The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1909-08-26

mean, he is In no trouble" she cor
rected herself hastily.
There's something wrong there" he
reflected as he retraced his steps to-
ward the station. why didn't the
boy tell me in his last letter that he
was going away? Is it possible that
the young cub has managed to dis
grace himself and left his sweet little
sister to bear the burden? But. oh!
I'm sure he's not that kind. A few
inquiries in the village might-but
Charles Barton is no spy. I'll let the
matter drop for few days; then I'll
try again to gain the shrinking con-
fidence Of John Quilts sister. And
woe to those who are at the bottom of
the troubler'
But when, four days later. he mount
ed the hill that led to the village he
was forced to confess that the interest
which he felt in John Quilts sister far
exceeded any he had ever entertained
in respect to the youth. The girrs
sweet face was ever before him.
AS he entered the village he came
face to face with the girl of his
thoughts. She was coming out OF
big house, and she carried huge bun
dle-sewing. be rightly judged as he
fastened to relieve her of it. The ra-
diant blush with which she thanked
him Barton took as favorable sign.
1--WE come back" he said eagerly.
I'm so glad-I mean." as she de-
tected the look that leaped into his
eyes, "rm glad of this chance to con-
fess in person something that has been
worrying me greatly. | was going to
write''- She was interrupted by the
postmistress, who. taking advantage
Of her position to crafty a very natu-
raj curiosity, came running out on her
porch.
"Heyp' she shouted. Here's let
ter for you," frantically waving the
missive in question. Barton stepped
forward to take it, and in doing so his
eyes inadvertently fell on the super
scription. He read no farther than the
name, but there was question in his
eyes when they met hers. She answer
ed it bravely.
eyes, it is mine. My name Is Jonqu1
March. There never was John
Quill" She was walking faster. and
her face was very red.
'Why did you do it?' he asked SIM
ply.
Because my life here was so des-
perately lonely after mother, who was
all had, died. Oh, don't suppose
that you'll understand! But I've al
ways longed for the great west, where
1 was born, but which l scarcely re-
member. At first it was desire. to
know it better that made me drift into
the correspondence, and l continued
with it because l came to enjoy it for
its own sake" she concluded with un-
conscious abandon.
But the photograph" Barton
CROPPED.
st was taken after some theatricals
several years ago." she explained.
''She," pointing back toward the post
Office, never suspected, because used
to do newspaper corresponding under
the name of John Quill" They were
at her gate. Il do not expect your
forgiveness" she faltered.
do you know why came back?" he
demanded.
NO" Jonquil's tongue faltered. but
her eyes told a different story.
Because I love you," he declared
| masterfully. land because l want to
marry you and take you with me to
| the great west you love so well. Say
that you love me, too. if only little
bit" he pleaded.
But the trick" she temporized.
"How can you forgive"-
BLESS the trickv' interrupted Barton
joyously. why fight with it when 1t
has been the means Of bringing me q
wife?"