The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1909-11-24

"l'm Fixing II So It'Ii D.
without thought of consequences
But Blake knew the need of modera'
ton.
There; that1l do" he said. "He
may have been-all he was; but we've
no more than done our duty. Now,
we'll stroll out on the point"
Il should prefer to return"
mo doubt. But it's time you
learned how to 60 nesting. What II
you should be left alone here? Be-
sides. 1t locks to me like the signal Is
tearing loose"
She accompanied him out along the
cliff crest until they stood in the midst
of the bird colony, half deafened by
their harsh clamor. She had never
ventured into their concourse when
alone. Even now she cried out, and
would have retreated before the charp
bills and beating wings had not Blake
walked ahead and kicked the squawk-
ing birds out of the path. Having
made certain that the big white flag
was still secure on its staff he led the
way along the seward brink of the
cliff, pointing out the different kinds
of seafowl and shouting information
about such of their habits and quail
ties as were of concern to hungry cast
awayA-
He concluded the lesson by descend
ing a dizzy flight Of lodges to rob the
nest of a frigate bird. 1t was q fool
hardy feat at best, and doubly SO In
view of the thousands of eggs lying
all around in the hollows of the cliff
tor. But from these Blake had re-
Gently culled out all the fresh settings
Of the frigate birds and none of the
other eggs equaled them in delicacy
of flavor.
'.How's that?" he demanded, a. he
drew himself up over the edge of the
cliff and handed the big chalky-white
egg into her keeping.
Il would rather 60 without than
see you take such risks" she replied,
coldly.
'Yca would. eh?" he cried, quite
misunderstanding her, and angered by
what seemed to him q gratuitous re-
buff. We'll, I'd rather you'd say
nothing than speak in that tone. II
You don't want the egg heave it over"
Unable to conceive any cause for
his sudden anger, she was alarmed
and drew back. watching him with
sidelong glances.
whats the matter?' he demanded.
Think I'm going to bite you?"
She shrank farther away. and did
not answer.
At her call to the noon meal Blake
took his time to respond. and wher
be at last came to Join her he was
morose and taciturn. She met him
With smile and exerted all her wtom-
anly, tact to scoucihate. him.
You must help me eat the egg"
she said. I've boiled it hard"
Rather eat beef" he mumb1ed.
But just to please me-when I've
cooked 1t your way?"
He. uttered an inarticulate sound
which she chose to interpret as as
sent The egg was already shelled.
She cut It exactly in half and served
Dne of the pieces to him with bit of
warm fat and q pinch of salt. As he |
took the dish he raised his sullen |
eyes to her face. She met his gaze
with look Of smiling insistence.
Come now" she said; please don't
refuse. I'm sorry was SO rude"
well, If you feel that way about |
t!-not that l care for fancy dishes"
he RESPONDED, grunly.
, 1T would be missing half the en-
md onions in the same dish"
I'm sure, Mr.. Blake"
Beats burlesque all hollow-Mrs. |
,int-Regis-Waldoff's chop-sooey tea
md young Mrs. Vandam,Jones' auto |
us sitting here like |
chewing snakepoisoned |
antelope. and you in that Kundry |
lreSa-"