Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1909-10-01
Of the FLYERS

have laughed a little and wept a great
deal. | have been sick, and have been
restored to something which bears a
close resemblance to my normal CON
dition of health, although It is not
really the anne. | am taking this
tip with a definite purpose; the doc
tor thought 1t might make me feel
better"
Did he recommend California;"
asked Marvin. quickly.
NO, he merely recommended a
change Of air and scene. chose Call
fornia OF my own accord"
"Why?" Marwin's tone was eager
and his hand clutched the platform
iron convulsively.
"Because-because wished to sec
California;"
Observation-Disclosures raised his eyes
suddenly to hers, and there was u p
plication in theIn-'tell me all about
it. We may as we'll understand each
other. We are to part In a little while.
Perhaps we will not see each other
again-everi"
About what?"
About your tears. Why did you
weep? You were not much given to
weeping once upon a time. About your
sickness. You used to be as the trees
and the birds and the winds Of the
prairie. About your determination to
visit California. Was twas it be
cause | was there?"
DO you think 1t could be possible?"
Che rT,Dlyn or.nuin~y ~ a~ ---f
bowed his head.
No. he replied, glOomily, lit was
ridiculously presumptuous in me to
suggest It. II had hoped it might
be so, that is all"
The young placed her hand
lightly upon his shoulder. and he
quivered at the touch.
Russell" said she, three years ago
you honored me by a proposal of mar
riage. | deferred by answer for n
week. | a in doubt regarding my
own mind. but l had a good reason.
And you did not come back for your
answer. Why?"
'Why?" Marvin repeated the query
as one dazed.
Yes, why? I had a right to expect
something better of you han | re-
ceived. | waited for you, but you nei-
Their came nor sent word OF e~xplana-
ton. There was but one Inference to
be taken. and look it. You changed
your mind; | could forgive you for
that, but it was cowardly not to let me
know. 1t was cruel. 1t hurt me, Rus
sell, more than 1 can tell"
But your letter."
Il wrote you no letter."
Il received a letter, Marion"-Mar-
win spoke slowly, after the manner
of one who has been stunned-'writ-
ten by you. 1t contained one line. and
that line was, Russell, my answer is
no: I cannot 1t was delivered to me
by your maid. I did not think is nee
essary to see you after that. l thought
you did not wish me to-"
The young stood up excited
". then seated herself. She was
laughing. but there was a look Of pain
upon her face, and her eyes swan villa
tears.
Il understand it now" she said
brokenly; Il see how 1t happened.
My brother was in trouble. He and
father had disagreed over the payment
of certain debts, and he applied to me
for money. I gave it to him-poor boy!
until my allowance and my patience
were exhausted. He had sent an ap-
peal for money IN the day you re-
saving that could not give him more.
put the message in an envelope, and
told the girl to take 1t to Mr.. Rus
sell. You and he have the same name.
The stupid creature tool it to you.
I never knew"
"Oh. my dear"-Marwin grasped her
hand and fondled it.
After that" sac continued. hurried
ly, Il seemed to lose my strength. |
was attacked enc night on the street
by a mana huge, coarse brute, who
threw his arms about me and stuffed
q handkerchief into my mouth. l was
not able to utter a cry, so suddenly
did he come upon me. l was saved by
sheer chance. A gentleman saw the
wretch attack me and rushed to the
! scene. He did not ever take time to
call for the police. He was very
brave. He was not so large as my as
sailant. but he grappled him fearless
ly, and-and vas stabbed with a
knife. I knew nothing after that. l
tainted. When | returned to con-
seriousness l was In an ambulance
rumbling toward home. The police
knew nothing Of a fight, they said, be-
yond the fact that the pavement was
covered With blood. They seemed
quite Disguised when they found that
I had not been murdered. I told
them all 1 knew, n that ended it, SO
far as they were concerned; but SC
far as l was concerned-well, it was
weeks before the doctor declared the
danger Of brain fever passed"
She looked down into Marwin's up.
turned face tenderly. and something