The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1911-09-22

know. always squawks IL anybody
comes in the house. See? It's her
safeguard against burglars. Poor
thing. II were 90 afraid OF burglars
I'd marry a-well. a great. big brave
man"
Her laugh was catching. her smile
irresistible. and J. Gordon found him
self planning little tricks with her on
that goose, TO the vexation Of its own
er. over half the time they held II
for ransom. which ransom the poor
woman would send by her maid, and
which money Mrs. Mumford would
send back.
And how she sang and how well she
played the piano, Each night ]. Cor
don went to sleep to sweet tones float
ing in at his open window. and each
morning awakened TO the same. He
had not known Mrs. Mumford could
sing.
Twice ]. Gordon. how. he never
could tell was tolled over TO the Mum
ford veranda. and each time came away
wondering II II were possible for a
man Of his regulated mind to fall In
love with another mans wife.
A few more days OF this merry sub
urban friendship and he pulled himself
lied Just the power she was exercis-
ing over him. II was not pretense at
love on his part. now. II was a genu-
Inc case to be fought out as he would
fight II. He would 60 away.
Next morning. after this resolve. he
saw Mr.. Mumford on his veranda. He
was home again.
Out In the bushes Mrs. Mumford
was silently trimming some small
shrubs. Mrs. Mumford. her dress OF
subdued color. her manner retiring.
She raised her eyes to him. then nod
ded demurely.
He spoke to get look into her eyes.
They had surprised him. He had
thought them blue. but they were q
dark hazel now. "Mr. Mumford II
back" She glanced up and he had
an excellent glance into the changed
eyes. In fact the change that had
come into her face was actually start.
ling. He was glad OF II. Better could
he forget her now. But why the
changer"
Yes" she replied, I'VE came back
last night. He went two days before
I did. Some business took him little
out OF the way. We had a delightful
vacation. Bell says you helped her
pass some Of the lonely hours; ! thank
you. She kept house for me-"
"Beil!" Light was breaking. Your
twin sister,
"Oh. no. I never had a twin sister.
Bell Is my cousin. They do say We
look very much alike"
And SO they did. lacking the viva.
city. the blueness of eye. the pink of
cheek and lips on the part OF Mrs.
Mumford. These were the cousins
charm. And Bell was not married.
With citation J. Gordon guessed II.
and guessed right.
She was coming along the path
humming. Catching sight Of him. she
called:
The woman with the goose as body
guard wasn't an old maid. She was q
charming young widow. Yesterday
she was married. and this morning she
sends me the goose with her compli
ments. What am to do with IT. Will
you help US eat II. II D roast IT."
Come here. very close" he called
across the fence.
When she came. ignoring the goose
question. he asked: why did you al
low me to call you Mrs. Mumford?
came pretty close to falling In love
with another mans wife"
"Ah. no. you didn't. No danger OF
that. You simply fell in love with
me. and" she paused. her eyes allur
ing.
rs Il all right that did7" And now
across the fence his right hand wal
reaching out to her. She nodded
yes.