The Forrest City times., 1908-07-10

from! If Miss Anthonys name passes your lips to any one, you'll get my bullet. Vamoose"
 In his thirty-odd years of varied life Phineas had beaten down many angry eyes with his daredevil brayado; yet the blaze of Gideon's passion, boy though he was, tied the sneering tongue, confoulded the bold eyes. Phineas turned away, speeches. till he was safe out.ide the copse. From there lie sent back last hot shot. T didn't know l was poaching on your preserves, you mjun dandy! l re- sign
 Gideon set his teeth Body aud brain, heart and soul, rebelled against his restraining will, yet he neither re- piled nor followed. \ fighter born, Stella alone, and Stella in trouble, pre- vented him from giving Phineas the drubbing of his life. Gideon waited till the faint sound of footsteps pro. claimed Phineas out of earshot before he picked up the handkerchief and turned to the strained face beside him Poor little Star!" he said softly. Don't cry, Moppett! He isn't worth one quarter of one of your tears
 "Oh, know it, Gideon: but I'm go ashamed, so humiliated"
 The skunk Gideon's hands clenched till the knuckles were white. Abruptly he turned to Stella, grasping her arm with the hand that had rested
 
 flame leaped in his mystic eyes.
 Stella! You shall no longer be ex- posed to such insults, You must mar ry me, soon-now You must"
 Stella's face grew quickly grave. No, no, Gideon, I will never marry any man for protection. I'd not dare found home when I'm so unprepared for it's responsibilities. And-do you wish me to be a barkeeper's wife?'
 Gideon started. stung by the scorn in her question, and released her arm. But I'll do something else. I'll learn any business You say. know l can -for-for your sake l can"
 Stella winced at the world of tender. ness in his low words That's not done in a minute; and meantime-"
 Meantime" he interrupted excited ly, hopefully, meantime we'll be en. gagged. We'll tell Sally B.-ten every body; and whoever dares make you unhappy shall feel that" He held up his doubled fist.
 Stella could not help feeling a wom ans gratitude for the comfort and protection Gideon's loyal courage promised; yet she said nothing, look ing down on the green breast of Ma ture dumbly seeking some wise word from her bounty.
 Gideon she turned her eyes, still wet, 10 Gideon, dear, you'd want your wife to love you, wouldn't you?"
 But you do love me-you've always loved me. His words were confident. He faced her, caught up her hands. On, little Star, don't you remember that last night in the station? You put out your hands 10 me and said: Gid. con, how can leave you%"
 Stella looked steadily at him. vet did not speak. Gideon was silenced by some strange thing that appeared in her eyes. She grew more and more remote. He saw her slipping from him. Though her hands were in his, her soul was saving farewell.
 Stella he cried imperiously, "you know you love me. you can't deny it"
 Yes, Gideon, l love you. I would do anything in my power for you; I think-l think would risk my life for you, as you've more than once ris1ed yours for me. Yet-yet-" She paused, looked up and smiled at nfm. Drawing one hand sree she brushed bit of lint from his sleeve. taking un. necessary time for it. She was feel. Ing her way to safety, striving for mastery without a scene. Yet. Gid con, l know there must be another kind of love. the kind you have for me. You are older than I am, dear. I recognize no change in my feeling for you. guess I'm still a child. ans youu have to wait for me to grow up.s