Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-11-27

The next day the pony drew the red
cart to the top Of tie mountain, and
there the ladies set up a permanent
camp. facing the sunset. with the val
leys stretching far below them.
Every day Christopher Kent climbed
the forest road, taking with him some
times n fish that he had caught in the
stream or a brace of birds to be broil-
ed over the fire.
And always the two lonely women
welcomed him, Mrs. Ames frankly and
Eleanor with dawning shyness that
gave him hope.
he told the girl one morning eagerly.
"My uncle has written that when l go
back In December 1 am to have part
interest in his business. 1t means a
big income and settled place for
life"
And you won't come again to the
mountain" she asked.
mo, my work will be done in town."
She sat very still, looking off over
the valley. Poor mountain" she said
How lonely it will be when we are
gone and the winter. comesr'
She shivered a little. Its such a
gray October day." she added.
What are your plans?" he ques-
toned.
Mine? oh, l don't know" little
drearily. when 1 can leave mother
1 will go to work In the meantime
we will live with distant cousin"
1t was on his tongue to tell her how
he loved her, but he felt that this was
not the time or the place Here he
must be her protector. not her lover.
That night he could not sleep, and
| at last he rose and looked out of the
| window. The wind moaned and sigh.
ed in the trees; the moon was over
cast by clouds. Somewhere in the
| distance he heard a drunken song.
AS he listened the song grew fainter.
| Some of the miners were going up the
| mountain
| He dressed hurriedly and followed.
| AS he came near the little camp he
heard the snarl of angry voices min
gled with Eleanors clear tones.
You must let the pony alone" she
/ said, "at once"
Then. as the whistle Of lash cut
the air, she spoke again. IF you touch
him." she said, "I'll shoot"
Christopher came into the circle Of
the freight on a run A half dozen
swarthy men were grouped about the
pony. Within the cart covered Mrs.
Ames. Eleanor stood on the back step
and pointed her pistol straight at the
snarling crowd
She was enveloped in a long rain
coat, and her hair was braided into
two long golden ropes. She looked like
a child, with her white face and slight
figure. and when she saw Christopher
she swayed toward him.
ooh, make them go awayw she cried
helplessly, and the pistol dropped from
her nerveless hand.
The men turned and saw him, and
at the sight of his set face they at
once began apologies. I'VE just want
ed to have some fun with the pony"
they said. But he waved them away.
'T'll deal with you later" he said, and
they skunk away in the shadows.
Then Christopher went to the girl,
who was bending over her mother.
The older woman revived Immediately
in the comfort of a strong mans pres
ence. II was very silly" she said.
"but they looked such brutes."
i Eleanor made some coffee under the
trees, and when Kent had carried q
cup to Mrs. Ames, who was still in the
cart, he came back and issued orders.
81 am going to drive you down into
: the valley" he said. ''You and your
mother must spend the night Mt one of
the farmhouses."
But Eleanor protested.
u There are no butts" he told her.
you are to obey" and he smiled
down at her.
The light from the dying fire showed
the tenderness In his strong face, and,
seeing it, she said "Ohr' with quick
drawn breath.
Dear heart" he murmured. "just
once you must obey. But II you could
promise to love and honor always we
might make marriage service Of II
tomorrow. There's a little church In
the valley, and know the minister"
You are doing 1t just to take care OF
me-" she said, flushing.
He took her hand in his. II am do
ing 1t because love you" he said
"Shal1 we find the little church, Flea
! nor7"
"Oh, who would have believed that
the road to Already led there" she
whispered, with wonderful light IL
her eyes.