, 1909-01-28

nv sun-seared flesh: but as Il began to
roast, the odor restored her appetite
TO full visor. Her mouth fairly wa
tered. 1t seemed as though Winthrope
and Blake would never come. She
heard their voices. and took the BAN
boo spit from the fire for the meat to
cool. Still they failed to appear. and.
unable to wait longer, she began to
eat. The cub meat proved far more
tender than that Of the old leopard.
She had helped herself to the second
piece before the two men appeared.
Hold on, Miss Jenny; fair play."
sang out Blake. You've set to with.
out footing the dinner-horn. | don't
blame you though. That smells mighty
good"
Both men cough n the hot meat
with eagerness. and Winthrops
promptly forgot all else In the animal
p~leasure Of satisfying his hunger.
Blake. though no less hungry, only
waited to fill his mouth before inves-
igatins the condition of the prospec-
i've tree ladder. The result Of the
kttempt to burn the trunk did not
Feem encouraging 10 the others, and
Miss Leslie looked away, that her face
might not betray her, should he have
II mixing of her neglect. She was
Felieved by the cheerfulness Of his
one.
SLOW work. this fire business-eh?
Guess. though, it'll go faster this after
loon. The green wood Is killed and Is
letting dried out. Anyway. we've got
o keep at It till the tree goes over.
This spring leopard won't last long at
he present rate Of consumption, and
ven need the eggs to keep US going
III we get the hang of our bows"
VIVA Is that smoke back there"
Interrupted Miss Leslie. Can 1t be
hat the fire down the cleft has sprung
p again." BSs4s
NO; it's your fumigation. You had
lenty of brush on hand, so | heaved
into the hole and touched 1t of.
While it's burning out you can put in
me gathering ring grass and leaves
br a bed"
Would you n Mr.. Winthrope
bind breaking of some bamboos for
he?"
What for?"
Miss Leslie colored and hesitated.
II should like to divide of a corner
the place with a wall or screen"
Winthrope tried to catch Blake's
re; but the American was gazing at
ISIS Leslie's embarrassed face with a
pom him. and he FASTENED to reply.
All right, Miss Jenny. You can
hlild your wall to suit yourself. Blu
Pere'll be NO hurry e 1t. Until the
Inns begin, Win and I'll sleep out in
e open Well have to take turn abou
watch at night. anyway. II we don't
eep up a FIRE some other spotted kitty
I'LL be sure to come nosing up the
lilly"
There must also be ions in the vi
nifty" added Winthrope.
Miss Leslie said nothing until after
e last pieces OF meat a been
hnded around and Blake sprang up
resume work..
Mr.. Blake" she called, in a low
me; ''one moment. please. Would it
I'VE much bother II a doc was made
bd you and Mr.. Winthrope should
eep inside?"
Well see about that later" replied
lake, carelessly.
The girl bit her lip. and the tears
arted to her eyes. Even Winthrope
I'D started of without expressing his
bpreciation. Yet he at least should
We realized how much 1t had cost
pr to MAKE such an offer.
BY evening she had her tree-cave-
Puse. she preferred to name 1t to her
lf-in 4 habitable condition. When
i purifying fire had burnt itself out.
aving the place free from all odors
her than the wholesome smell Of
pod smoke. she had asked Blake how
e could rake out the ashes. His
vice was to wet them down where
ey lay.
This was easier said than done.
b%rtunately the spring was only a few
(rds distant. and after many trips,
tn her palm-leaf hat for bowl, the
RI carried enough water to sprinkle
the powdery ashes. Over them
e strewed the leaves and grass which
e had gathered while the fire was
hrning. The driest Of the grass, ar
|nged In a far corner. promised a
ore comfortable bed than had been
n lot for the last three nights.
During this work h had been care
not to forget the fire at the tree.
et when. near shutdown. she called
e third meal OF leopard meat. Blake
fumbled at the tree for beins h he
rmed such a COMPOUNDED tough prop
Rition.
Good thing there's lots OF wood
re. Win" he added. Well keep this
e going till the blamed hin top
es over, II 1t takes a year"
oh. but you surely will not stay
far from the bsobab tonight" ex'
himed Miss Le-,ie.
.tI pi.La .syou'va