The Red Cloud chief., 1911-11-16
GOldenhair
By LOUISE MERRIFIELD
(Cop,risht. 1911. By Associated Literary pres.I

Leslie was very glad TO be home.
She left the elevator with q buoyant
step. opened the door to the studio
suite, and breathed q sigh Of supreme
happiness. Home was home after all.
II was warm Indian summer
night She decided not to light the
gas. The view Of the city was too
enthralling at that late hour to spoil.
She threw her cloak and hat on the
hall settle. and went on into the re-
ception room.
Yes. 1t was Just as she had left It.
two months before The janitor's wife
pad been up and cleaned for her, and
peft the windows open, she noticed.
The couch was not In Its usual place.
She turned around and nearly fell
over q chair placed at new angle,
laughed. and dropped down on the
couch.
Just for minutes rest" she told
herself. after the long day Of travel.
and even with that thought weighing
on her. she fell asleep, exhausted but
happy.
Tho closing Of the outer door was
what wakened her. She heard It far
on In her dreams. and wakened listen.
Ing Steps sounded through the hall.
quiet, rather slow. but steps. As she
ipropped herself on one elbow. and
Hooked cautiously out beyond the
hangings at the arch. she saw the
hgure Of man outlined distinctly
against the half light. He was tall
and young. she could tell that much
even as she stood with averted face
before the dining.room door. He en-.
tered the inner room. after Q pause.
and she caught the scratch OF match.
IT was daring burglar. More. he was
whistling softly under his breath as
he moved about.
Leslie rose determinedly. Packed
under the sideboard was full tea
set OF silver. and various precious
family odds and ends that she had
taken from the family home In Yer
mont to brighten her city abode. They
should not fall into the sack of any
Rafiles II she could save them.
what are you doing here?"
He turned at her voice. II was a
trifle shaky. but determined. Her
wavy blond hair was rumpled. her
cheeks flushed from her short sleep
and her blue eyes very wide and start.
lingly bright She was figuring the
distance to the telephone in the hall
even while she watched him.
Yet his answer was an old one, and
most touching In his simplicity.
I'm hungry" he said. gently.
"Oh. you poor fellow" she ex.
claimed before she thought. Cant
you find any employment at al3 Do
you have to follow this life? You
don't look--that kind"
IT'S bully Of you to say So" he re.
turned warmly. hands In pockets.
leaning across the table toward her.
with eyes full Of frankest admiration.
I'm awfully hungry. don't you know"
"And there isn't thing to eat In
the icebox. I've been away for two
months"
Il know It,"
"And you thought was still alb.
sent" she flashed back. please don't
think I'm nervous. I'm not a hit. but
won't you take your hands out Of
your pockets? I keep thinking you
are going to leap at me-and brass
knuckle me-"
"By Jove. I'm sorry" His hands
came from his pockets instantly
Honestly. l haven't anything desper'
ate on me"
Haven't you? Because you didn',
expect to meet anyone. suppose
Can't we compromise? Truly. I'm
Bhivering tacks, never even saw O
burglar before. Couldn't you take
what cash I have on hand--it's abou,
twenty dollars. l think--and call II
Oh? That would get you something
10 eat. and grubstake you to the town
30 to speak"
The two faced each other. the broad
dining table between. He looked
straight into her eyes until the gazs
wavered and dropped.
You're the pluckiest girl evei
saw" he said. fervently. Il didn't tel
You at first because It was such a rip
ping Joke. you know. but you're In thu
wrong apartment"
II am?" gasped Leslie. "Why. no
I'm not. I've been asleep on the coucl
IN there"
1T IL my couch" he murmured hap
pily. I'm glad you slept on It. Gold