Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1911-07-13


approaching along the road.
Ordinarily Anne would have realized
that large number OF people are the
possessers of motor cars at the preB-
ent time, but now she Immediately
jumped to the conclusion that It must
be her father.
A dreadful fear assailed her lest
Walter and her father should meet, In
this lonely spot. Her father was Wig.
orous, hot tempered man. He had
never liked Walter. What might he
not do now in his anger? Walter
would certainly stand no chance
against his possible onslaught.
Anne suddenly wished that Walter
was not quite so, oh, well, lady-like
and namby-pamby-there were no
other terms for Though these were
the qualities which had especially at
tracted her to him in the first place. II
he We're only more like Herbert Sar-
geant. He could have fought his own
battles and hers, too. And then the
hot color flooded her cheeks as she re-
membered that II was Herbert Sar-
geant whom her father had desired
her to marry, and that 1T was on his
account that Walter and herself had
been forced into hasty action.
Oh. IL she had only let the boat 60
on it's course unhindered.
But that wish was vain, for while
Anne had been giving way to her
fears, the motor boat. all unheeded by
her, had come close to the shore, and
a cheerful, familiar voice now called
out, Il wasn't expecting to find you
away down here, Anne"
Anne started.
With dismay, she saw that the oc
cupant of the boat was not Walter
James, but, Of all persons In the
world, Herbert Sergeant.
"Were-were you looking for met"
she managed to stammer out tncred.
ulously.
Who else?" Herbert laughed
A feeling of intense relief swept
over Anne. She had not known before
that Walter ard Herbert were friends
she did not quite understand yet
how they could be-still, since Her.
bert was here, everything must be all
right. She had known Herbert all her
life. and she could trust him implicit
ly. She knew he would take care OF
her.
The automobile passed on along the
country road UNDECIDED and forgotten.
Let me help you into the boat"
Herbert commanded kindly, almost
tenderly, springing lightly to her side,
and Anne obeyed him without QuaG-
ton.
Taking his place at tho wheel. he
sent the boat speeding across the
river.
Anne watched linn silently. Now
that she had time to review the stu.
alton calmly she began to have seri-
Gus regrets as to the step she had
taken. It was too late, however, to
back out. She must go on to the end.
Why could Walter not come him
self7" she asked family.
Herbert looked at her pityingly.
Then he burst out: Anne, how
could you care for that contemplate
little cur?"
Anne stared at him Indignantly.
"0h, / suppose you'll hate me for
telling you" Herbert continued bitter
ly, but couldn't bear to have anyone
else know. Jim Grierson told me Wal
ter James had been asking all man
ner of questions about how much
money you had. hunted the fellow
up, double quick, and after I'd told
him you hadn't cent but what your
father felt like giving you, and he
wasn't likely to give you anything II
you married him, he showed that he
considered he'd put his foot in 1t, all
right, and he was so anxious to get
out, he blabbed this whole elopement
plan. That's all, except that I
couldn't leave you to bear the shock
of his not meeting you alone. so !
simply had to come"
You didn't hurt him?'' Anne whis-
pered, with white lips.
NO" Herbert said grimly.
ooh, I'm SO glad" Ammo breathed.
IT wouldn't like to think you had de-
meaned yourself by touching anything
80 vile"
Then Anne blushsd violently, as
she realized the full import Of her Inn
pulsive words.
A veil seemed suddenly lifted from be-
fore her amazed eyes, and she realized
that 1t wac Herbert, and not Walter.
whom she cared for all along. She
had merely allowed lifetime's friend
ship for Herbert to blind her as to the
real state of her feelings.
Anne" Herbert cried, eagerly, do
you really mean itf You know have
always cared for you. Ny mistake lay
In telling your father before told
you. Suppose we go on with this
eIopement7 We can 80 straight to the
ministers"
we haven't any marriage license"
Anne objected demurely, as they
stepped from the boat onto dry land.
Wed have to have one in this state,
know, because looked It up"
Il did too" confessed Herbert, az he