The Mena weekly star., 1908-11-26
CHAPTER W.
A Journey in DesolatIon.

the three with almost over towering fierceness. The heat would have rendered their thirst uncomfortable had not Blake hacked of for them bit after bit of the moist coryphene flesh. In temperate climate ten miles over firm ground is a pleasant walk for one accustomed to the exercise. Quite different matter Is ten miles across mud-fiats, covered with tan gle of reeds and rushes. and frequently dipping into salt marsh and ooze. Be fore they had gone mile Miss Leslie would have lost her slippers had it not been for Blake's forethought in tying them so securely. Within lit tie more than three miles the girls strength began to fail.
 "Oh, Blake" called Winthrope. for the American was some yards in the lead, pull up bit on that knoll We'll have to rest a while, fancy. Miss Leslie is about begged"
 Whats that?" demanded Blake. We're not halfway yeti" Winthrope did not reply. It was all he could do to drag the girl up on the hummock. She sank, half-fainting, upon the dry reeds, and he sat down beside her to protect her with the shade. Blake stared at the miles of swampy flats which yet lay between them and the out-jutting headland of gray rock. The base of the cliff was screened by belt of trees; but the nearest clump of green did not look more than a mile nearer than the headland.
 He'll" muttered Blake. despondent' ly. Not even a short four miles. Mush and sassiety girls!' Though he spoke to himself the others heard him. Miss Leslie flushed and would have risen had not Win thrope put his hand on her arm.
 Could you not go on and bring back a flask of water for Miss Leslie?" he asked. By that time she will be rested
 No; I don't fetch back any nasks of water. She's going when I go, or you can come on to suit yourselves
 MT. Blake, you--you won't go and leave me here! If you have a sister If your mother"
 She died of drink. and both my sisters did worse.'
 My God. man, do you mean to say you'll abandon helpless young girl?'
 Not bit more helpless than were my sisters when you rich folks guar dians of law and order jugged me for the winter cause didn't have a job and turned both girls into the street onto the street. if you know what that means--one only 16 and the other IT. Talk about helpless young girls Damnation!"
 Miss Leslie cringed back as though she had been struck. Blake, however. seemed to have vented his anger in the curse, for when he again spoke there was nothing more than impa- tience in his tone. Come on, now; get aboard. Winthrope couldn't lug YOU a haif-mile, and longs it's the only way don't be all day about it. Here. Winthrope. look to the fish"
 But. my dear fellow, l don't quite take your idea, nor does Miss Leslie, fancy" ventured Winthrope.
 Well, we've got to get to water or die: and as the lady can't walk shes going on my back. It's case or have-to."
 "No! I am not--I am not! I'd sooner diel" u ana .ha. aasv anough later on. Miss Jenny. Stand by. Winthrope. to help her up DO you hear? Take the knife and Ash and lend a hand"
 There was a note in Blake's voice that neither winthrope nor Miss Les ue dared disregard. Though scarlet with modification. she permitted her self to be taken pick-a-back upon Blake's broad shoulders and meekiy oheved his command to clasp her ] hands about his throat. Yet even at