The Prescott daily news., 1908-05-23

stood before her.
 Stellas intuition was unerring. but her caution was untrained. She did not attempt to conceal her opinion of him. MT. Cadwallader!" she cried, starting up. q thought you went away by the stage"
 'I didn't, you see. I'm here instead" ," He bowed deferentially. How could go without a word with you, the belle of the village? Won't you sit down again?" He waved his hand toward | the rock from which she had risen, but kept his place near the entrance.
 Thank you, MT Cadwallader. Please excuse me; l must hurry back" She took a step forward but he did not offer to give her egress.
 What's your hurry. Miss Stella? You are a lovely dryad here at your shrine. and pretty girls, to say nothing of dryads, are too few in my busy life. You surely won't be so cruel as to leave me without a word?" His manner was as respectful as he could make it. Still, Stella knew he made conquests merely to brag of them. Its time for Miss Viola's les sons, and must go," she said with de- cSiOn.
 He did not move. "Vi's lessons don't begin till two; Sally B. said SO. It's 1:15 now; time enough for little talk, isn't there? I've something i'm portant to say to you" Phneas gaZed at her boldly, expecting to see a flush of apprehensive color sweep her face. Her calmness only spurred him the more.
 Stella's eyes were fixed on the op- posite hillcrest, and she lifted her hand thoughtlessly to her hair while searching for an excuse to go that would be effective. The motion freed a handkerchief tucked in her belt, and it fiuttered to the ground unseen by her.
 Phineas furtively reached for it, ex- amined it, noted the embroidered Stella" in the corner and thrust it in his pocket. Yes, look to your hair, California Berenice; it is quite bril- liant enough to make stars of," he said impressively.
 MT. Cadwallader, I cannot accept nor parry your extravagant compli- ments as city girl would. Surely you cant be interested in the simple things l can say. Please let me go" Once again she moved as if to pass him.
 "A beautiful woman doesn't need to say things to be interesting. You haven't asked what it is 1 wished to say"
 Did you expect me to ask?"
 Most girls would. That's where you are the more attractive Sit down here and we'll talk it over. I'll make you comfortable" He reached for some of the overhanging boughs, in- tending to place them on the rock seat. The movement took him pace from the opening.
 Really, MT. Cadwallader, I'm sure you could tell me as well at the hotel Good afternoon" She started toward the low, thorny opening.
 He was after her with the spring of cat. "No, you don't, my beauty If you won't stay and talk. you shall give me a proper farewell"
 The inequality of the ground availed him; and before she could divine his intention he threw his arm around her, gave her an audible kiss and stepped back out of her reach. There, my wood-nymph, don't break your heart; and don't think was intending to ask you to marry me. I only wanted to tell that inflated skipjack, Vincent, that his modest dove wasn't above a sweet little filtration with your humble servant. l have your handkerchief. and"
 His sneering words ceased suddenly. not for the menace in Stella's pale face, but for nasty, approaching strides. He sprang forward past Stel- la to meet Gideon's crashing blow.
 Hand Stella her handkerchief, you devils whelp!" Gideon hastened the prostrate man with a kick.
 Phineas rose with difficulty and obeyed but Stella, now that help had arrived, was stunned to inaction, and the white token fell at her feet.
 That's right, Stella, Don't touch it!" Gideon turned to Phineas, who was feebly trying to restore order to his apparel. You brass-mouthed sneak! l heard you kiss her, heard what you said. If you can't vent your spite on man without stalking a woman you'd better get into hoops or ride a donkey to-the hell you came from. If Miss Anthony's name passes