Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1909-06-18

WOIh. II lfIiCtS dit StltNiiCSs
Sure enough-zigzag, crazy stitches.~
Yes For a moment they looked
out silently over the valley.
The twilight was beginning 10 fade
the picture. The great shadow OF
Roaring Ridge was creeping rapidly
out toward Nance Mountain. They
were at the west end of the valley. The
sharp notch OF the Run was close TO the
right: just below them amid the scrub
oak tangle was the Heller cabin; and
TO the left of II nestled the buildings OF
All4. Farthing. A straight line from
them 10 Poppy Miller's would pass
close by the cabin,
do o know all the ridges and
gaps?" she went on animatedly. see
over there. that second ridge IL the
Alleghanies."
Yes
'"rhe main range. Over there, she
pointed ~suddenly-'is Turkey Run.
That break beyond il is Blair's, with
old Grayble to the left. That's the Bald
Eagle, and right beyond it is the
Juniata."
Can you see the Juniata from here p"
mo, but o can see the valley. See
that green spot-that long, narrow
strip of light green? Seer He vas very
close to her now. Suddenly he turned
and caught her hand in his.
Iona" he said passionately, Il love
you"
mo, no, no, no." she gasped. you
mustn't-you mustn't a that" She
rose as il frightened, and tried TO free
her hand.
And why mustn't I-why mustn't
l, Lona?" he pleaded holly.
Listen 10 me-" She turned and
looked him full H. the eyes and in
stantly he dropped her hand. II mean
just what | say. You must promise
not to come again. You must promise
never TO come to the Run again /
forbid it."
Forbid IT." he echoed blankly.
Il forbid it." she repeated with cold
emphasis. You'll not come again. It's
best-for you. Goodbye" With her
eyes full upon him in a gaze that was
hypnotic in it's intensity. she sided
slowly ove the edge of the ridge.
"Remember-you'l obey me- she
repeated, holding up her hand warn
ingly. Remember" He felt himself
pcwerless to move or even speak; he
could only gaze at Ter absorbedly while
she backed down the rocks toward the
gar. Their near a tutting spur OF
sandstone she wheeled suddenly about
and ran. on the instant he felt as If
he had been released from a spell
"Ch, Iona he cried, Il can't. Stop.
Iona He leaped down over the
lOthS IVA ItNhltSH idSit.
Just ct the edge OF the scrub oaks
the girl stopped abruptly and faced
him. They had reached the azalea
again, ii famed all about her, framing
her like a picture.
"Why 90 you follow me?' she burst
out almost p~etulantly.
Il couldn't help il. oh, / don't un-
derstand 1t at all. Iona, what is it?
Tell newly can't | Gomez"
eff Gov jf,a death II yprr narSigt -
she whispered intensely, "is that
enough?"
Death to you?"
mo"
Then it's not enough he burst out
with passion. IT'S not enough" BY a
sudden impulse he caught her in his
arms.
"oh, Iona he cried, a torrent Of
passion rushing oYer him, Il love YOU
/ love your She made a movement to
free herself, but he held her fast.
mo, no, no. she cried, as if in alarm.
Il mustn't mustn't"
why mustn't you, Iona? Why can't
you love me? oh, can't you, Lona?'
He crushed her to him almost hercely
and tried TO look down into her eyes.
She did not struggle now; she looked
up into his face suddenly.
Yes she whispered.
What w love me?"
I'D die for you, Tom"
"Why-why, Iona! Do you mean 1t?
You love me?" He held her at arms
length and looked into her eyes.
Yes, Tom Then suddenly he felt
her shudder as If with cold: she threw
up her hands to her face. "Oh, what
have / done?" she sobbed bewilderedly,
.toh what have l done?" She broke
away almost violently.
mo, no, no. she cried. my God,
o mustn't. l didn't mean It'll didn't
say it,"
Iona
Its too late, Tom Instantly she
was calm again. Its impossible. You
must go. / can't tell you why, but
0 must If o Owe me at all, you'l
to see me again"
Iona, you don't know what you're
saying. l can't won't"
Promise me-" she repeated. Her
eyes black and compelling, We're on him
agan. Somehow he felt himself
strangely helpless as she looked at him.
But why. Iona? Tell me why he
gasped.
Promise me-
Butch. Lona-'
Promise me-"
Il promise he said family. but,
Iona
You have promised. Remember. I
shall hold 0 to your promise
Iona. you're cruel-you're hurting
me-"
I'm kind. Tom. You'll know some
time. Goodby, Tom He fancied there
was a choke In the voice.
(Contiaued Mex. Week.)