The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1910-04-12

iron mad burned brief epitaph above
Mrs. Owens resting place. The young
hemlocks had been thinned out unit
they formed green semicircIe about
the white shaft
"Who has done thisY' asked Over
huskily.
Barbara told him in a few words
of her meeting with the young for
ester, and after awhile the two walked
over to the wagon trail in the direc
ton of the metallic ak blows.
He saw them coming and came t.
meet them. Il am glad you liked it,
he said simply in response to Mr.
Owens warm thanks. at was better
that we should remove the tree In 6
shipshape manner than permit it t.
fall Of its own accord"
But the work you did on the stump
young man-it was more than kind OF
you; we are deeply grateful
Il had mother once myself" he re-
piled soberly
Come over to the camp and see us
Mr. said Owen suggestively.
My names Charter Benjamin
Charter" said the forester quickly
you are very kind; shall be glad tc
come"
After that day James Owen inn
proved rapidly There would never be
hope of his complete recovery, but q
return to even moderate health was ar
encouragement to his only child. They
walked through the woods to the lit
tie hemlock circle and felt that here
was spot they might call their own
forever.
Their walks often included a search
for the foresters engaged in their In
teresting work of conserving the ma.
tive trees and guarding against en-.
croaching lumbermen or wandering
fiocks Of sheep or devastating herds OF
cattle
Benjamin Charter came to the camp
and proved an entertaining compan.
ion for father and daughter He play
ed cards with Mr.. Owen or read to the
invalid the week old newspapers that
came their way. He brought his vic
lin, and Barbara drank in the wonder
full melodies woven by the brown fin
gers and the flashing bow.
The snow caps on the mountains be
came little smaller as the season ad
vanced; the dry air was warmer and
seemed to give new life to the sick
man. Barbara's eyes had new light
in them, and Benjamin Charters fin
gers trembled when he played the vic
lin.
Then one day Barbara and her IA
Their walked in the forest. They had
gone along the wagon trail and were
drawing near the working foresters
There was sound of blows on wood
a silence and then a crashing tearing
sound close at hand. Somebody shout
ed wildly and pushed Barbara and her
father out of harms way, somebody
who was too late himself to spring
from under the falling tree and so was
caught beneath the weight of heavy
green branches.
A tree had fallen in an unexpected
direction, and Benjamin Charter
quickness had probably saved Mr.
Owen and his daughter from injury, 1
not death. When the tree was re
moved by the score of laborers tina
sprang into view Charter was quit,
unconscious.
He was carried into the camp on tn
precipice. and one of the men rod,
madly away to the distant settlement
for doctor In the meantime Bar
bara and her father did what the,
could The forester opened his eye
upon their anxious faces.
81 am glad you are SAFE" he sal(
feebly.
you saved my worthless life ant
Barbara's precious one" said Over
brokenly. Il wish could reward you
Charter You have been a friend in
deed to me-"
81 wish you would give me Bar
bara,'' said Charter, with more
strength. 81 haven't got very much
but can take care of her and make
her comfortable"
what do you say, Bab?' asked he
father.
Barbara's face, bent above the in
jured mans, was sufficient answer
you needn't wait till I'm gone t.
be happy" suggested Mr.. Owen afte
| the doctor had come and pronounced
| Charters injuries to be slight-mor'
painful than dangerous. you can ge
| married as soon as you are wei
enough to hobble around and find {
minister"
Thank you, SIR" said Charter. Hi
arm was about Barbara as she knel
beside his cot.
II suppose you know who your,
marrying" resumed Owen, with
| twinkle in his eyes.
Barbara Owen, the sweetest girl il
the world" returned Charter prompt
| ly.
Owen laughed softly. "Barbar'
owen. daughter of James Herkime
Owen. the copper king" he said dry
ly.
81 can't leave the forest" said tn,
forester when he had recovered from
his surprise
sand 1 don't want to leave it." sait
! Barbara happily.