The Mena weekly star., 1909-01-14


 toes at the same time. Of course, though, that'd be nothing 10 you"
 Miss Leslie put her hands before her face and burst into hysterical weeping.
 Blake looked around. far more alarmed than when facing the adder. Here you blooming lud!" he shout ed; take the lady away. and be quick about it. She'll go dotty if she sees any more snake stunts. Clear out with her, while I smash the wriggler."
 Winthrope, who had been staring fixedly at the beautiful coloring and loathsome form of the writhing adder, started at Blake's harsh command as though struck
 'I-er--to be sure" he stammered, and darting around to the hystericsl girl. he took her arm and hurried her away up the glade.
 They had gone several paces when Blake came running up behind them. Winthrope looked back with glance of inquiry. Blake shook his head
 Not yet" he said. Give me your cigarette case. I've thought of some thing Hold on; take out the cigar cites Smoke 'em If you like"
 Case in hand, Blake returned to the wounded adder. and picked up his club. second smashing blow would have ended the matter at once; but Blake did not strike. Instead. he feinted with his club until he managed to pin down the venomous head. Ths club lay across the monsters neck, and he held it fast with the pressure Of his foot.
 When, half an hour later, he wiped his knife on wisp of grass and stood up. the cigarette case contained over tables poonful Of eSrystaline liquid. He peered in at ia phis heavy jaw thrust out, his eyeseSlowing with say age elation.
 Talk about your meat trusts and Winchesters," he exulted; here's a whole carload of beef in this little box enough dope to morgue a herd Of steers. Good God though, that was a close shave for her." His face sobered, and he stood for several moments staring thoughtfully into space. Then his gaze chanced to fall upon the great crimson blossom which had so nearly lured the girl to her death
 "Hellol" he exclaimed; that's an amaryllis. Wonder if she wasn't com ing to pick it" He snapped shut the lid of the cigarette case. thrust il carefully into his shirt pocket. and stepped forward to pluck the flower Makes fellow feel like kid; but maybe it'll make her feel less sore al me"
 He stood gazing at the flower fol several moments, his eyes aglow witf a soft blue light.
 "Whew," he sighed; 'if only But what's the use? She's way out of my class--a rough brute like me! All tho same, it's up to me 10 take care ol her. She can't keep me from beini her friend--and she sure can't objec to my picking flowers for her.
 Amaryllis in hand, he gathered ul his bow and club Then he paused to study the skin of the decapitate' adder. The inspection ended with shake of his head
 Better not, Thomas. It would mak a dandy culver; but then. it might ge on her nerves"
 When he came to the ant-hill. h. found companions and honey alik gone. He went on to the cocoanuts There he came upon Winthrop stretched fiat beside the skin of hon ey. Miss Leslie was seated a littl way beyond, nervously bending palm-leaf into shape for hat
 "I say. Blake" drawled Winthrope you've been deuced long time Il coming. It was no end of task t' lug the honey"
 Blake brushed past without reply ing. and went on until he stood befor' the girl As she glanced up at him he held out the crimson blossom.
 Thought you might like posies," h' said. in hesitating voice.
 Instead of taking the flower, sh' drew back with gesture of repul sion.
 "Oh. take 1t away," she exclaimed
 Blake flung the rejected gift on tn ground, and crushed it beneath hi heel.
 Catch me making fool of mysel again." he growled.
 "I--I did not mean it that way really I didn't, MT. Blake. It was th thought of that awful snake"
 But Blake, cut to the quick, hal turned away far too angry to hee' what she said He stopped short be side the Englishman: but only to slim the skin of honey upon his back. Tn load was by no means a light one even for his strength Yet he caugh up the heavy pot as well. and mad of across the plain al pace whicl the others could not hope to equal
 As Winthrope rose and came fol ward to join Miss Leslie, he looke' about closely for the bruised flower lt was nowhere in sight.
 "Er-beg pardon. Miss Genevieye but did not Blake drop the bloom err blossom somewhere about hereg
 Perhaps he did replied Miss Les lie. She spoke with studied indiffel ence
 "I-ah-saw the fellow exhibit hi impudence."
 "Ye-es?"