The Press., 1910-03-23
In Deer Fork Canyon. Howa Man Helped to Save
 His Enemy's Life. By ADDISON HOWARD GIBSON. Copyright, 1910. by American Press
 Association.
By ADDISON HOWARD oIBsoN

In the maroon haze which always in the late summer enwraps the rugged slopes of Deer Fork canyon Faith Aus tin was gathering wild red raspberries.
 A young man in miners garb who was prospecting behind the powders on the opposite slope saw her and had just made up his mind to cross the stream that zigzagged down the can yon and join her when he saw Q man swinging along mp the trail toward her.
 'It's Nick.'' he said to himself. "1 had forgotten for the moment what he told me last night. I meant then to leave the canyon at once, and I must, for I can't bear to stay and see her throw herself away on such a fellow as Nick Sanders" And Howard Oney turned and walked away that he might not witness the meeting between the two.
 The girl did not need to turn her head to know who was coming. There was an unmistakable individuality in the shufling steps, and recognition brought a look of annoyance to her face as she continued her work.
 "Pickin' berries, be you. Faith2 You're lookin' sweet as a Injun pink. Whats the use of your wOrkin' so hard for them boarders when you know Pm ready for you?' he asked.
 But you ought to know by this time that I'm not ready for you," she flashed back.
 The man reddened to the roots of his sandy hair. but, controlling his anger, replied:
 i've got enough to keep you from slavin' here. boardin' miners, as you're doin'. There's no use in your stayin' single for Howard Olney. He left for good this mornin'. He's goin' to keep books for MT. Owen, the superintend- ent of the High Tone mine."
 The telltale color mounted to Faiths cheeks, but she bent forward to cap ture refractory vine, thus hiding her face from her companion.
 ''You think Pm not good enough for you," he went on, as she took no nO- tice of his insinuation. You think Olney's better'n me cause he's been a schoolmaster back east and can use lots of grammar But If you'd lived in the same shack with him, as I've done, you'd know he's not such saint ly galoot as you think he is. It's no man that'll turn his back on the girl as loves him and go off courtin' Super intendent Owens daughter" he fin lshed contemptuously.
 Faith faced him with flashing eyes. Mick Sanders, you're worse than l thought you were! Howard Olney took you into his cabin and nursed you through spell of fever when nobody else would, and now you try to injure him behind his back. That's your gratitudeT'
 His eyes fell beneath the whitening scorn of hers. Of the allusion to her self she took no notice, but she could not help resenting the slur put upon the man she loved.
 You've no call to fire up for Olney," he said maliciously. He's above court in a girl who makes her Twin cookin' for miners. Besides, he's in love with Daisy Owen, and she's struck on Ol- ney's good looks. It's bound to be a match"
 Faith again bent over her berry picking that her tormentor might not see the effect of his words. She had heard through her mothers boarders about Miss Owens wealth, beauty and accomplishments and realized that she was mere nobody compared with the superintendent's heiress. What right had she to hope that MT. Olney would ever love her? Still, the mocking tones stung her keenly. and, her basket being filled, she said goodby and hurried away up the rocky trail that led to dingy, weather worn cabin half hid by the powders and evergreens sur rounding 1t.
 Faith and her mother were alone in the world. About a year before her father had been killed by an explosion In the mines. It was Howard Olney, a young schooImaster from New York, turned prospector. who had risked his own life to recover the body. They could never forget this nor his untir- ing kindness during that time of be- reavement. It was ne who had en- couraged them to go on with the regu- s lar routine of life, and from this sad period Faith dated her love for the young man. He had a shack two miles down Deer Fork. and most of his days were spent prospecting.
 Soon after Sanders suddenly return ed, having been away several months. He had been "speculating," he an nounced, and had brought back some money. Nick had known the family in Indiana. Tn fact, he had accompanied MT. Austin to Colorado. He was q crafty. shiftless fellow and. did not make friends among the miners. In- deed, so unpopular was he that when stricken with fever shortly after there was no one to care for him except Mrs. Austin until Howard. to 'elieve the | overburdened woman, took the fellow home with him and nursed him back | to health and strength. Had it not | been for jealousy he would have been [ grateful as one of his selfish nature could be.
 Meauwhile Faith had wandered 1ow- the canyon. unconsciously taking | me tran over which her lover had passed an hour or two before.
 ''I will give up thinking of him." she said. stopping to gather a spray Of wild columbine. Fl won't let his going away without even saying goodby worry me. Mother must not see that .are, for of course she'll hear that he's gone. I'll pick some flowers as anse1- cuse for coming and go home and live my life without him. A wOman's heart must be strong for endurance"
 Suddenly wild cry burst upon her ears.
 Help, helpt'
 The girl listened with bated breath. It did not come from the direction of the mining camp. Still, 1t might be one of the men had wandered down