Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1908-11-06

/ ~ O0N thih W vi edEIn DeIWeen us
and passage OF the mine." he went
, on I'm going to dig through, and
Wen walk till We find some miners"
Although he had nothing but a
rough, broken bough to work with, he
attacked the wall vigorously. The girl
stood beside him.
Soon he could thrust his arm through
the opening he had made. Then he
worked furiously until IL was large
enough for them to creep through. The
rear OF more earth falling was upon
him every moment. An astonished
mule thrust his head out into the light
and then fed wildly back into the
mine
Come" said David. taking her hand
and drawing a long breath OF relief.
She clung close to him as they went
into the darkness. Their progress was
toilsome, for David had to feel his
way step by step and shield his com
panion.
1t seemed that hours Of this madden
Ing cropping went by. and yet David
was exultant for, though panic fear
dogged the footsteps of the girl, he was
able to keep 1t at bay by his touch and
voice
She cried out when a point of light
showed far ahead OF them. A moment
later voice with rich Welsh accent
exclaimed: Here comes that bludy
runaway mule outen the old pocket.
And I'm domned II here be'ant lady
comm, too-and Davie Forbes, as I'm
livln' sinner"
Tho mInnr lfcfonnA f.
OF the cave-in and then conducted them
to the shaft. muttering softly, "Well.
I'm domnedr'
When they stood on firm earth in the
welcome sunlight David again asserted
his newly discovered mastery. You're
too tired TO walk back to town. It's
miles from here and rough walking.
I'll get a horse and buggy somewhere
around here and take you up to our
place. Then after you have supper
and rest I'll drive you to town. My
mother will be glad to have you come"
Oh, David Forbes,
And they thought you knew nothing
OF women.
The stranger assented with a meek
ness as unusual In her as imperious-
ness was In David.
Never before had David been SO
anxious that his fine house and well
kept farm should make n good impress
sion- Mrs. Forbes received the girl
with eager hospitality. When she
heard or the accident her sympathy
was boundlcss. The visitor recovered
her spirits quickly. She told them
that her name was Marion Hills
and that she was visiting an aunt
In town. She assured Mrs. Forbes
that David was positively the bravest
man In the world. Mrs. Forbes
looked at her son In helpless wonder
ment. While waiting for supper
Marion demanded that David show
her about the farm.
I've always longed to visit farm"
she said as with mutual satisfaction
they strolled through meadows and
orchards.
Shall l send one OF the men To tell
your people where you are?" David
asked when she remarked that IL was
growing late
NO." she said. 'No one cares very
much where / am. i have no one
nearer than Aunt Kate, and she thinks
l am great nuisance. though l am
only with her for my two weeks va
cation each year."
There is some one who cares very
much where you are" said David
boldly. Marion fastened to admire
the beautiful view from the orchard
slope. but he was not to be diverted
and soon possessed himself Of her
commonplace little story OF struggle
and hard work.
'You-a not going back at ALL" said
David hotly. ITS dreadful that a
girl should work like that and have no
one TO take care of her. Two weeks is
enough counting. l believe girls usu-
ally think they need lots OF time, but
I'll make you trust me-
Mrs. Forbes was calling them from
the kitchen door. Marion ran ahead,
her cheeks scarlet and her eyes star
bright
But OF course when they were driv-
Ing to town through that sweet sum-
mer night she had to tell him tremu-
lously how grateful she was to him
for saving her life. And he made the
answer expected Of all heroes who do
high deeds for their ladvloyeS