights. family touch
ed with the early morning sun. She
had travelled all night and had tele-
graphed for her newly acquired broth
er-in-law to meet her.
There was no sign of the white mo-
tor car which had been part of the
bridal equipment and which was to
speed her to the Eyrie. in the Green
mountains, away from civilization and
its attendant comforts.
eff you are going to Greentop. per-
NIT me to carry your bag" said the
young man, lifting his hat. III is a
stiff walk, but perhaps it will stimu-
late an appetite for dinner
You are very good" replied Elsie
pleasantly, but my bag is not heavy,
and l can easily carry it myself
Without further conversation they
left the station and made their way
along the road in the shadow of the
pines.
1t was crisp day, with tang OF
early winter in the breath of the north
wind. 1t was an invigorating day, with
its strong scent of pine and balsom the
rattle of crisp, dry cones and the sweet
purity of mountain air.
The stranger walked on ahead with
long, swinging strides. His head was
bent thoughtfully, and it was quite evi
dent that he had forgotten the girl
who was struggling to keep pace will
him. Suddenly he turned and per
ceived her.
81 must ask your pardon" he crie(
commiseratively Il forgot-that is,
did not realize how fast was walk
ing. Let me take your bag You arr
very tired
He took 1t from her unresisting han(
and looked down at the delicate cheek
ualer by contrast of the fringing darl
lashes.
Il hope it isn't much farther" sh
admitted ruefully. Il have been i'll
and my strength is tickle"
He stopped and looked about him
They had come to slight opening Il
the forest, where the sun streame
over fallen tree trunks and glinted o
the surface of tiny brook that woun
its way across the road.
1--WE will rest here" he said, with
note of authority in his voice. 1T
good deal farther. We have com
perhaps three miles. If you will le
me take you back to the station l wi
return to Greentop and procure CO,
veyance of some sort
NO" she objected, sinking wearil
v on to fallen log. 81 will be reste
presently. You see, l didn't eat an
Y breakfast, and
mo breakfastv' he echoed blank
n Il don't wonder you are tired. Wait
" minute, pleased" He knelt down befol
his suit case and unlocked it. From
depths Of masculine apparel he broug
forth a small alcohol stove, a bottle
he the necessary liquid and a small tin
beef extract.
4, Elsie watched him with amused
terest. With deft fingers he filed al
lighted the lamp and opened the tin
Sc extract. 81 wonder If he is dru
mer and is demonstrating some Of
waresr'
But there was something in t
ID mans thin, intellectual face, with
nearsighted blue eyes behind thi
glasses, that belied her estimate. Thu