The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1910-12-15

then paused abruptly AZ Pent,'''
| vanced
"Mr. Browning Jack sIor. :
short and stared with unbeicviu'-
eyes.
The girl laughed softly. and there
was JOY in her eyes as she raised them
10 his
WHERE did you come fronT she
asked. dropping her parcels to the
table and extending both gloved little
hands.
From the Bar T." he replied Ia
conically. holding her hands firmly in
his great brown palms.
Explain why YOU are here OF all
places. | left you riding the ranges in
Montana. and ! see you again in the
cali me MR.. Browning" she said.
withdrawing her hands and removing
the heavy cloak that enveloped her.
Il was expecting Christopher Brown
ing. was sitting up for him. was
surprised when YOU entered"
II am Christopher Browning" she
said saucily. Don't dare to tell me
that you did not know THAT"
Il didn't know it," he admitted hum.
tly. Il knew you as Kitty Brown
"Oh. the ClarkS always abbreviated
it. And so you did not know you were
waiting for me-" she said muSinSiy.
drawing nearer the fire and holding
her hands to the comforting warmth.
I've been waiting for you ever Siu,e
you left the ranges. Kitty" he said
gravely.
She turned away suddenly. and her
voice shook slightly us she replied. y
told you that you must not"
Il cannot help 1t. Kitty. You must
know he began. drawing nearer to
her
You may help me distribute my
gifts" she said quickly. recovering her
compoSure. and while we are filling
the Stockings you must tell me how
you CANE to make the mistake in my
name and why you. instead OF my af
fectionale cousins. are waiting for me
now"
Jack told his story while the girl dis
tributed the parcels she had brought
among the limp Stockings. There was
even gift for the capaciouS sock that
represented Dick MaSon'S Christmas.
Il have nothing for yours, Mr.. Pen
field" she said regretfully surveying
the remaining empty sock.
"A little note saying that you had
changed your mind he began.
But | haven't changed my mind"
she murmured family.
Are you sure:" he insisted Your
eyes. Kitty. betrayed you when you
came into this room. You WERE glad
to see me Say that you will go back
to the Bar Z with me in the spring."
She hcsiiated "Oh. there is some
thing in the SOCK" she said evasivcly.
and she stepped forward and. thrust
ing land into the toe. brought fOr,h
small card. which she extended to
N,.4 :'rnici0.
I.a took il and glanced at the oppo-
site side lie uttered an ex"!a nation
Of surprise. Then he held it out to
her.
she TOOL; il reluctantly. As she look
cd warm flush spread over her face.
and she cried impusive!y. Why. that's
nine
1t WIS snapshot Of the master OF
the Bar 7 ranch standing in the cor
raj. surrounded by hundreds Of horned
cattle
Did you take that picture. Kitty"
asked Jack eagerly.
She nodded shamefacedly.
How did IL get in there" he asked.
with puzzled look.
A merry voice called from the door
way: Il found it on the floor Of your
room, Christopher Kit. carefully wrap
ped in tissue paper. after you went
home at Thanksgiving. Of course
recognized Mr. Penfield when he ar
rived Yesterday. and-and l wanted
something wonderful to happen OIL
Christmas eve. and for the first time
in my life it has happened. And that's
all. except merry Christmas BOTH
BLESS the child" murmuled Jack
happily. gathering the abashed Chris
topher into his arms.
That's what L say. too" she whis-