The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1911-02-16

tanJallZlngly avoided bare sand. With
a considerable degree of woods lore
she made the trial as hard as possible
She followed rocky ridge for a mile
considerably out Of her way, as il
later proVed-so that no traces would
be left behind. 1t took four hours
work and the exercise Of all of his skill
before the trail again revealed itself
beyond the ridge.
IL was late afternoon before he finally
reached his journeys end, a Goblin
eight miles from his own camp. The
cabin had been newly repaired and
recently occupied Now ii was empty.
A thorough search yielded a torn en-
Velope/ addressed to John X. Drum
goole, Lake Shore Drive, Chicago"
and tiny, beaded moOcasin, with a
hlgh-arched instep.
Dexter Morgan, broke camp next
day. He had been four months in the
wilderness. The lure was a success.
and he had plenty of material for his
pamphlet. Besides, he was hungering
for civilization.
There were many things to do at
Washtngton-reports to be written and
specimens to be arranged. But at last
il was done, and Morgan was of for his
vacation. He took the first fast train
to Chicago, because, as he said to him
self, he had a brother there whom he
wanted to visit.
1t took time, persistence, and some
ingenuity TO meet Alice Drumgoole,
daughter of the Chicago lumber baron.
hut Mo- gan had plenty Of time and
wolf-hunting had developed the other
two qualities. He met her finally and
attached himself to her circle.
Miss Drumgoole was handsome and
more than little spoiled. Even when
they had become well acquainted she
evaded any discussion of Northern
Michigan, or wolves, or a certain note
or a lost moccasin. She refused TO
take the young man seriously. Sh
Knocked him and flouted him.
Miss Drumgoole had many suitors,
but Morgan mad one advantage over
all the rest of them-he loved outdoor
exercise. Tramping through the will
derness had given him the habit Of
depending upon his own two legs to
get about, while they were slaves to
motors and street cars. And Alice
Drumgoole had a passion for walking.
She had tired new friends out one by
one. except Morgan. He was tireless
and always ready for a tramp.
1t was one OF these tramps that
finally brought their little drama to
a climax. They were returning at
dusk one evening silent, lettering a
little, when a huge dog rushed at
them, teeth barred, eyes cleaning
savagely. He was the property Of
Ethan Huldrop, an eccentric neighbor
of the Drumgooles, who lived in his
walled acre in constant fear OF
burglars. The dog roamed the in
/ closed garden after nightfall; but to-
day, through accident or mistake, he
had secured his liberty while the gate
, was still open.
1t was useless to run. Morgan
, thrust Miss Drumgoole behind him
and turned on the charging beast. He
seized it as IL sprang, by the throaJ
The jaws snapped futilely, the great
teeth but a few inches from his face.
There he chung desperately.
The dog tried in vain to free him
self. At times his struggles almost
overturned Morgan. But the latter's
grip did not relax. and the convulsive
writings and leapings grew weaker.
At last they ceased entirely, and
Morgan threw the carcass over L.
wall into Huldrop's garden. With 2
smile he stripped off his ruined gloves
and came toward Miss Drumgoole.
You savage!" she said breathless-
ly; yet thd'e was something in he
words and manner that made Morgan
thrill.
Il want TO explain about that note, ="
said the girl. impetuously, when they
had entered the Drumgoole
You have earned an explanation /
what you did just now.
Father and l were up North, land
looking, last summer, and a timber
cruiser told us about you. 1t seemed
queer-a college-bred man who had
always lived in cities, up there alone,
trapping wolves.
'We-I-didn't believe you were
very skillful as woodsman. II
seemed a poCe. Papa took the op.
pOsite side, as he always does, to
tease me. So l bet him a months
allowance that you couldn't follow
my trail from the camp back TO the
cabin. | left the note so you'd be
interested and would try TO find out
who your visitor was.
That very day papa got a telegram
calling us back to Chicago, and we
started early next morning. But
wanted to know who won the bet So
/ dropped an envelope without an ad-
dress upon 1t. You found it, of course,
or you would not have come here?"
For an answer Morgan produced the
torn envelope-and something else;
tiny, beaded, high-arched moccasin.
Miss Drumgoole started forward.
My shoe!" she exclaimed. I've been
wondering where / lost it. Please"
and she held out her hand.
Morgan caught the outstretched
hand and drew the girl into his arms.
You shall have it," he whispered,
ION one condition-that you promise
to wear it next summer when you
go into the woods-with your hus-
bandi"
Miss Drumgoole smiled demurely
I'D make almost any promise to get
that moccasin again." she replied
even that" She raised her face to
his.
CITERJCE &c lVPNCPD