The Red Cloud chief., 1908-01-03


rose from her seat at the breakfast Ia
Ole and went to him, smoothing his
Bilvered head with affection.
He took her cool hand and pressed
II to his cheek, while the worry that
haunted him habitually of late gave
way TO smile.
"Its work, little girl--hard and
thanklcss work, that's all This coun-
try Is intended for young men. and I'm
too far along" His eyes grew grave
again. and he squeezed her fingers
ncrvously as though at the thought
ITS terrible country this II
wish we had never seen it,"
Don't say that" Helen cried spirit
edly. "Why, It's glorious. Think Of
the honor. You're II United States
Judge and the first one to come here.
You're making history; you're building
n state: people will read about you"
She stopped and kissed him, but he
seemed to finch beneath her caress.
"Of course I'll 20 If you think I'd
better she said. though I'm not fond
of Alaskan society. Some of the wom-
en- are nice, but the others. She
shrugged her dainty shoulders. "They
talk scandal all the time. One would
think that n great, clean. fresh. vigor-
Gus country like this would broaden
the women as 1t broadens the men
but il doesn't"
"I'll tell Mcnamara to call for you at
o O'clock" said the judge as he arose.
SO, later in the day. she prepared her
long unused tincry to such good pur-
pose that when her escort called for
her that evening he believed her the
lovclicst of women
Upon their arrival at the hotel he re-
garded her with n fresh access of
pride. for the function proved to bear
little resemblance to "A mining camp
party. The women wore handsome
gowns, and every man was In evening
dress. The wide hall ran the length
of the hotel and was hankcd with
boxes, while its floor was like polished
glass and its walls effectively deco.
rated.
"Oh. how lovely- exclaimed Helen
rs she first caught sight of it. ITS
just like home"
"Tye seen quick rising cities be-
fore" he said but nothing like this.
STILL If these nOrtherncrs can build Il
railroad in month and city In a
summer why shouldn't they have sym
phOny orchestras and Louis Quinzc
ballroomsi'
II know you're splendid dancer"
she said.
you shall he my Judge and jury.
I'll sign this card as often as dare
without the certainty Of violence at
the hands of these young men. and the
rest of the time I'll smoke in the lobby.
l don't care to dance with any one hut
yon.'
After the first waltz he left her sur
rounded by partners and made his way
out of the ballroom. This was his first
relaxation since landing in the north.
1t was well not To become dun boy,
he nsuscd and as he chcwcd his cigar
he pictured, with an odd thrill, quite
unusual with him, that slender. gray
eyed girl. with her coiled mass OF hair,
her ivory shoulders and merry smile.
He saw her hoat past TO the measure
OF Il two-step and caught himself re-
! seniing the thought of another mans
enjoyment Of the girls charms even
for an instant.
Hold on, Alec" he muttered.
you're too old bird 10 lose your
head" However. he was waiting for
her before The time for their next
dance. She seemed to have lost a part
Of her gayety.
whats the matter? Aren't you en-
joying YOURSELF"
"Oh. yes she returned brightly.
I'm having n delightful time"
When he came for his third dance
she was more distrait than ever. As
II" led her To seat they passed
group Of women, among whom were
Mrs. Champnin and others whom he
knew To be wives of men prominent in
the town. He had seen some or them
ut tea in Judge Stillman's house and
therefore was astoniShed when they re-
turned his greeting. but ignored Helen.
She shrank slightly, aud he realized
that there was something wrong. He
could not guess what. Affairs of men
he could cope with, but the subtleticS
OF women were olit*Of his realm.
What ailS those people? Have they
offended you;"
II don't know what ii IL. | have
spoken 10 them. but they cut me-"
cut you' he exclaimed.
Yes" Her voice trembled. but she
held her head high. 1T seems as
though all the women in Nome were
here and In league to ignore me. 1t
daZes me. | do not understand"
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