The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1908-06-11


Haven't had chance" laughed
Ella. Everybody that's passed felt
called upon to sit down and keep me
company"
II don't wonder" was Lyndon's
frankly adn.iring comment.
mot one Of Them" announced Ella
condemningly, had the sense to see
that wanted TO be by myself-to rest.
You are either exceptionally percep-
tive. Mr.. West, or exceptionally cal
lous"
West. who had thrown himself wea-
rily down on the grass, looked up In
timr to catch the mischief in Elias
sparkling eyes.
II am exceptionally perceptive," he
affirmed laughingly. Il knew you
didn't want me to stay"
"But you are quite sure I am glad
you are back!" she teased.
Whatever Lyndon had in mind to re-
ply was not spoken.
"Jumpw he shouted excitedly. "A
balls coming"'
Ella grasped his hand and sprang up
Just as swiftly driven ball brushed
by her skirt. Then, still holding Lyn-
don's hand, she hoped on one foot to
nearby stump.
ut struck you," gasped Lyndon.
"You are hurt. Where?'
Ella. convulsed, raised her handker-
chief to her face.
ut is your bandit is bleeding" he
exclaimed. "Let me see 1t! thought
1t was your foot"
At this dramatic moment Stearns ap-
peared e.ith glass of water.
"Tm sorry was so long, Miss Mar
den." he began apologetically.
West snatched the glass from him.
"You were miraculously quick" he
said gratefully. Here, Miss Marden."
he began, drink this"
But Ella, who was apparently Sob
bling. could not be induced to lift her
face from her handkerchief.
"Just leave her to me, Stearns,"
urged West. "She'll be all right in a
few minutes. And thanks ever so
much. old man."
OICoILS, ullClIJ AuOUSlSuStCu, Uul
well aware that he was quite de trop.
walked slowly off.
Hot upon the heels of his involun-
tary retreat Brayton doomed into view.
"Here's the ball, Miss Marden," he
called VIGOROUSLY.
"Who cares about the ball?" snapped
Lyndon. go find the one who sent it
if you want to make yourself useful!
"Well, what's the matter with your
demanded the angered Brayton.
At this climax Ella lifted her face.
1t was certainly fushed-whether with
weeping Lyndon West was bit in
doubt.
THANK you, Mr.. Brayton." she said
humbly. ut was awfully good of you
to hunt it for me. Now please go on
with your own game or you won't be
able to finish before DARK
Brayton, though mystified. took his
congo like thoroughbred.
For few eloquently silent seconds
Ella and Lyndon looked at each other
Lyndon with the air of a man who
has been the victim Of a practical joke
and Ella with an expression half mis-
chievous. half embarrassed.
"Perhaps you can explain" suggest
ed Lyndon at length.
"Um. hum! can," Ella assented
"Do you mind going back to where we
were sitting? think I left something
there
Lyndon went on the errand. He soon
returned. carrying Elias tan boot
dangling by its lacings.
IF the beautiful Cinderella will per-
NIT" be begged. kneeling before her.
ut isn't cinder at ALL" shifted Ella
sc0rnfully. "1t's nall"
While Lyndon, with the aid Of a
stone or two, pounded down the refrac-
tory nail Ella made clear to him the
sequence and denouement of the after
Moons events.
The boot finished, Lyndon again
begged the privilege Of putting 1t on
the lady's dainty foot.
The lacing process was executed
with great precision, but when it came
to tying the knot Lyndon hesitated.
"Shall it he true lovers knot, dear
est?" he asked, looking up at her with
grave affection.
Ella laughed. She couldn't help tt
Lyndon was so serious and she was so
happy.
us that the same as beau knot?''
she asked him archly.
And somehow, both helping, the knot
was tied,