The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-07-25
m danger 6f falling.

m danger Of falling
Ricard sprang to her eide. caught her
and held her protcctingly with an arm
enclrcllng her
! He talked to her lightly. meFriiy a,
tirst. then he bent his handsome, dark
head until II was close. very close. to
the auburn tresscs. and no spoke In
deeper, more serious tones, and the girl
forgot Coney In tho musir OF his voice
Kate caught herself wondering why
Mike Peters had never acquired the
pleasant ways Of Rlcard.
After awhile he placed a big. arm
hand under her chin and raised her
face 80 he could watch It's every linen.
ment. His dark eyes were luminous
and tender His voice was persuasive
as he said something to her. now and
again It's tones pleading. and be en-
phasizcd bis words with soft little pats
on her warm cheeks.
Silently kate's head dropped TO his
shoulder, and he held her tightly for
the space OF few moments.
Then he took her by the shoulders
gently. He stretched his arms at full
length and held her there. His hand
some face was agIow with exultation.
Kate laughed Historically She felt
herself helpless In his strong grasp.
and she expected any moment TO be
gathered back with a mighty rush into
bis embrace.
Something dark, like great mantle,
hoated nolselessly In between them,
shutting each from the others view.
Ricard caught It and flung Il Off.
II whipped back again. swept toward
Kate and partially enveloped her.
The girl was frightened and strug-
gled TO disentnngle herself Ricard was
helping her when blaze Of light from
an exploding rocket revealed what they
were pulling aud tugging at.
1t was the trailing end OF big dag
moved by the shifting breeze.
Like one electrified. Kate ceased her
struggles. She snatched wildly at the
huttering bunting and held II captive.
Her face turned like marble, and into
her eyes there came new, strange
expression as she stood motlonless, her
white gown cleaning here and there
between the folds OF the flag.
AS swiftly and silently as the com
Ing Of the colors enlightenment had
descended upon her
Oblivious to the presence Of Ricard
and her surroundings, she was living
again her commonplace existence Of
the morning. She was seeing her home,
with its mean environments, and all
was being borne In on her mind swift
ly and with new significance.
again she saw Torrance salutlng the
flag and heard his childish explanation.
zone nation indlvisibie-- nation
indivisible," repeated itself over and
over. Then 1t seemed to merge into
zone home lndivlslble" and ever In
Terrance's clear boyish voice There
could be no home indivlsible" II she
went with Rcard into his enchanted
world, as he had suggested.
With cry that was half sob she
sank to her knees, burying her face In
the flag.
"Terrancew she whispered.
Rlcard had watched the girl wonder
ingly. Her tears brought him pityingly
to her side.
DON'T Don't do thatl" he pleaded
tenderly. attempting to raise her.
Kate sprang to her feet, shudderlng
at his touch. She shook him off.
He was perplexed by her action
"You are tired" he ventured and took
her hands In his.
She made no reply. Instead she tried
to free herself Ricard. aroused and
angry, would not release her.
"You shall not shake me off," he said
sternly. "You are nine" And he grasp
ed her by the shoulders, hurting her
cruelty.
She did not speak. but met his eyes
unhlnchlngly. For the space Of a few
seconds they thus faced each other. He
searched In vain for the light that had
shone in her eyes but few moments
before. What he saw instead were