The newspaper., 1908-01-24

two canoes were drawn out, anu haii-
way between these and the table
campfire burnt
Here Levi Martins guide for many
trips into this wilderness, was also oc-
cupied. intently watching two pals de-
pending from bending wambecks'
coffee-pot hanging from another, ana
two frying-pans, whose sputtering con-
tents gave forth an enticing odor.
Twilight was just falling, the river
murmured in low melody. and few
rods above a small rill entered it, add
ing a more musical tinkle.
Soon Levi deftly swung one of the
pals away from the flame with hook
stick and speared potato with fork.
Supper ready" he called; and then
as the rest seated themselves at the
table, he advanced. carrying the pail
of steaming hot potatoes on the hooked
stick and the frying-pan in his other
hand.
The meal had scarce begun when
cracking in the underground back OF
the tent was heard. and on the instant
there emerged a girl. Her clothing
was in shreds, her face and hands
were black with mud. streaks of blood
showed across cheek and chin, and her
eyes were fierce and sunken.
For Gods sake give me suthin' to
eat" she said looking from one to an
other of the astonished group. I'm
damn near starved-only n bite she
added. sinking TO her knees and ex-
tending her hands. II hain't eat moth
in but roots n berries for three days"
Angie was the first TO recover.
Here she said. hastily extending her
plate. take this"
Without a word the starved creature
grasped 1t and began eating as only a
desperate. hungry animal would. while
the group watched her.
Don't hurry So" exclaimed Martin.
whose wits had now returned. Here,
take this cup of coffee"
Soon the food vanished and then the
girl arose. "Sit down again. my poor
child" entreated Angie. who had OBJ
served the strange scene with moist
eyes. and tell us who you are and
where you came from"
My names Chip" answered the
girl. bluntly. "an' I'm runnin' away
from Tins Place. cause dad sold me
to Pete Bolduc.''
Observation-Disclosures" ex-
claimed Angie. looking at her wide
eyed. What do you mean7"
He did. sartln.'' answered the girl.
laconically. Il heerd 'em maxim the
bargain. n | fetched three hundred
dollars"
Martin and his wife exchanged
glances.
Well. and then what7" continued
Angie.
Wal. then waited spell. TIL
they'd turned in." explained the girl.
''and then lit out. knowed twas 60
miles to the settlement. but twas
moonlight n chanced IL. I've had
an awful time. though. the spltes hev
chased me all the way. ! was list
maxim nestle when | seed yer light.
an | crept through the brush n
peeked. ! seen ye want nobody from
Tins Place. n then ! cum out
guess you've saved my life. was
gittin' dizzy"
II was a brief. blunt story whose di-
rcctness bespoke truth: but Il revealed
such a pigsty state OF morality at this
Tins Place that the little group Of
astonlshed listeners could scarce finish
supper or cease watching this much.
soiled girl.
And so your name Is Chip" queried
Angie at last Chip what"
Chip Mcclure" answered the waif.
quickly; only my real name Amt
Chip. it's Vera: but they've allus called
me Chip at Tins Place"
And your father sold you to this
man?"
"He did. n he's n damn bad man.
replied Chip. readily. He killed some
body once. an he don't show up often.
| hate HIM"
You mustn't use swear words" re-
turned Angle: its not nice"
The girl looked abashed. Il guess
you'd cuss II you'd been sold to such
a nasty-looking man as Pete" she re
sponded. ''He chaws terbaccer N lets
1t drizzle on his chin. n he hain't but
one eye"
CTo BE coNTINuEDJ