Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-02-09

cried Necia. "oh, won't 1 be glad to
see him.
You dom get dem kim of mans on de
beeg cities" said Poleon. 81 ain never
care for preachin' much, an desc Teller
wat all de tam pray an sing trough de
nose, dey MAX me seeck. But Fader
Barnum- Ba Gar! She's the swell
man."
'Do you know" said Necia, wistfully,
1--WE always wanted him to marry me.
"You t'inkin bout marry on some fell
Ter, eh?" said the other, with an odd
grin. oval! wy not? He'll be here all
day an night. S'pose you do it. Mos
anybody wat ain got some wife already
will be glad for marry on you-an meb-
be some Teller wat has got wife, too! If
you don LAX dem, an If you're going
marry on somebody, you can be wife to
me-"
Necia laughed lightly. 'T believe you
would marry me If 1 wanted you to,
you've done everything else I've ever
asked. But you needn't be afraid; won't
take you up" In all her life this man
had never spoken of love to her, and she
had no hint of the dream he cherished.
He had sung his songs to her and told
her stories till his frank and boyish mind
was like an open page to her; she knew
the romance that wa sthe very hbre OF
him, and loved his exaggerated chivalry,
for IT minded her of the old tales she
had read; but that he could care for her
save as friend, as a brother-such .
thought had never dawned upon her.
While they were talking a boat had
drawn inshore and made fast to the bank
in front of them An Indian landed and
approaching, entered into talk with the
Erenchman
By and by Poleon turned to the girl,
and said:
"Dere's 'hondred marten-slxin come in;
you min de store vile max trade wit
dis man.
Together the two went down to the
boat. leaving Necia behind, and not long
after Runnion sauntered up to the store
and addressed her Familiarity.
Hello, Necia! I just heard about the
strike on your claim. That's fine and
dandy"
She acknowledged his congratulations
CURLY, for although it was customary for
most of the old-timers to call her by her
Christian name, she resented 1t from this
man. She chose to let it pass, however.
ct had some good news last night my
self" he continued. lone of my men
has hit some good dirt and Wen know
what it means in a day or so. y III gamble
we're into the money big, though for
always was a lucky cuss. Say, where's
your father?
Hes out at the mine"
We've used up all of our bar sugar
at the saloon, and I want to buy what
you've got
VERY well, TIL get it for you"
He followed her inside, watching he"
graceful movements, and attempting, with
his free-and-easy insolence, to make
friendly advances, but, seeing that she
refused to notice him, he became piqued'
and grew holder.
Look here, Necia, you're a mighty
pretty girl. I've had my eye on you ever
since 1 landed, and the more L see of
you the better 1 like you"
TT isn't necessary to tell me that,
she replied. THE price of the sugar will
be just the same"
Eyes, you're bright, too" he declared
That's what 1 like in a woman-good
looks and brains. I believe in strong
methods and straight talk too; none of
this serenading and moonlight mush for
me- When I see a girl 1 like, go and
get her. That's me. I make love like
man ought to"
Are you making love to me?" she in
uuired. curiously.
ITS O little bit sudden. know, but
man has to begin some time. 1 think
you'd Just about suit me. Well both have
money before long, and I'll be good to
you"
The girl laughed derisively in his face.
Now don't get sore. l mean bust
ness. 1 don't wear blue coat and use
a lot of fancy words, and then throw you
down when I've had my fun, and don't
hang around and spoil your chances with
other men either"
what do you mean?'
"Well, I'm no soft-talking southerner
with gold buttons and highfalutin' ways.
1 don't care if you are a squaw, I'll take
you"
Don't talk to met she cried, in dis
gust, her voice hot with anger and re-
sentiment.
But he continued, unheeding: Now, cut
out these airs and get down to cases.
mean what I say. / know you've been
casting sleeps eyes at Burrell, but, Lord!
he wouldn't have you, no matter how rich
you get. If course, you acted careless in
going off alone with him, but I don't
mind what they're saying around camp,
for I've made little slips like that my
SELF and we'd get along"
III have you killed. she Kissed,
through her clinched teeth, while her
whole body vibrated with passion. "Rll
call Poleon and have him shoot your
She pointed to the river-bank a hun
dred yards away, where the Canadian was
busy asserting skins.
Continued in Next Issue