Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-07-03

would have word to say besides, couldn't be done;
and if it could, it would get them into trouble; and it
But Any broke in abruptly on his objections
Wen try it.! she cried It's the only thing. and
Nancy is deaf she won't hear thing; and there's
nobody else at home but just two She's out in the
store-room, and doesn't even know you've come; and
we'll get you in without telling her. and then she
tell EN- there's nobody here-don't you see? And we'll
mue her feet and you must stay and pat her nose and
trife as to untange Aunt Nancy and the mare from
the of pronouns: her hearers would understand)
And the paror shutters always Shut therell be
nothing odd about that and don't believe, honestly
they'll think of looking there. And couldn't bear
lose Belinda, the beauty and let hulkng rough
trooper iluse her And besides that Zeb, what would
they do with yoMf They might carry you OFT to prison
and if they didn't Oh, Zeb, don't you remember how
was lesson for rebel lads who ran away with the
horses that were wanted for his Majesys army? And
it was only their old carthore he had tried to away
with, that's twenty years Old and as slow as snail.
Axy t will " you 1 truly do it, zsb Interrupted his
pleasant frecked face, downcast the moment before,
of her scheme q do believe ii is chance-and father
has trusted to her"
Axy nodded firm little nod by way OF answer Then
she babe lilly round to the store-room window and
peep in to see if Aunt Nancy was still there and busy
enough to be likely to remain Next she pulled off her
big apron and tearing it into strips, handed them to Zeb
tie up Belinda's hoofS
"Woolcn would be better, but / can't stop to find
any,, she explained at least not till we get inside;
and she mustn't make dents in the hall floor if
help it. Motherll say it's right to help you, but she
won't like things spoiled, all the same. Besides, if
they're already coming the hill they could hear her
far, tramping on wood.
They can't be yet Besides, its as thick por-
ridge down the bottom" returned Zeb he stopped
low, handling the puzzled mares forefoot And the
roads SO rough they may wait Gil the suns out clearer
looping round the hill, and their blocking the road
They take their time But all the same we haven't
a minute to lose
mo" agreed Axy. 1--WE must get Belinda in as
quick we Open the door, lilly"
So lilly, who had returned, reporting Aunt Nancy
safely occupied for another half-hour flung open the
back door OF the wide hall that straight through the
roomy old farmhouse, and darling indoors. presently
came back with big red apple in her hand and stood
the threshold extending it coaxinsly toward Belinda
Belinda poor bewildered creature, it, but such
a delicacy could not entirely distract her mind She
would prick forward and sniff but then, just at
the critical moment she would remember her bundled
hoos, and lift them uneasiy up and down, syng and
siding craning her pretty head forward and trying the
lower OF the three stone steps with her forefoo only to
draw it back again. moment later and begin all over
relinquishcd the bride Axy, and taking the apple
himself, backed slowly before her. that he able with
her up the steps ard reward her as She crossed the DOOR
Sill She would have instantly retreated, but he took
the bride again and urged her forward while Just be,
yond him lilly held out more apples, cleaning and
fragrant apronfu And at last with ore twitching ear
turned forward and one back and mingled appetite and
anxiety expressed IN her great brown rolling eyes Be
linda danced gngerly sdewse down the long hall after
the excited pair. She started violently and swung
around with snort and the sunlight cut
off by the closing of the hall door behind her, and sub
dued clash and the sound of bolt shot home signaed
that she prisoner.
We have her now cried AXy, tTiurnphanty, she
ahead to open the parlor door,. and invited her
guests to enter lilly of course, coming first with the
Belinda, guessing that if she left to herself she
would presently choose society and more apples of her
free will, in spite of her manifest dislike TO door
ways, rather than remain IN the loneliness OF the hall
without She looked after him obviously; but she fol-
lowed and stood gracefully allowing herself to be fed
and pettcd in the very middle OF the beautifully sanded
best floor Her sleek bay sides and dainty head were
reflected in the looking glass in the dim
window panes III the gltterng rcdogs the hearth,
and in the polished brass knobs of the tall high boy.
unit; there seemed horses in the cherished precincts
of the Binns forenoon than the big Binns barn without
had ever held.
Axy presently fitted away, bearing load of
braided rugs bags OF pieces and WORKOUT comforters
These she heapcd the floor and Belinda led upon
the pile, that her feet if she should prance paw,
might be effcc;aly sienced.
Put the rest of the apples the nlantel, Tly" she
ordered looking about her with the OF little gen
cral; they'll do if Belinda gets uneasy; but she does
crunch so loud it makes me scary! wouldn't give her
any more unless you have to- Zeb lilly now run round
outside and see IT there anybody in sight We can't
lilly slipped out. Do YOU think OF ANYTHING else we
do?' asked Any. who felt size must he pale herself
and noticed how bis and dark Zebs rcckles looked
the unfamiliar Wilderness OF his cheeks His face wore
Only just to wait he said. :" l hope they'll come
soon, and get it over hate waiting, worse than any
So do l." agreed Axy "Wc've thought of all the
things ought to think of already and it just gives
US tune to think OF all those VIC 0HgHfn ana 10 ger
frightened haven't had time to be frightened before
but this s-ts-I don't Ike it bit
Belinda mu""hed last bite of apple and shifted ner-
vcusly on her and the boy and girl stood silent Tor
a while beside her Then Zebctlec asked: II they get
her. and take me. toe yoall lei father know
Axy nodded her little ierky nod: but she added:
"They won't; and there's no need. You can leave her
here and so and hide yourself There arc plenty of cup
boards and closets"
She wouldn't keep quiet without ne.
az II stay with her, :,
She doesn't know YOU as wclii i'd Ii aliyoooy stays
Tn the Shes in my charge. -,
al don't suppose they would; but wonder what sort
of boy I'd be il left you alone to find out whether they
would or mott
I'm willing. truly
In, NOT and I'm going to stay"
p,;nda sudderlY lifted her head and pricked her
DN.l.I ed and tried with II hut