The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1909-01-07

The chapparal crashed ABOUT hlih'
He stood up-in time to meet the
angry black eyes of a stalWart yo1ng
man. who came painting upon 'he
scene, carrying vinccnsa's hat.
whats the matter?" demanded
the newcomer. MY Vinccnza, 're
you hurt. This fool has been shoot
ing" And lifting the girl up, he
held her, as II In defence, against tis
breast
"Ill make 1t right Austin an
swered in a low voice.
THE devil" began Gdido, almost
,Slaking vincenza in his wrath. Put
she loves Zach little one
vincenza interrupted him.
Guido" she Ttreated, "do not
be SO mad. would have to sell
them all before the wedding, would
I not? And Maria was so young
she was not worth two-bits Only
plaiptively-"she dies little soon
er."
well, anyhow" went on Guido.
not whit pacified. II like to know
why you hang around here all the
time. vincenza she is mine, and
do not"
Again, the girl interrupted. This
time she stepped back a little. hold
ing her lover at arms length ard
smiling at him through her te&rs.
"Oh. poor Guido" she cried teasing
ly, with swift look toward Austin.
what you think? He IL Jealous!
And Of this old gentleman
Austin invountarily Strengthened,
and his head jerked back as II to
avert a blow. The DOUBTS that lad
troubled him were settled. Truth
had spoken.
He took out a bulging leather
purse, opened 1t and let dozen shin
ing fives run into his hand. Then.
his sensitive pale face, his look
subdued, he held out the none? to
Guido.
The young Italian received it with
something short of bow, and prof
fered 1t to Vincenza. Here" he
said soothingly.
Vincenza. black lashes still wet.
gazed in wonderment upon the 1T
tie pile of coin. OH" she cried.
but Maria was not worth so much"
Austin picked up the gun, bat
toned his coat. and returned Guldo's
bow. 1T is partly IA little we'd
ding gift" he said. And I wish you
both all the happiness that life can
give. Good-day." He lifted his
hat and wheeled.
At that moment he saw, halted in
a well-screened turn of the distant
road by the creek, two figures One
was slender and dressed in white, and
one was topped by q wide sombre-o.
And, as he looked, the white-ciad
figure was suddenly caught close to
tie other-so close that two heads
were shielded by the same broad hat
We'll" said Austin at luncheon,
smiling upon his hostess. 81 go back
to town to-day"
Mrs. Thorburn's face, until now
wreathed in smiles that were marvels
of effusive amiablity dropped so sud
denly, as If a rough hand had been
orawn down across it; then it slow
ly reddenei, and two eyes, started,
even apprehensive, exchanged a
glance with Hal
'Nonsense!" cried the son of the
house, leaning toward Austin. I'VE
can't let you go-that's oil there is
about it. Ned here is of in the
morning. and-and We can't afford
to lose anyone else. Can we, moth
er?"
By now Mrs. Tholburn had re-
covered somewhat from 1er moment
ary surprise. Once mere, beaming
amiably, she shook a finger at Aus
tin in playful sternness. Il protest"
she said. mo, no. you can't go. We
all protest. Dorothy"
"Yes, indeed" chimed il the g.rl.
but with lily feigned enthusiasm.
"Why-why should you go?"
''I've such a lot to do" explained
Austin. you know Larry-the
mans that been with me such long
time? He's just been married. and
want to attend to wedding pres
ent for him."
THE idea OF your hurry ing away
TO look after servants comfort"
cooed Mrs. Thorburn, when you
need rest so bad yourself"
Il think you're right" admitted
Austin, airily. I'm not as young as
1 was once"
Not so young!" repeated Mrs.
Thorburn. "Oh, how riiiculous,'
"Yes, not SO young" continued
austin joyially. I'm fact, I'm moth
ing less than an old gentleman" He