The newspaper., 1909-09-03
-"Couidn't think Of IT, Miss Jenny.

"Mr. Blake-if you must know
wish to have q place where l can go
and be apart-alone."
Blake scowled. "Alone with that
dude! He'd soon find enough strength
to climb up with you on the cliff"
,'T-ah-Mr. Blake, would he be apt
to follow me. If told you distinctly
should rather be alone?"
Would he? Well. I should rather
guess mott" cried Blake. making no
attempt to conceal his delight. I'll
give him hint that'll make his hair
curl. From now on. nobody climbs
up this tree but you, without first ask
ing your permission"
Thank you. Mr.. Blake! You are
very kind"
Kind to let you do more work, But
say, I'll help out all can on the other
work. You know. Miss Jenny-a
rough fellow like me don't know how
TO say 1t. but he can think 1t Just the
same-I'd do anything in the world
for you'll"
AS he spoke. he held out his rough,
powerful hand. She shrank back
little and caught her breath in sud
den fright. But when she met his
steady gaze, her fear left her as quick
ly as 1t had come. She impulsively
thrust out her hand and he seized it in
a grip that brought the tears to her
eyes.
Miss Jenny! Miss Jenny" he muir
INJURED, utterly unconscious that he
was hurting her. you know now that
I'm your friend. Miss Jenny"
Yes, Mr.. Blake" she answered.
blushing and drawing her hand free. Il
believe you are a friend believe
can trust you"
You can. by-Jiminy, But say"
he continued, blundering with dense
stupidity. do you really mean that,
Can you forgive me for being so con-
founded meddlesome the other day
after the snake"
He stopped short. for upon the in
stant she was facing him. as on that
eventful day. scarlet with shame and
anger.
How dare you speak OF it," she
cried. "You're-you're not a gentle
man"
Before he could reply she turned and
left him. walking rapidly and with her
head held high. Blake stared after
her in bewilderment.
Well. what in-what in thunder
have done now" he exclaimed. La
dies are certainly mighty funny, To
go OF at a touch-and just when /
thought We were going to be chums.
But then. of course. I've the whole
thing to learn about nice girls-like
her."
"I-ah-must certainly agree with
you there. Blake" drawled Winthrope.
from beside the nearest bush.
Blake turned upon him with savage
fury: You dirty sneak,-you gentle
man, You've been eavesdropping,"
The Englishman's yellow face paled
to a sAilo~ mottled gray. He had
seen the same look in Blake's eyes
twice before. and this time Blake was
far more angry.
You sneak,-you sham gent" re
peated the American. his voice sink
ing ominously
Winthrope dropped in an abiect
heap. as though Blake had struck him
with his club.
NO. no!- he protested. shrilly. 4
am a real-I amin a not"
That's it-you're a not, That's
/ true," broke in Blake. with sudden
grim humor You're a nothing A
fellow can't even wipe his shoes on
nothing,"
The change TO sarcasm came as an
immense relief TO Winthrope
"Ah. say now Blake" he drawled
pulling together his assurance the In
stant the dangerous light left Blake's
eyes. Il say. now. do you think It fair
to pick on a man who is so much your
-er-who Is i'll snd weak"
That's lido the baby act" jeered
Blake But say don't know Just
how much eavesdropping you did: so
there's one thing I'll repeat for the
special benefit OF your ludship. It'll
be good for your delicate health TO pay
attention. From now on. the cliff top
belongs to Miss Leslie. Gents and
book agents not allowed. Understand .
You don't go up there without her spe-
cial invite. II you do. I'll twist your
damned neck"
He turned on his heel and left the
Englishman covering.
CHAPTER XIX.