The Delta independent., 1911-03-10

while can see you only at long inter-
vals. | wish my station We're not so
far away But I'll ride down as often
as my duties will permit and you must
let me know how things go. And If
my of those fellows persecute you
you'll tell me, won't you? l wish you'd
look upon me as your big brother.
Will you do that?" His voice entreat-
ed. and as she remained silent he con-
tinued: Roaring Fork is one of the
worst towns in the state, and girl
like you needs some one as protector.
don't know just how to put 1t so
that you will not misunderstood me.
but, you see. / protect the forest, the
streams and the game, | help the set
tier in time of trouble, l am kind of
all round big brother to everybody
who needs help in the forest. In fact,
I'm paid for protecting things that
can't protect themselves, and so"-here
he tried to lend his voice the accent of
humor-"why shouldn't l be the pro-
tector of girl like you, alone-worsc
than alone-in this little COW town?"
She remained dumb at one or two
points where he clearly hoped for
word. and she was unable to thank
him when he had finished. In this ST
lence a curious construction came into
his throat 1t was almost as if he
had put his passion into definite words
and as the light fell upon her he per-
ceived that he. bosom was heaviag
with deep emoti, n.
Il am lonely" she faltered out at
last-"horribly lonely. And l know
now how people feel toward my moth
er, and it hurts nett all hurts me.
But I'm going to stay and help her.
She paused to recover her voice. And
you do seem different. IL trust you."
I'm glad you understand me, and
you will let me know if l can help
you, won't you?"
Yes" she answered simply.
"Good night" he said, extending his
hand.
She placed her palm to his quite
frankly, but the touch of it made fur
ther speech at the moment impossible.
They went in with such telltale faces
that even Redfield wondered what had
passed between them.
Excusing himself almost at once,
Cavanagh left the room, and when he
looked in a few moments later he was
clothed in the rangers dusty green
uniform. booted and spurred for his
long. hard ride. Mrs. Redfield follow
ed him into the hall and out on the
doorstone to say: "Ross, you must be
careful. This girl is very alluring in
harSn1f hr1f hor &c
impossible"
you're needlessly alarmed, as
usual" he smilingly replied. "She in
terests me. that's patent But beyond
that. why. nonsense! Good night"
Nevertheless. despite his protesta-
tions. he went away up the trail with
his mind SO filed with Lee virginia's
appealing face and form that he would
certainly have ridden over precipice
had 1t not been for his experienced
pony, which had fortunately but one
aim. and that was to cross the range
safely and to reach the home pasture
at the earliest moment.
Left alone, Lee Virginia thought
over her past. She was not entirely
without experience as regards respect
full cOurtship. Her life in the east had
brought her to know number of at
tractive lads and few men, but none
of these had become more than a
good companion or friend, and. though
she wrote to one or two of these
youths letters of the utmost friendli-
ness. there was no passion in them
and she felt as yet the sting Of nothing
more intense in her liking for Cava-
nagh. But he meant more to her now
that she was lonely and beleaguered
That he had ridden all that long,
rough way merely to see her she was
not vain enough to believe. but she
had nevertheless something Of every
woman's secret belief in her individual
charm. Cavanagh had shown fiat
tering interest in her, and his wish to
be her protector filled her with joy
and confidence.
She heard good deal more about
this particular forest ranger next
morning at breakfast. "He is throw
ing himself away" Mrs. Redfield pas
sionately declared. "Think of a man
Of Ross refinement living in noun
ing poachers. marking trees and cook
ing his own food! It's a shameful
waste of genius
That's as you look at it, my dear
responded Redfield. ROSS is the
guardian of an immense treasure chest
which belongs to the nation. Further
more, he is quite certain, as | am