The Detroit times., 1911-10-11
cHAPrER vill.
On the River.

brella In the midst OF a downpour.
Just arrived by the four-horse
coach that piled regularly between
Washington and Georgetown. she had
found the long board platform beside
the canal crowded with her fellow
passengers. Suddenly she became
aware OF tall, familiar figure NOV
ing through the crowd. II was Bruce
Darlington. AT the same moment he
saw her, and with casual air that
quite deceived her, approached.
You're leaving tonight" he asked.
'Yes--isn't II miserable the way II
rains? And why are they so slow
why don't they hurry with that boatr'
ITS In the last lock now" explain
ed Darlington. and gathering up Bet
tvs hand luggage. he helped her
abroad.
BY the time they had reached
Wheeling, Betty had quite parted with
whatever superficial prejudice she
might have had concerning river
men. This particular one was evil
IDENTIFY a very nice river-man, an ex-
ception to his kind. He made choice
OF the steamer on which she should
continue her journey, and thoughtful.
ly chose The Naiad--a slow boat.
II haven't thing to offer her--this
Is plain madness OF minel" he kept
telling himself, and then the express
sion OF his face would become grim
and determined. No more OF the
river for him--he'd get hold of some
land and so to raising cotton; that
was the way money was made.
Slow as The Naiad wac. the days
passed much too swiftly for him
When Memphis was reached their
friendly intercourse would come 70
an end. There would be her brother
OF whom she had occasionally spoken
he would be pretty certain to have
the ideas of his class
The days, like any other days
dwindled. The end OF 1t all was close
at hand. Another twenty-four hours
and Darlington reflected there would
only be good-by TO say.
night" he told her. They were
watching the river, under food Of
yellow moonlight.
Darlington, with his back against
q stanchion. watched her discomfort
eddy.
You'll be mighty glad to have this
over with, Miss Malroy-" he said al
length, with comprehensive SWEEP
toward the river.
"Yes-shan't your" and she opened
her eyes Questioningly.
NO" said Darlington with short
laugh. drawing n chair near hers anc
sitting down.
Betty. in surprise. gave him a Quicl
look, and then az quickly glanced
away, from what she encountered II
his eyes. As she looked. Suddenly
pale points OF light appeared on Z
distant headiand.
lis that New Madrid-Oh, IL II, Mr.
Carringtonr she cried eagerly.
II reckon So" but he did not altel
his position.
But you're not looking"
Eyes, l amin looking at you.
reckon you'll think me crazy, Miss
Malroy--presumptu and all that
but i wish Memphis could be wipet
OF the map. and that wescould 80 OF
like tfFie for everl"
You mustn't talk SOL am nothini
to you"
Eyes. you are. You're everything
to me-" said Darlington doggedly
you shall love me-" She was pow
erless. in his embrace. She felt hi
breath on her cheek. then he kissed
fher. Suddenly his arms fell at hi
side. his face was white. Il was
brute TO do that-Betty, forgive me
| I am sorry-no. can't be sorry"
They were alongside the New Mad
rid wharf now, and certain younI
man who had been impatienuy watch
ing the Maids lights ever since the!
became visible, crossed the gang
plank with bound.
| "Betty--why In the name OF good
ness did you ever choose this tub?'
said the newcomer.
Charley"
Darlington stepped back. This mus
be the brother who had come up thu
river from Memphis to meet her-bu
her brothers name was Tom! HI
looked this stranger-this Charley
over with hostile eye, offended b!
his good looks, his confident manner
in which he thought he detected al
air OF ownership, as if-certainly n
was holding her hands longer thai
was necessary. An instant later
when Betty, remembering, turned Y
speak to him, his place by the raj
was deserted.