Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1910-04-01

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"You Sneak! You Sham Cent?"
attempt to conceal his delight. 'Tll
give him hint that'll make his hair
curl From now on, nobody climbs
up this tree but you, without first ask
ing your permission"
Thank you, Mr.. Blake! You are
very kind"
Kind to let you do more work! But
say, I'll help out all can on the other
work. You know, Miss Jenny-a
rough fellow like me don't know how
to say it, but he can think it just the
same-Td do anything In the world
for you!"
AS he spoke, he held out his rough,
powerful hand She shrank back a
little and caught her breath in sud-
den fright. But when she met his
steady gaze, her fear left her as quick
ly as it had come. She impulsively
thrust out her hand and he seized it in
a grip that brought the tears to her
eyes.
Miss Jenny! Miss JENNY" he muir
INJURED, utterly unconscious that he
was hurting her, you know now that
I'm your friend, Miss JENNY"
Eyes, Mr.. Blake she answered.
blushing and drawing her hand free. Il
believe you are friend-I believe I
can trust you"
You can, by-Jiminy! But say"
he continued, laundering with dense
stupidity, "do you really mean that?
Can you forgive me for being so con-
founded meddlesome the other day
after the snake"
He stopped short, for upon the in
slant she was facing him, as on that
eventful day, scarlet with shame and
anger.
How dare you speak Of it," she
cried. "You're-you're not gentle
mani"
Before he could reply she turned and
left him, walking rapidly and with her
head held high. Blake stared after
her in bewilderment,
well, what in-what in thunder
have l done now?" he exclaimed. La
dies are certainly mighty funny! 10
go off at touch-and just when
thought we were going to be chums!
But then, of course, I've the whole
thing to learn about nice girls-like
herl"
"I-ah-must certainly agree with
you there, Blake" drawled Winthrope'
from beside the nearest bush.
Blake turned upon him with savage
fury: you dirty sneak!-you gentle
man! You've been eavesdroBping!
The Englishpan's yellow face paled
to a sallow notified gray. He had
seen the same look In Blake's eyes
twice before, and this time Blake was
far more angry.
You sneak,-you sham CENT? re
peated the American, his voice sink
ing ominously.
Winthrope dropped in an ablect
heap, as though Blake had struck him
with his club.
No, moi" he protested, shrilly. I
am a real-I amin not
That's it-you're not! Thats
true!" broke in Blake, with sudden
grim humor. You're a nothing. A
fellow can't even wipe his shoes on
nothing"
The change to sarcasm came. as an
immense relief to Winthrope.
"Ah. l say now, Blake" he drawied'
pulling together his assurance the IN
slant the dangerous light left Blake s
eyes, 81 say, now, do you think 1t fair
to pick on a man who is so much your
-er-who is i'll and weak"
That's lido the baby act, Jeereo
Blake, But say, l don't know Just
how much eavesdropping you did; SO
there's one thing I'll repeat for the
special benefit of your ludship. It'll
be good for your delicate health to pay
attention. From now on, the cllh top
belongs to Miss Leslie. Gents ana
book agents not allowed, Understand?
You don't go up there without her spe-
cial invite If you do, I'll twist your
damned neck!"
He turned on his heel and left the
Englishman covering.
CHAPTER XIX.