The Green Forest tribune., 1910-04-15


 the easiest way. At any rate, log ical statement on paper was much more in keeping with Julia's business like methods, and much more likely to meet with her approval than per sonal appeal
 But the waiting was tedious. George Norman, who in all his 30 years of deliberate, well-planned existence, had hated uncertainty above all things, had been kept waiting for two days by the woman he intended to marry "She might have wired me-" he thought
 It was in this state of impatience that he had started down the drive way of the Norman country place to the highway, thinking that walk would be somewhat diverting, and that 1 he might be able to meet the letter carrier and so hasten Julia's reply. Just as he turned from the drive way he heard a cry and a galloping horse in the highway. And then he saw in a flash a young girl, hanging with more pluck than skill, to the | horses mane. He hurried out and tried to seize the bridle of the an- gered horse. He succeeded in holding to the bridle long enough to bring the | horse to a standstill.
 | He had fallen in his effort, and, for minute, he lay helpless in the road, dimly conscious of having done some | thing worth while. A half hour later, l during which he was aware of having been jolted about good deal, and Of | having been half asleep, he opened bis eyes and saw that he was lying on a lounge in the family library. He was full of curiosity. Had Julia's an swer ?"-the old question-was his first thought Then, as he felt an uncomfortable sensation in his ankle, and saw that 1t was bound with white | bandages, ne remembered what had happened.
 His sister Grace stood beside him It seemed at first as if she had been standing there for hours. Why don't you bring me my mail?" | he asked
 None has come. George" Grace said in surprise.
 'Is it still to-day?" George inquired
 Grace laughed Well, just for a sprained ankle, you are certainly be- having in most bewildered manner. "
 The sprain. though not in any way alarming, proved to be painful, and for the rest of the day George preferred to be left alone. The next morning, when he had been helped into the li- brary, and his sister was tip-toeing about the room in a thoroughly irri- tating manner. George asked again for the mail
 ''I sent all your mail to you before you came down." Grace answered sharply
 q thought perhaps there was more Oh, by the way, Grace" he added, try ing to act as if he were changing the subject, has Julia heard of this?"
 Yes, l believe she must have, un- less she has given up her old habit of reading the papers. The reporters got hold of it and made you out a hero. "
 Hasn't she sent word. or tele- phoned or"
 No; why should she?" asked Grace, who hadn't been left into the secret of her brothers proposal. But, by the way, Freda wants to see you today. May she? The poor child can't rest till she has thanked you and made sure for herself, that you aren't seriously injured"
 "Oh, is that the little girls name? meant to ask about her," George said, suddenly remembering the de- tails of his injury. "She wasn't hurt. was she?"
 Not in the least But she's alarmed about you. She had been in the house only an hour when she decided that she wanted to try that new horse of mine. I'd never seen her in a saddle. but l thought she was a good horse woman," Grace explained. She's the little girl I met in the mountains this summer, you know. Very pretty, isn't she?"
 Well, I really didn't have time to notice," George assured his sister with indifference. Its rather pity to have her visit broken into this way. How long is she going to be here?"
 "Oh, week, I suppose. Will you let her come in and thank your"
 Yes, certainly" George answered and as his sister tip-toed her way out he called: Be sure and have the mail sent in the instant it comes"
 In few minutes Freda made her first visit Perhaps it was the shaded light of the room, perhaps it was Ere das gratitude, that made the first inn pression so enchanting; or perhaps if was what George was inclined to he. lieve-just Freda herself.
 q wanted to come In alone" she said as she walked easily over to the lounge. ''I wanted to thank you hv myself. and I don't think we need to be introduced after-yesterday."
 You really need not be so grate. full" George said. I'm only a trife bruised and any man would have done the same."
 "Oh. if there was only something could do for you!" she exclaimed.
 Well, if I really did save your life. there is reward that I might de- mand," said George. thinking of his proposal to Julia. But, fortunately for you, I'm not free to ask it After what has happened you couldn't re- fuse, you know"
 T believe I do understand" said Freda. and then with an almost i'm perceptible blush she had gone from the room, and George was left to his tormenting thoughts of Julia.