Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-18

the door quickly behind him. fearing
that he had already said too much.
Cummins and Jan came in together at
suppertime. The factor was in high hu-
NOR. An Indian from the Porcupine had
brought in two silver fox that morning
and he was immensely pleased at Jan S
return-a combination OF incidents which
put him In the best of moods.
Melissa sat opposite Jan at the table
She had twisted sprig Of red bakneesh
into her glossy braid and cluster OF II
nestled at her throat, but Jan gave no
sign that he had noticed this little favor.
which was meant entirely for him. He
smiled at her. but there was a clear cool
ness in the depths OF his dark eyes which
checked any Of the old familiarity on her
part.
line?" Cummins inquired. after asking
Jan many questions about his trip.
Il don't know" replied JAN Il didn't
go to MacVeighs.''
Purposely he held his eyes from Me-
lisse. She understood his effort and a
quick flush gathered in her cheeks.
1T was MacVeigh who brought In word
Of you," persisted the factor, oblivious OF
the effect Of his questions.
II met him in the Cree lake country.
but he said nothing Of his trap lines
He rose from the table with Cummins
and started to follow him from the cabin.
Melissa came between. For moment
her hand rested upon his arm.
she smiled. II want your help with the
dishes, and then we're going to play on
the VIOLIN
She pulled him into chair as Cum
Minis left and tied an apron about his
shoulders.
CLOSE your. eyes-and don't nove.' she
commanded, laughing into his surprised
face as she ran into her room.
A moment later she returned with one
hand held behind her back The hot blood
through
her fingers running gently through his
long hair. There came the snip OF scis-
sors. a little nervous laugh close to his
head. and then again the snip. snip. snip
of the scissors.
Its terribly long. JAM Her soft hand
brushed his bearded cheek. "Ugh!'' she
shuddered. You must take that on your
face. If you don't
thing else to say. -,
She lowered her head until her cheek
pressed against his own.
Because it feels like bristles. she
whispered.
She Redeemed iercely when he remained
silent. and the scissors shipped more rap
idly between her fingers.
I'm going to prospect the big swamp
along the edge Of the barrens this sum-
mer,' he explained soon. laughing to re-
lteve the tension. "A beard Will protect
me from the black flies"
You can grow another"
She took the apron from about his
shoulders, and held it SO that he could
see the result OF her work. He looked UP,
smiling.
Thank you, Melissa. Do you remem-
Der when you last cut my hair?"
'Yes-it was over on the mountain. We
had taken the scissors along for cutting
bakneesh, and you looked SO like a wild
Indian that I made you sit on q rock and
let me trim it,
And you cut my ear" he reminded.
For which you made me pay" she re-
torted. quickly. almost under her breath
She went to the cupboard behind the
stove. and brought out her fathers shaw
ing mug and razor.
az insist that you shall use them" she
said, stirring the soap into lather and
noting the indecision I'm his face. Il am
afraid Of your
Afraid of me?''
He stood for q moment in front OF the
little mirror. turning his face from side
to side. Melissa handed him the razor
and cup.
you don't seem like the Jan that !
used to know once upon a time. There
has been a great change in you since
since
She hesitated.
..Since when, Melisse? 49,
''Since the day we came in from the
mountain and put up my hair. With
tinid sweetness she added: Il haven
had it up again. Jan"
Go be continued tomorrow