The Huttig news., 1908-10-10

ward.
 weakly surrendered Tin sorry to be such nuisance" she murmured, ris- ing and gathering skirts about her.
 Maitland stoutly denied the hideous insinuation. T am only too glad"
 She balanced herself lightly upon the step. He moved nearer and as sured himself of firm foothold on the pebbly river bed She sank gracefully into his arms. proving a considerable burden-weightier in fact, than he had anticipated. He was somewhat sJaggered it seemed that he embraced countless yards of ruffies and things ballasted with cat a shrewd guess) lead He swayed.
 Then recovering his equlibr um, he Intentionally glanced into her eyes. And lost it again. completely. T was mistaken" he told himself daylight will but enhance
 She held herself cons derately still, perhaps wondering why he made no move. Perhaps otherwise: there is reason to believe that she may have suspected-being a woman.
 At length: "Is there anything I can do, she inquired meekly. to make it easier for you2"
 I'm afraid he replied. attitude apologetie, that must ask you to put your arm around my ne-my shoul- ders. It would be more natural
 oh"
 The monosyllable was heavy with meaning-with any one of dozen meanings, in truth. Maitland debated ] the most obvious. Did she conceive he had nsinuated that it was his habit to ferry armfuls of attractive femnini- ty over rocky lords by the light of midnight moon?
 No matter. While he thought 1t out she WIS consenting. Presently slender arm was passed round his neck. Having awaited only that. he began to wade cautiously shorewards. the distance lessened perceptibiy. but he contemplated the decreasing inter- val without joy. for all that she was of an apnreciable weight. For all bur dens there are compensations.
 Unconsciously. inevitably. her head sank toward his shoulder; he was aware of her breath fragrant and warm, upon his cheek. He stopped abruptly. cold chills rnnning up and down his back: he gritted h's teeth. he shuddered perceptihly.
 What is the matter?a she de handed deeply concerned. but at pains not to stir.
 Maitland made strange noise with his tongue behind clenched teeth. "Urrrrgh' he said distinctly
 She lifted her head, startled; relief followed. intense and instantaneous
 I'm sorry" he muttered, humbly, face afiame, but you tickled" "I'm--so--sorry, she gasped. vio- lently agitated And laughed low, almost a silent, little laugh. as with deft fingers she tucked away the err rant lock of hair.
 "Ass," Maitland told himself. fierce ly. striding forward
 Tn another moment they were on dfy land The girl slipped from his arms and faced him. eyes dancing, cheeks crimson. lips a tense, auivering. scar let line. He met this with rueful smile.
 "But-thank vou-but,' she gasred, explesively, "it was so funny"
 Wounded dignity melted before her laughter. For a time, there in the moonlight, under the scornfu regard of the disabled motor cars twin head lights, these two rocked and shrieked, while the silent night flung back dis dainful echoes of their mad laughter.
 Perhaps the insane incongruity of their performance first became ap- parent to the girl; she, at all events, was the first to control herself Matt land subsided rumbling. while she dabbed at her eyes with a wisp of lace and linen.
 Forgive me" she said. family. at length: 'I didn't mean to-"
 How could you help it? Who'd ex- pect hulking brute like myself to be ticklish?"
 (To BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK.