The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-04-17
THE EVENING STORY
The Taking of Lorena.
(By Anna Heilman.)

Wy fAAAhl 4ASAiAiAcAAc
Although it was the third week in
April, there were sudden and chill whiffs
of wind from the north, accompanied by
flying particles of ice and snow, grim
warning that winter had not yet re-
nounced its sway in the Northland.
Floyd Jordan, striding down the steep
mountain trail. halted irresolutely near
He appeared to be meditating deeply.
Suddenly he threw, up his head. SQUARED
gulch. but toward Farrells cabin.
Joined together and chinked with mud.
There were other cabins Of the same
mountain side and nestled in the gulehes,
but white curtains hung a the Farreu
windows, and the, windward side OF the
blankets; the brown fur of mountain
bear was on the floor. and it's mate was
lows of a couch. And set like torch
in the south window. a geranium. potted
in brilliant Indian basket. lifted its
But Jordan felt, without seeing. this
harmony He was looking into 1to the the face &c
was a face of light, and shade. that spoke
the swift thought before the voice found
words; face to hold a mans glance in
a crowd. She resumed her seat by the
fire without replying to Jordan's genial
He seemed to fill the room. Six feet
two and broad shoulders, he looked even
larger in the clumsy canvas coat, cor
pector. He whipped his hat against his
knee, evidently disconnected by the girls
THAT you, Floyd Jordan?" inquired
voice from the inner room.
Yes, Mrs. Farrell How're feelingY
Somewhat better, I'm glad to say. Sit
down and warm yourself, Floyd 1t isn't
to be wondered at that people have rheu,
MATES in land where there's ten months
winter
Lorena closed the door. Floyd Jordan.
what are you coming here again for!
she burst out suddenly.
Wouldn't be very neighborly not to
drop in with your - mother nc sick and your
Didn't I tell you that L never would
SPEAK to you again. s and ta ad f neyer
taking a few steps toward him. Even in
that moment, with her eyes blazing with
ers heart throbbed acknowledgment of
the tall, plant. reed-like grace before him
Yes, Lorena, but l have Just little
you say
Don't you think mean it when tell
boys at the store that you could take me
| whenever you got good and ready?"'
I never said anything of the kind ind;
| their own purpose. I've been about you
I've loved you from the first time
said a disrespectfui word about you. I'VE
been thinking of building cabin on my
III y se ou fa and ae to the States
You can't go any too quick to suit
answered the girl ns5 vG {s tense tense
loafers at the store that I'm not to be
had had 50 ,, easily VI I'd rather die than marry
Il reckon that settles it," said Jordan,
rising and buttoning his coat. Please
tell your mother goodby for me-" and
"Lorena Farrell. what have you done?'
demanded her mother. limping into the
room You ought to know that hat Floyd lloyd
about! Depend ais I on it, those hose Blake girls
made it All up, You've driven him away away
states, mark my wordT'
| looked after her lovers retreating figure.
] He had almost reached the bluff. Some
thing stirred in her throat
| through the dreary landscape seemed like
her life. and Floyd was going out Of II
Her heart yearned for him. What would
her life be without him?
'Iorena, where are you?" called Mrs.
Farrell, emerging again from the bed
mother opened the door and looked out.
yah ef whirling f white Elm, met her !, vision
in the storm" gasped the mother.
A knock sounded on the door Floyd
his feet Thought I'd come back and
have another talk with Lorena-" he be-
"Oh, Floyd. she's gone after. you.'' cried
| the distracted woman, wringing her
hands She got sorry, right after you
:I'n find her." said Floyd quickly:
don't worry" and he dashed back into
When Lorena softly crossed the kitchen
door she could Just see Floyd rounding
the bluff. Floyd, oh Floyd, come back.'
she called. all her reserve gone. her fierce
pride thrown to the stormy winds that
Realizing that he could not hear her.
she started after him, but by the time
of x4-h;f in, hotv h10fred
him from her view.
She hurried on. calling his name re- re.
her breath. and walled her about with
fleecy clouds. Suddenly she felt that
She turned to the right and then to the
left, but could not find it. Desperately
she struggled until her tired limbs
She leaned IN pann sneis aganst
rock all unconscious of a pair of eyes
which glared from willow thicket near
The greer. lights in the eyes fared
brighter. a long. red tongue licked long,
'h Ior e9ne uttered startled cry. This was
was a wolf of timber stock. a great
beast. strong as mastiff. He emitted
low snarls as he SUNK IN naIf circles
While he circled. drawing a little near
at every turn 1uF9 oTena fe if fa
; always toward the creeking beast.
She took off her heavy shawl and sud-
, | denly threw II bianket-wise over the
| VOLTS head Then she fled desperately.
Once clear of the scrub. she ran on,
plunging through drifts. stumbling, fall
, ing to rise again and push her flight. q
. direction she could take no heed. All
she could do was to place distance be-
tween herself and the famished brute
But when. weary and GREATNESS she paus-
ed for rest. out of the drab drift stole
: the iank, gray shadow
With a terrified shrek Lorena or
until she had to stop. spent. unable te
take another step. She saw the wolf
, licking his hungry jaws. 1eaping toward
! her with no INDIGESTION left.
Lorena screamed and closed her eyes
Two shots roared out Looking up shs