The Forrest City times., 1911-09-29

tones carried down the slope of the mountain. The girl, clinging to the ledge not many feet below. looked up and then bowed her head on the hard slate as if utterly exhausted.
 I'll come down. Keep your nerve. " called the young man. trumpet-wise through his hands
 Stepping hastily into the little cabin which constituted for the time being, his home on the top of Squaw Noun tain, he laid aside the glasses with which he had been scanning the land scape for forest fires, and slipped into his mountain boots. Then, with an below, he began his descent.
 He had been fire warden on Squaw mountain for nearly three weeks and this was the first person who had come under his notice. The ascent of the mountain from the shore of the beautiful lake below was not hazard ous. but it was tedious and 1t was seldom that tourists made 1t during the hot months of July and August And 1t was during these months, when forest fires ragged all about the state. that fire warden was stationed on the summit of the peak.
 Henderson called out occasionally to the girl whom he was going to as- sist, but she did not answer He de- cided that she must be well nigh ex- hausted after so long a climb on a hot day
 As he passed spring. the young fellow filled his cap with water in case he might need 1t when he reached the girl
 At last he found himself on the ledge beside her and even then he could get no word from her. Her head was bowed on her arms folded across the rock and her basket of berries had tum bled down the noun tain side.
 Lifting her hair, Henderson bathed her brow with his dampened handker- chief. Presently the girl opeEed her eyes and looked about.
 "Oh," she said at last, half dazedly. "You-you found mel"
 In less serious moment the young man would have accused her of ask ing a foolish question; as 1t was he refrained.
 How did you come so far alone ?" he asked when he had found a safe seat for her
 T was ue-berrytng and before I knew 1t was-lost, What time is it?" she asked
 Nearly four o'clock and you can't possibly return tonight-you are ex- hausted," Henderson told her as gent ly as he could. Tt is miles to the foot of the mountain"
 The girl turned pale again. "But-- she hesitated and looked about her. Who are you and way are you here 9" she asked as If only now she were be- ginning to realize her situation and the strangeness of having found a hu- man being near her.
 T am Jerome Henderson. fire war den during my college vacation. In looking about for fresh fires I spied you down the slope here. I could see no companion with you and-I called out. That's all.''
 Do you live up tnere? she asked looking far up at ths peak above her
 At least. exist for two months but it's good pay" he said. half laugh ing. and it's novel"
 The girl bathed her hot face and hands with the cool spring water and even through the sunburn the man be- side her could see her fresh beauty
 Then-Ill have to sleep here?" she asked. her voice wavering as she thought of the dark shadows that would soon fall all about her.
 No; as soon as you are rested [ will help you up 10 my cabin and you may remain there. I'll go down for the night and you'll be as safe as a child in its mothers arms. But-PlI have to ask you to do duty for me he fires are bad just now, and have to report any fresh evidences I See"
 Tn do what I can but-vou ,.
 AOOhALS Ut ulIl Wltn Wide eyes.
 .Oh. I'll make the descent all right I'm accustomed to 1t and I can take a message to your people," he as sured her
 Yes" she cried. that has worried me so. I'm visiting friends at Moos- ley Camp. They have a phone"
 Good" exclaimed Henderson. "so have l. Up there in my little cab,n l have telephone so as to renort the fires and as soon as We reach the top you shall call up your friends"
 AS II the relief of mind refreshed her body. the girl rose to her feet and tied her hat more securely under her chin For one moment she looked ruefully at the basket of berries scat. tered down the slope. Then she Iaughed-and the echo came back to them both. All my days work!" she said
 Never mind. you can get more on