The Mena weekly star., 1909-01-28

wasn't any use firing on my arrows Tn the dark, and, as I said, he sneaked of before"
 Tom MT. Blakel--you must not risk your life!"
 Don't you worry about me. I've learned how to look out tor Tom Blake And you can just bank on 1t I'm going to look out for Miss Jenny Leslie. too! But say, after breakfast, suppose we take run out on the cliff for eggs?"
 T do not wish any today. thank you"
 He waited little. studying her downbent face.
 Well" he muttered; you don't have to come. I know I oughtn't to take moments time. did quite bit last night; but if you think"
 She glanced up, puzzled His mean ing flashed upon her, and she rose.
 "Oh, not thatl I will come" she answered, and hastened to prepare the morning meal
 When they came to the tree-ladder she found that the heap of stones built up by Blake to facilitate the first part of the ascent was now so high that she could climb into the branches without difficulty. She surmised that Blake had found 1t necessary to build up the pile before he could ascend with his burden.
 They were at the foot of the heap. when. with sharp exclamation. Blake sprang up into the branches and scrambled to the top in hot haste. Wondering what this might mean, Miss Leslie followed as fast as she could. When she reached the top she saw him running across towards an out-jutting point on the north edge of tho cliff.
 She had hurried after him for more than half the distance before she per ceived the vultures that were gath cred in a solemn circle about a long and narrow heap of stones on ledge down on the sloping brink of the cliff. While at the foot of the tree Blake had seen one of the grewsome flock descending to join the other. and. fearful of what might be happening. had rushed on ahead.
 At his approach, the croaking watch ers hoped awkwardly from the ledges and scared away. only to wheel and circle back overhead. Miss Leslie shrank down, shuddering Blake came back near her, and began to gather up the pieces of loose rock which were strewn about beneath the lodges on that part of the cliff.
 T know piled up enough" he ex- plaiaed, in response to her look. "All the same, few more will do no harm"
 Then you are sure those awful birds have not"
 Yes. I'm sure"
 He carried an ar1nful of rocks to lay on the mound. When he began to gather more she followed his ex- ample They worked in silence. piling the rough stones gently one upon an other, until the cairn had grown to twice its former size. The air on the open cliff top was fresher than in the cleft, and Miss Leslie gave little heed to the absence of shade. She would have worked on under the burning sun without thought of consequences. But Blake knew the need & modern tion.
 There; thatIl 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"
 'I should prefer to return"
 "No doubt. But it's time you learned how to go nesting. What If you should be left alone here? Be sides, 1t looks 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 stlii secure on It's staff he lcd the way along the seaward brink of the clir. 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 aways.
 He concluded the lesson by descend ing dizzy flight of ledges to rob the nest of frigate bird. IL was a fool hardy feat at best. and doubly SO in view of the thousands of eggs lying all around in the hollows of the clin top. 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. as he drew himself up over the edge of the cliff and handed the big chalky-white egg into her keeping.
 T would rather go without than see you take such risks" she replied, coldly
 You would. ehT' he cried. quite misunderstanding her, and angered by wnat seemed to him gratuitous re- buff. Well. I'd rather you'd say nothing than speak in that tone. If you don't want the egg heaye 1t over. :"
 Unable to conceive any cause for his sudden anger, she was alarmed and drew back, watching him with