The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1910-07-19

IellO. ne sang out, as he swung
down the tree. one hand gripping the
clay pot in which he had gathered the
eggs. What you doing out in the
sun? Get into the shade
She stepped into the shade and |
waited until he had climbed down the
pile OF stones which he had built for
steps at the foot of the tree.
"Mr. Blake" she began, could not |
do this work-gather the eggs?"
You could, if I'd let you, Miss
Jenny. But it strikes me you've got |
quite enough to do Tell you the
truth I'd like to make Win take it in
hand again. But all my GUESSING won't
bulge him an inch. and, you know,
when it comes to the rub. | couldn't
wallop a fellow who can hardly
stand up"
"Is he really so weak" she muir
INJURED.
well, you know how Say, you
don't mean that you think he's sham
ming?"
II did not say that thought so, Mr..
Blake. do not care to talk about
him. What I wish is that you will let
me attend to this work.
couldn't think of it, Miss Jenny
You're already doing your share"
'Mr. Blalle-if you must know
wish to have a place where l can so
and be apart-alone."
Blake scowled. alone with that
dude, He'd soon find enough strength
to climb up with you on the cliff"
1-ah-Mr. Blake, would he be apt
to follow me, if l told you distinctly
should rather be alone?"
would he? Well, I should rather
guess mott" cried Blake. making no
attempt to conceal his delight. I'll
| give him a 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 I 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'll"
AS he spoke, he held out his rough,
! powerful hand. She shrank back
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"
''Yes, Mr.. Blake" she answered,
blushing and drawing her hand free. 81
believe you are friend-I believe
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 a gentle
mani"
: Before he could reply she turned and
left him, walking rapidly and with hel
head held high. Blake stared aftel
her in bewilderment.
well, what in-what in thunder
have | done now?" he exclaimed. La
dies are certainly mighty funny! tt
/ go off at a touch-and just when
u thought we were going to be chums
But then, of course, I've the who'll
d thing to learn about nice girls-lik'
J. her!"
'I-ah-must certainly agree witt
you there Blake" drawled Winthrope
i from beside the nearest bush.
q Blake turned upon him with savag
q fury you dirty sneak!-you gentle
G man! You've been eavesdropping!
The Establishments yellow face pale
e TO sallow notified gray. He ha
+ seen the same look in Blake's eye
twice before, and this time Blake wa
IT far more angry.
y You sneak,-you sham GENT" RI
II peated the American, his voice sinl
t. ing ominously.
IT Winthrope dropped in an abjee
% heap, as though Blake had struck hir
Is with his club.
II mo, no." he protested, shrilly.
IN am n real-I amin a not"
~ That's it-youre a not! That
e true!" broke in Blake. with sudde
ia grim humor. you're nothing.
Id fellow can't even wipe his shoes O
nothing!"
\ The change to sarcasm came rs a
III immense relief to Winthrope.
i. "Ah. | say now. Blake" he drawle
III pulling together his assurance the l
10 slant the dangerous light left Blake
IT, eyes, 81 say. now, do you think 1t ia
We to pick on a man who is so much yo'
&c -er-who is Ill and weak?"
10 tTO BE CONTINUED,
III Irrcre WiIliam-YeS Willie A ia,