The Forrest City times., 1910-11-04

mured at last. I'm afraid to wink"
 "Oh, what can l say?" thought Zoe wildly.
 you." she stammered. q just stopped toto make sure you were"
 "A man and not faun." he sug- gested helpfully.
 "No," she eontradicted frowning. that you were asleep and not-not dead You see. l have never before seen man in these wilds, and"
 Not even a dead. one?" he inter- rupted. laughing.
 No" She smiled distantly. Not even tramp. And l wondered-I thought"
 T was here yesterday" he re- preached her
 He saw mel" she thought indig- nantly. He thinks came down here today on the chance of meeting him, the coneeited-"
 T paddle down here every day" she informed him coldly.
 oh. really," he exclaimed, with open delight. "It's awfully nice of you to tell me. I'll be here fishing every afternoon, and"
 T didn't mean that she flashed back furiously.
 He looked dejected. Pardon me. he said, T don't suppose you did. I merely meant that-that- Oh, please don't go, as she prepared to push off. Seizing a fallen branch he dex- terously hooked it through the long rope that was tied to the bow of her canoe, and drawing it toward him grasped it firmly. T simply meant" he proceeded with ealmness, that I was coming here, always, every after noon to fish You don't mind that, do you2s he inquired humbly
 T don't care in the least what you do,' she retorted, with angry disdain.
 He gave the rope a couple of turns around his wrist and settled himself comfortably
 Tn that case I shall sit here and talk to you," he announced.
 For answer Zoe pulled herself care fully toward the bow and began to work busily at the knot that secured her end of the rope to the little iron ring in the bow of the canoe.
 "Of course. I might offer to help you he unused aloud. but under the circumstances What, You're go ing to give it up? We'll, that is more sensible I'm afraid that knot was put in to stay"
 Zoe moved back to her former DO sition and rearranged herself on the cushions, after which she opened her book and began to read and munch chocolates.
 He watched her a moment.
 Isn't this idyllic?" he murmured eontentedly
 Zoe helped herself to another choc- olate and turned a page of the book
 The minutes waned Half an hour passed-an hour The silent and peaceful companionship worked like oil on the troubled waters of Zoes resentment An unconscious happi ness and contentment stole into her heart She risked a glance at him. He was thoroughly nice, she de- cided
 Al this moment, as If sensing her softened mood he leaned over and Deered into the canoe
 Greedy" he murmured "Only three left"
 Zoe struggled with herself. then laughed
 Wont you throw the rope back now, please?" she begged. "It Is late and l have some distance to paddle"
 He looked contrite. I've been a brute" he apologized humbly. but just couldn't help it knew if I once let you go that would be the end of me-you'd simply disappear forever. And-and really, you know. it's lonely about here"
 Isn't it.' agreed Zoe. with quick sympathy
 And so why" he asked eagerly. shouldn't we amuse each other little9 I'm staying with my uncle, back there. on my way to Southamp- ion, to visit a friend of mine. and"
 Southampton exclaimed Zoe. Why that's where I live"
 Really His face beamed. Do you happen 10 know Mir. Brentley and his daughter?"
 My father'" Zoe gasped, and myself, You are not-don't tell me" she began to laugh helplessly.
 T am Tom Driscon," he said sol emnly. And you-what are you do ing he pulled the canoe nearer up here? I was going you know that I was going, simply-to meet yout"
 T ran away, gurgled Zoe. Father had talked about you so much I-I ! hated you Oh, what joke"
 It's anything but a joke if you hate me objected Mr Driscoll gloomily.
 Zoe lifted a flushed. dimpled face.
 Nell - hadn't seen you then" she admitted
 He looked into her eyes.
 Do you think I might paddle yo, home2' he asked.