The Delta independent., 1911-05-12

chair with her feet on stool, her
eyes fixed on the mountains. which
allowed through the open window. All
the morning sense of pfcSound
change. of something passing. had op-
presIed her. Now that she was about
to leave the valley Its charm appealed
to her. She was tearing up multi
tude Of tiny roots of whose existence
she had hitherto remained unaware
81 belong here" she acknowledged si-
lently. I'D be homesick anywhere
else on Gods earth. It's rough and
fly bit and all that. but so am l.
wouldn't fit In anywhere that Lee be-
lcnged"
She acknowledged an especial liking
for Redtield. and she had penetration
enough. worldly wisdom enough. to
know that Lee belonged more TO his
world than to her own and that his
guidance and friendship were worth
more. much more. than that of all the
rest of the country. her own included
Therefore she said: I'm mighty glad
to see you. Reddy. Sit down. You've
got to hear my little spiel this time"
itINhtu Ou Tue tuSe Vi
tawdry chair. looked about like the
charity visitor in a slum Kitchen with
out intending to express disgust. but
1t was dismal room in which to be
sick, and he pitied the woman the
more profoundly as he remembered
her in ihe days when "all outdoors"
was none too wide for her.
Lie began abruptly: I'm down.
but not out. In fact, / was coming up
to see you this afternoon. Lee and
are just about pulling out for good
Indeed. Why not go back with
me?'
You can take the girl back II you
want to. but now that I'm getting my
chance at you l may not go"
Redfeld's tone was entirely cordial
as he turned to Lee. Il came hoping
to carry you away. Will you Gomez"
I'm afraid l can't unless mother
goes" she replied sadly.
Lie waved an imperative hand
Fade away. child. want to talk
with Mr.. Redfeld alone. Go-seer
Thus dismissed. Lee went back to
the restaurant. where she found the
forester just sitting down to his lunch.
con. '.Mr. Redfield will be out in a
few minutes" she explained.
won't you Join meT' he asked in
the frank accent of one to whom wom-
en- are comrades. The supervisor has
been telling me about you"
She took a seat facing him. feeling
something refined in his long. smooth
ly shaven. boyish face. He seemed
10 t,<,d -
his eyes were a soft brown. with small
wrinkles Of laughter playing round
their corners.
He began at once on the subject Of
his visit ''RedfeId tells me you are
friend Of Mr.. Cavanagh's. Did you
know that he had resigned?'
She faced him with startled eyes
NO. indeed. Has he done so?'
Yes. The supervisor got letter
yesterday inclosing his resignation
and asking to be relieved at once.
And when | heard of 1t l asked the
supervisor to bring me down to see
him. He's too good man to lose"
why did he resign?"
He seemed very bitter over the
chiefs dismissal But | hope to per-
suade him to stay In the service He's
too valuable a man to lose just now.
when the war is so hot. / realize that
his salary is too small But there are
other places for him. Perhaps when
he knows that l have special note
to him from the chief he will recon-
slider. He's quite capable Of the su-
pervisor's position. and Mr.. Redfeld is
willing to resign in his favor. I'm
telling you all this because Mr.. Red
field has told me Of your interest In
Mr. Cavanagh. or. rather. his interest
In you"
Sam Gregg. entering the door at this
moment. came directly to the forest
er's table. He was followed by the
sheriff. bearded old man with a soil
ed collar and a dim eye.
Gregg growled out. You'd better
keep your man Cavanagh In the hills.
Mr.. Forester. or somebody will take a
pot shot at him."
"Why, what's new?"
His assistant is down with small
pox"
"Smallpox" exclaimed Dalton.
Every jaw was fixed and every eye
turned upon the speaker.
"Smallpox! gasped Lee.
Gregg resumed. enjoying the sensa-
ton he was creating. Yes. that
Basque herder of mine. the one up
near Black Tooth. sent word he was
sick, so hunted up an old tramp by
the name of Edwards to take his place.
Edwards found the dngo dying of pox
and skipped out over the range. leav-
ing him to die alone. Cavanagh went
up and found the dago dead and took
care Of him. Result is he's full of
germs and has brought his apprentice
down with 1t. and both Of 'em must be
| QuaraDtined right where they are"
Good heav vens man." exclaimed