Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-03-18

cheeks flushed:
II want to thank you for saving mo
from my own awkwardness."
Doret became even more embarrass-
al than the lieutenant at this show Of
gratitude and grunted churlishly. But
when the young man had gone he
turned to Gale, who had watched them
silently, and said:
"He's n nice young Teller, ole man.
Sapre Wen he's mad bis eye got SO
red lux my ondershirt."
But the trader made no reply.
CHAPTER III.
WITHOUT BENEFIT OF CLERGY.
wv YHBN the steamer had gone
AA Napoleon Doret went to look
w for Necia and found her
playing with the younger
Gales, who reveled in the gifts he had
brought. Never had there been such
gorgeous presents for little folks.
The elder girl laughed gladly as Po-
leon entered. though her eyes were wet
with the pity Of It.
you seem to bring sunshine wher-
ever you CO." she said. "rhey have
never had things TO play with like
other children, and 1t spshes me cry to
watch them"
"Ho no." he chuckled, dis aim no
time for cryin'. ba gosh! l guess you
don have 80 much present Wen you
was TT gal you'se'f. wat? Mebbe
you t'ink forget you. WAL, l didn't"
He began 70 undo the fastenings Of
q parcel he carried in his arms.
Don't you dare open It." cried Ne
eia. why, that's half the fun" She
was a child herself now. her face
flushed and her hands a-tremble. TAX
Ing the package to the table. she hur-
riedly united the knots while he stood
watching her. his teeth showing white
against his dark face and his eyes half
shut as If dazzled by the sight Of Der.
"Oh. why didn't you tie more knots
In it?" she breathed as she undid the
last. and then opening the wrappings
slowly, she gasped in astonishment.
She shook It out gently. reverently, a
clinging black lace gown Of Paris
make. Next she opened a box and
took from It picture hat with long
jet pluraes. which she stroked and
pressed fondly against her face. There
were other garments also-a silken
petticoat, silk stockings and a pair of
high heeled shoes to match. with GER
tain other delicate and dainty things
which she modestly forbore to inspect
before the Frenchman, who said no
word, but only gazed at her, and for
whom she had no eyes as yet. Finally
she laid her presents aside and. turn
ing to him, said in hushed, awe
stricken voice:
ITS all there, everything complete
Oh, Poleon-you dear, dear Poleon!
She took his two big hands by the
thumbs, as had been her custom ever
since she was child. and looked up
at him, her eyes wet with emotion
But she could not keep away from the
dress for long and returned to feast
her eyes upon 1t.
"You lax 1t, eh?" pressed Poleon, hun.
CRY for more demonstrative expression
"Oh-h" she sighed. Where on earth
did you get It? Why. 1t must have
cost fortune"
IVAN night gamble in beeg saloon
Yes. sir! gamble good dat night too
For vile play roulette. den I dance,
den play snme more, an by an by
see q new dance gal. She's Franche
gal. from Montreal. OATS de one ]
toll you bout. Be gar. she's swell
dress too. She's name Marie Bour.
gette"
"Oh. I've heard about her." said Ne
ella. "She owns a claim on Bonanza
creek"
Sure. she's frien's Wit Charlie Nc
Cormack. dat richie Teller, but don
know 1t dis tam, SO I ask her fol-
dance wit me. Den we drink a bottle
Of champagne-twenty dollar.
'Mamselle.' say, how much you
charge for sell me dat dressT
"Tor wy shall sell I'M? she say
I dom wear I'm before till tonight, an
I dom get no more dress Ink dis 70,
t'ousan' dollar"
| N6CIu eNClulIucu eAClleuIN.
"'For wy you sell Imp l say. Bic
cause I'll tax I'm down to Flambear
for Necia Gale. wat never had NJ
dress lax dat In all her ife.' WAL
sir dat Marie Bourgette she's hear OF
you before. an your dad. too--mos' al
dose Cheechakos know bout Old Mar
Gale--so she say:
"'W'nt lookin' kind of gal In dis Ne
ciaT An tell her all bout you. W'ei
I'm trough she say:
but maybe your little fricn' Il
more bigger as am. Maybe dc dres
won't 1T
"'Ha. you dom know me. mamselle!
I say. \ cau guess do weight of CIR
ibou to Ave poun'. She'll be same siz,
la'kin' one inch roun' do wais'.'
"'Poleon Doret,' she say, VOC ain
no Franchsmans to talk lax dat. I.ooi
here! l can sell dis dress for t'ousau
dollar tonight, or can trade I'm TO
gol' mine on lei Dorado creek to SOM
dose 6weds wat want ia catch q gal
but I'm goin' sell I'm to you for t'rs
hondred dollar, Jus wat | nay for lin
You wait here till come baok.'
"'NO, no, Mamsells Marie. I'll g.
long, too. for SO you dom change you
MINI ] say. An ! stan outside he
door till she pass me de whole works.
"'DOn't forget de little Shoes ! say
an. dat,s how 1t come"